MERSİS (Central Registry System) is the digital platform managed by the Turkish Ministry of Trade where all commercial enterprises are registered and tracked. For e-commerce sellers, marketplace applications, and official procedures in Turkey, a MERSİS number is now an essential requirement. This guide explains what a MERSİS number is, how to find it, and where it's used.
1. What Is MERSİS?
- Full name: Merkezi Sicil Kayıt Sistemi (Central Registry System)
- Established: 2010 — by the Turkish Ministry of Trade
- Purpose: Centralized digital registration and tracking of all commercial enterprises in Turkey
- Management: Ministry of Trade, Directorate General of Domestic Trade
- Scope: Sole proprietorships, LLCs, corporations, cooperatives, and all trade registry operations
- Website: mersis.gtb.gov.tr
2. What Is a MERSİS Number?
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Format | 16-digit number (e.g., 0123456789012345) |
| Uniqueness | Unique to each business, permanent |
| Assignment | Automatically assigned during trade registry |
| Validity | Valid as long as the business is active |
| Usage | Official procedures, e-commerce, marketplace registration |
3. What Is MERSİS Number Used For?
| Use Case | Description |
|---|---|
| E-commerce registration | Required for ETBİS (Electronic Commerce Information System) |
| Marketplace applications | Trendyol, Hepsiburada, Amazon, N11 seller registration |
| Company formation | Online company incorporation via MERSİS |
| Trade registry changes | Address change, capital increase, director appointment |
| KEP account | Registered Electronic Mail account setup |
| E-invoice | Tax authority e-invoice application |
| Verification | Business verification by partners, banks, government |
| Export procedures | Customs and foreign trade identification |
4. How to Find Your MERSİS Number
Method 1: MERSİS Website
- Visit mersis.gtb.gov.tr
- Click on "Query" or "Company Search"
- Search by company name, tax number, or ID number
- Your MERSİS number appears in the results
Method 2: Trade Registry Gazette
- Search at ticaretsicil.gov.tr
- MERSİS number appears in company formation announcements
Method 3: e-Government Portal
- Log in at turkiye.gov.tr
- Search for "MERSİS" or "Trade Registry"
- Use the "MERSİS Registration Query" service
Method 4: Chamber of Commerce
- Contact your local Chamber of Commerce or Trade Registry Office
- Query with your ID and tax number
5. MERSİS Number vs Tax Number
| Feature | MERSİS Number | Tax Number |
|---|---|---|
| Digits | 16 digits | 10 digits (corporate) / 11 (individual) |
| Issuing authority | Ministry of Trade | Revenue Administration (GİB) |
| Purpose | Trade registry and tracking | Tax liability and returns |
| Scope | Commercial enterprises | All taxpayers |
| Usage | Trade registry, e-commerce, marketplaces | Invoices, tax returns, social security |
6. MERSİS in E-Commerce
ETBİS Registration
- Mandatory: All e-commerce businesses in Turkey must register with ETBİS
- Application: etbis.eticaret.gov.tr — login with MERSİS number
- Deadline: Within 30 days of starting e-commerce activities
- Penalty: Administrative fines for non-registration
Marketplace Registrations
| Marketplace | MERSİS Required? | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Trendyol | ✅ Yes | Mandatory in seller application |
| Hepsiburada | ✅ Yes | Required for company verification |
| Amazon Turkey | ✅ Yes | Requested in seller registration |
| N11 | ✅ Yes | Required field in application form |
| Çiçeksepeti | ✅ Yes | Required in seller approval process |
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Start Free Trial7. Transactions via MERSİS
- Company formation: Online LLC and corporation incorporation
- Branch registration: New branch registration
- Address change: Business address update
- Capital change: Capital increase/decrease registration
- Director/Partner change: Authorized person update
- Name change: Company name change
- Type conversion: Sole proprietorship to LLC, LLC to corporation
- Liquidation: Company closure procedures
8. FAQ
Can you do e-commerce without a MERSİS number?
Legally, no. All e-commerce businesses in Turkey must be registered in the trade registry and have a MERSİS number for ETBİS registration.
Do sole proprietorships have MERSİS numbers?
Yes. All businesses registered in the trade registry, including sole proprietorships, have MERSİS numbers.
Does the MERSİS number change?
No. The MERSİS number is permanent and business-specific. It remains the same even after address, name, or capital changes.
Is MERSİS registration free?
Yes. MERSİS registration and number assignment is free. Trade registry fees are paid separately.
9. MERSİS Application Process (New Company)
- Login: mersis.gtb.gov.tr → e-Government login
- Application type: Select formation, branch, or amendment
- Company info: Name, address, capital, activity code (NACE)
- Partners/directors: Add partners and authorized persons with ID numbers
- Articles of association: Auto-generated by the system
- Submission: Application forwarded to Trade Registry Office
- Appointment: Signature and registration at Trade Registry Office
- MERSİS number: Automatically assigned after registration
Conclusion
The MERSİS number is one of the first steps for every entrepreneur wanting to do e-commerce in Turkey. It's mandatory for marketplace registration, ETBİS notification, e-invoicing, and official procedures. If you haven't obtained your number yet, query it through the MERSİS website, e-Government portal, or your Chamber of Commerce before starting your e-commerce journey.
