Trade Promotion and Advertising 

Printed ads and TV commercials are used on a limited basis; radio advertisements are uncommon. Most advertising is visual (billboards, posters, stickers and various memorabilia). Entities not registered in Turkmenistan are not allowed to place ads in the press or to air commercials on TV. The most commonly used language for advertising is Turkmen. There are no Russian-language radio stations in Turkmenistan.  

Pricing 

Turkmenistan’s Value Added Tax (VAT) is 15 percent. 

A customs duty is levied on approximately 100 types of imported merchandise. See: “Trade Regulations and Standards” for information on excise taxes and customs duties. Prices are usually fixed and controlled by the government.  

Sales Service/Customer Support 

After-sales service and customer protection are becoming increasingly important for home appliances, electronics, furniture, and automobiles. Customers, especially in Ashgabat, expect delivery, installation, and warranties for many such products. However, a “no-refund” policy still dominates the market for items like clothing.  

Local Professional Services 

DISCLAIMER: The U.S. Embassy in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan assumes no responsibility or liability for the professional ability or the quality of services provided by the following persons or firms. The firms are divided into two categories: state and private. Names in the categories are listed alphabetically, and the order in which they appear has no significance. Prospective clients need to request professional credentials and areas of expertise directly from the attorneys. 

State Organizations: 

Berkararlyk District State Legal Office 13, Turkmenbashy Street, Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, Tel: (993-12) 94-61-63,. Lawyers providing all types of services; however, they do not speak English. 

Bagtyyarlyk District State Legal Office 3, Bitarap Turkmenistan Shayoly, Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, Tel: (993-12) 24-31-94,. Lawyers providing all types of services; however, they do not speak English. 

Buzmeyin District State Legal Office 3, Kesearkach Street, Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, 744000 Tel: (993-12) 33-01-31. Lawyers providing all types of services; however, they do not speak English. 

Kopetdag District State Legal Office 36A, Oguzhan Street, Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, 744000 Tel: (993-12) 95-72-30. Lawyers providing all types of services; however, they do not speak English. 

Private Firms: 

Altyn Kanun Counsel Legal Company This company provides services such as consulting, analysis of legal documents, implementation of business projects (Russian and English), and legal support in company registration. Contact info: Turkmenistan, Ashgabat, 10 yyl Abadanchylyk str. 60, “Paytagt” Trade center, 3rd floor. 

Tel: (993-12) 47-76-68, fax: (993-12) 47-76-69. 

E-mail: info@turkmens-law.com, kerim.akmamedov@turkmens-law.com, myahri.babayeva@turkmens-law.com. 

Ashgabat Consulting Team (ACT) This firm provides information on doing business in Turkmenistan, registering foreign companies and investment projects, and arranging necessary licenses. It can also provide market research, economic consultations, logistical procurement services, and business tour services. English-speaking lawyers provide translations and notarization of documents. Contact info: Turkmenistan, Ashgabat, Turkmenbashy shayoly 81, 15th floor.  

Tel: (993-12) 22-76-16. E-mail: contact@act.tm. 

Baker Tilly 

This company provides services such as risk management, forecasting, development of business transparency, auditing, outsourcing and tax advisory. Contact info:  

Turkmenistan, Ashgabat, Turkmenbashy shayoly 81, 15th floor.. 

Tel: (993-12) 22-76-06. E-mail: contact@bakertilly.tm. 

Konsul 

This company provides services such as preparation and analysis of contracts, legal auditing, and preparation of legal documents.  

Contact info: Turkmenistan, Ashgabat, Mir 3/1 street, h.8 block “G”.  

Tel/fax: (993-12) 45-17-22.  

E-mail: consulturkmenistan@gmail.com, Consulturkmenistan2@gmail.com.  

Medet Ltd.  

Provides all kinds of legal services to companies engaged in investment and commercial activities in Turkmenistan.  

Contact info: Bitarap Turkmenistan Street # 19, Ashgabat, Turkmenistan 744000 

Tel: (993-12) 94-64-00. E-mail: medet@cat.glasnet.ru.  

SNR Denton  

Aninternational law firm affiliated with local Turkmen law firm AK Counsel that provides comprehensive commercial legal services for companies investing in Turkmenistan. U.S.-trained attorneys from SNR Denton work in collaboration with AK Counsel’s Turkmen lawyers.  

Contact info: Marla Valdez, Managing Partner for Central Asia; 38 Dostyk Avenue, Almaty, Kazakhstan, 050010.  

Tel: +7 727 258-1950; Fax: +7 727 258-1905. E-mail: marla.valdez@snrdenton.com. 

Principal Business Associations 

Turkmenistan’s Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs (UIE) is the only association of businesses in Turkmenistan.  Local companies are generally required to join. In March 2020 the UIE released new membership provisions for Turkmen companies with minority foreign ownership.  There are no provisions in place for 100 percent foreign-owned firms to beome members. There are no formal foreign business associations in the country. The Washington-based U.S.-Turkmenistan Business Council (USTBC) is a non-profit organization that promotes commercial relations between the United States and Turkmenistan.  There is no American Chamber of Commerce.   

Limitations on Selling U.S. Products and Services 

There is no information on any manufacturing sectors or services that may only be owned or provided by citizens or a sub-set of the population.