Quick answer
How MERSIS fits into company formation in Turkey for foreign individual and corporate shareholders, including documents, tax numbers and registry filing.
MERSIS is Turkey’s central registry platform for commercial registry processes. It is where core company data and draft articles are entered, but a MERSIS application alone does not complete incorporation: foreign documents, signatures, Trade Registry review and post-registration tax and accounting steps remain necessary.
What MERSIS Does
The Ministry of Trade describes MERSIS as the central system for conducting commercial registry processes and storing registry data electronically. It assigns a unique number to active legal entities and supports online establishment workflows. See the official MERSIS portal.
Information Prepared Before the Application
- Proposed company name and registered address.
- LLC or JSC structure, capital and share allocation.
- Shareholder identity or corporate shareholder details.
- Managers, directors and representation rules.
- Main activity and appropriate NACE code.
- Articles of association and any permitted special provisions.
The information must match passports, corporate resolutions, powers of attorney and translated documents. Correcting an inconsistent authority chain late in the registry process costs more time than planning it first.
Foreign Individual vs Corporate Shareholder
An individual shareholder normally supplies passport and tax-number information plus a power of attorney when represented. A foreign corporate shareholder requires evidence of existence and current authority, an incorporation resolution, authorized signatory evidence and representation documents. Foreign-issued records generally require apostille or Turkish consular legalization and official Turkish translation, depending on the issuing country and document route.
The Invest in Türkiye establishment guide lists the principal registration documents and explains the legalization route.
From MERSIS to an Operating Company
- Confirm structure, capital, management and activity.
- Prepare foreign shareholder documents and tax numbers.
- Enter the draft articles and application in MERSIS.
- Submit the complete file to the competent Trade Registry.
- Complete registration and registry publication.
- Activate tax, address, accounting and applicable e-document processes.
- Complete bank KYC on the bank’s separate timetable.
For the complete decision guide, see company formation in Turkey. LLC investors can also use the LLC setup guide and remote applicants should review power of attorney requirements.
Prepare a Registry-Ready File
Celikel CPA coordinates MERSIS, Trade Registry, tax activation and accounting onboarding for foreign investors. Request a company formation consultation or review company formation in Turkey.
Official Sources
Need practical support in Turkey?
Discuss the accounting, tax, payroll, or company setup implications of your situation with a licensed local professional.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is MERSIS registration the same as company incorporation?
No. MERSIS is the central registry workflow, but incorporation also requires an acceptable Trade Registry file, signatures and subsequent tax and operational steps.
Can a foreigner use MERSIS?
Foreign investors can be included in company establishment through MERSIS. Tax or identity data and properly prepared foreign documents are needed for the selected shareholder structure.
Does MERSIS choose the NACE code automatically?
The proposed activity must be selected and should reflect the real business. Licensing, tax and operational implications should be reviewed before submission.
Can the process be completed by power of attorney?
Many registry steps can be handled through a correctly drafted and legalized power of attorney. Banks and other institutions may still require their own verification.
Does a MERSIS number guarantee a bank account?
No. Corporate registration and bank onboarding are separate. Each bank performs its own KYC, ownership and risk review.