Open an E-commerce Company in Turkey

The online environment is quickly developing all over the world, including in Turkey. The number of traditional stores are starting to partially or totally move their operations online in order to cut the costs on rentals. However, an online store also helps business owners to increase their visibility and have a better reach for potential customers.

While some of the shops still keep physical presences, the direct establishment of e-commerce business has started outgrowing the opening of new stores in shopping malls or other shopping centers. Those who want to open e-commerce businesses must respect the new E-commerce Law which was introduced a few years back and which can be explained by our Turkish company formation agents.

What does one need to open an e-commerce company in Turkey?

Even if it is an online business, the e-commerce platform still needs a structure which must be registered with the Trade Register and tax authorities in order to be able to issue invoices; therefore, the company registration process is a must.

Additional, the Turkish e-commerce company will need a website which must integrate several services in order to be able to function correctly. In order to increase the confidence of their customers, e-commerce businesses should also ensure:

• -          online payment solutions such as merchant accounts;
• -          certificates which guarantee the protection of personal data;
• -          the display of all relevant information on the company;
• -          an e-mail address where customer queries can be received.

Our company registration consultants in Turkey can assist with the incorporation of the company which will host the e-commerce company.

Registering the Turkish e-commerce business with ETBIS

ETBIS is the central registrar of electronic commerce businesses and it is mandatory for new online shops or other types of companies offering online services to register with it. E-commerce companies in Turkey must register with ETBIS by filing the unique registration number issued by the Trade Registrar and the tax identification number. The e-mail address and the accepted payment methods must also be notified with ETBIS.

For assistance in starting an e-commerce business in Turkey, please contact our local advisors.