What Is the Turkish Trade Registry?
The Trade Registry (Ticaret Sicili) is the official public register of all commercial entities operating in Turkey — companies, branches, associations, cooperatives, and merchants. It is regulated by Turkish Commercial Code (TCC) Articles 24–40 and the Trade Registry Regulation.
Trade Registry Offices (Ticaret Sicil Müdürlükleri) are operated by and attached to local Chambers of Commerce (Ticaret Odaları) across Turkey. There is a Trade Registry Office in each province and major city.
The central MERSIS system (mersis.gtb.gov.tr) coordinates all Trade Registry Offices and provides a unified national database.
Why Trade Registry Registration Matters
Trade registry registration is mandatory for all commercial entities. It creates:
- Legal existence: A company does not legally exist until it is registered
- Third-party notice: All registered information is public — counterparties can verify your company’s legitimacy, legal representatives, and articles of association
- Good standing: Banks, government agencies, and counterparties require Trade Registry certificates to enter into contracts
- Required for bank accounts: Turkish banks require Trade Registry certificates to open corporate accounts
What Is Registered in the Trade Registry?
The following information is registered for each company:
| Information | Description |
|---|---|
| Trade name (ticaret unvanı) | Full registered company name |
| Company type | LLC, JSC, branch, etc. |
| Registered address | Official business address |
| Business activities | From articles of association |
| Share capital | Total declared capital and payment schedule |
| Shareholders | Names and capital contributions |
| Managers/Directors | Authorized representatives and signature authority |
| Articles of association | The complete constitutional document |
| Date of formation | Registry date |
| Company registration number | Unique identifier |
| Tax identification number | Linked from tax authority |
The Trade Registry Gazette (Türkiye Ticaret Sicili Gazetesi)
All Trade Registry filings are published in the Turkish Trade Registry Gazette (Türkiye Ticaret Sicili Gazetesi — TTSG), Turkey’s official commercial gazette:
- Available online at ticaretsicilgazetesi.gov.tr
- Searchable by company name and registration number
- Publication creates legal constructive notice — third parties are deemed to have knowledge of published information after a certain period
The gazette publishes formations, amendments, dissolutions, and other major corporate events.
Trade Registry Documents Issued
After registration, the Trade Registry issues key documents that companies use throughout their operational life:
Trade Registry Certificate (Ticaret Sicili Gazetesi)
The official excerpt from the Trade Registry showing the company’s current registered information. Required for:
- Opening bank accounts
- Government tender participation
- Most B2B contracts
- Notarial transactions
The certificate can be obtained online through the MERSIS portal or in person at the Trade Registry Office. It must be recent (most banks and counterparties require a certificate no older than 6 months or sometimes 3 months).
Activity Certificate (Faaliyet Belgesi)
Issued by the Chamber of Commerce confirming the company is an active member. Separate from the Trade Registry certificate but often required alongside it.
How to Register a New Company
The formation process flows through the Trade Registry as follows:
- MERSIS pre-registration: Enter all company data and draft articles of association electronically
- Notarization: Sign articles of association before a notary public
- Document preparation: Assemble all required documents (articles, shareholder IDs, signature declarations, bank capital deposit receipt if JSC)
- Submission to Trade Registry Office: File all documents in person (or through your representative)
- Review: Trade Registry reviews documents — typically 1–3 business days
- Registration: Company is registered; certificate issued
- Gazette publication: Registration published in TTSG within a few days
See our MERSIS Registration Guide for MERSIS-specific steps.
Amendment Filings
After formation, any change to registered information must be filed with the Trade Registry. Common amendments include:
| Change | Documentation Required |
|---|---|
| Address change | Board/partner resolution, lease evidence |
| Business activity expansion | Amended articles of association |
| Share capital increase | Resolution, amended articles, bank deposit evidence |
| Manager/director change | Resolution, new manager’s signature declaration |
| Shareholder change (LLC) | Share transfer agreement, updated articles |
| Company name change | Resolution, amended articles |
| Branch opening | Branch articles/resolution |
Deadlines: Amendments must generally be filed within 15 days of the triggering resolution or event. Late filings are subject to penalties.
Annual Trade Registry Obligations
Balance Sheet and General Assembly Minutes Filing
After the annual ordinary general assembly (held by March 31 for calendar-year companies), companies must file with the Trade Registry:
- General assembly minutes
- Approved annual financial statements (balance sheet and income statement)
These filings are then published in the Turkish Trade Registry Gazette, making the financial information publicly accessible.
Independent Audit Report
For companies required to undergo independent audit (see our Annual Compliance guide), the auditor’s report must also be submitted to the Trade Registry.
Accessing Trade Registry Information
How to Look Up a Company
Anyone can look up a Turkish company’s Trade Registry information:
- Visit ticaretsicil.gov.tr
- Search by company name or registration number
- View basic registered information
Full registered documents (articles of association, amendments) are accessible through:
- MERSIS portal (for registered parties)
- In-person requests at the Trade Registry Office
Verification for Counterparties
Before entering into a significant transaction with a Turkish company, verify:
- The company’s legal existence and registration status
- Authorized representatives (who can legally bind the company)
- Registered capital and shareholder structure
- No dissolution or bankruptcy proceedings filed
Trade Registry Fees
| Service | Estimated Fee |
|---|---|
| New company registration | 2,000 – 5,000 TRY |
| Amendment filing | 500 – 2,000 TRY per amendment |
| Certificate issuance | 50 – 200 TRY |
| Gazette publication | Included in registration/amendment fees |
| Annual balance sheet filing | 200 – 500 TRY |
Fees are set by the Ministry of Trade and updated periodically. Verify current fees at ticaretsicil.gov.tr.
Consequences of Non-Registration
Operating without Trade Registry registration:
- Criminal liability for managers (faaliyet belgesi violations)
- Cannot open bank accounts or enter formal contracts
- Cannot participate in public tenders
- Counterparties have no legal certainty about the entity
Operating without filing amendments:
- Financial penalties per day of delay
- Registered information may not match actual company state, creating contract interpretation issues
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Trade Registry filings be made online? The MERSIS system handles online pre-registration, but the actual filing at the Trade Registry Office typically requires in-person submission or representation by an authorized attorney with power of attorney. Some Trade Registry Offices accept filings by post.
How quickly can I get a Trade Registry certificate? Certificates can be generated immediately from the MERSIS portal once the company is registered. In-person certificates from the Trade Registry Office are typically available the same day.
Do I need to attend in person to complete Trade Registry registration? No. If you grant a notarized power of attorney to a Turkish representative, they can complete all Trade Registry filings on your behalf without you being present in Turkey.
What language must Trade Registry filings be in? All Trade Registry documents must be in Turkish. Foreign-language documents (such as foreign company documents for branch registration) must be accompanied by certified Turkish translations.