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Required documents to open an online store — what paperwork do we apply with in Turkey?

VVolkan A***MemberCommunity member
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Feb 2023
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74
#1

we've been running a physical retail store in Bursa for twelve years, selling home textiles and dowry products. btw we currently have an active limited company a tax certificate, and an established supply chain but however, we no longer want to be limited to just the storefront; we want to sell across all of Turkey via credit card through our own e-commerce website.

we couldnt find a clear list of what official documents need to be prepped regarding virtual POS applications payment processor integrations, and legal requirements. do we need to change or add to our existing companys main activity code at the tax office? also are mandatory website texts like the distance sales agreement and return policies audited one by one during the application and how long does this whole process take?

SSinanMember
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Software instructor
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186

Doki · E-commerce infrastructure · 2025

Most Helpful#2

Short answer: Since you already have an active limited company, there is no need to set up a business from scratch; you can add the e-commerce NACE code to your current business scope and apply for a virtual POS with an up-to-date signature circular tax certificate, Trade Registry Gazette, and the mandatory consumer policy texts on your website.

The first step is updating your tax office registration. Your company's primary activity codes must include the NACE code covering retail trade via mail order or internet. For this process your certified public accountant submits a single additional activity petition via the Interactive Tax Office; the tax office usually registers the code on your record within 2-3 business days without requiring an on-site inspection.

The second step is preparing the corporate document file for payment service providers: 1) Barcoded tax certificate for the most recent calendar year 2) Notarized signature circular of the authorized company representative, 3) Copies of the Trade Registry Gazette showing incorporation and latest share distribution, 4) Certificate of activity issued within the past month by your registered chamber of commerce 5) ID photocopies of the company partners and bank account passbook/statement under the company's legal entity.

The third and most critical phase that determines application approval is the legal review of your website. Payment providers inspect your pages before taking your site live. It is mandatory for the site to fully feature the Distance Sales Agreement Preliminary Information Form, Cancellation and Refund Policy, KVKK Clarification Text, and Privacy Notice. Within 30 days after sales begin, you are also legally required to complete your ETBİS (Electronic Commerce Information System) registration.

GGamze U***Member
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Technical service technician
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Furniture manufacturing
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family business
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255
#3

For virtual POS approval, having an SSL certificate installed, requiring the customer to accept the distance sales agreement at the checkout step, and displaying the full company trade name, MERSİS number, and landline phone on the contact page are technical requirements. If these are missing, the application is rejected outright.

RRıdvan B***MemberCommunity member
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May 2023
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180
#4

We completed the process for our own site last month. Adding the NACE code took 2 days. After submitting the documents digitally to the payment provider, the website review and getting the virtual POS live took exactly 4 business days. We didn't pay any processing fees or application costs.

PPerihan K***MemberCommunity member
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Jan 2023
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152
#5

Elements often overlooked in legal agreements: 1) Explicitly stating that the right of withdrawal does not apply to custom-tailored or hygienic textile products, 2) Specifying the promised delivery timeframe and contracted shipping carriers, 3) Displaying the Consumer Arbitration Board dispute thresholds for complaints.

AAslı Ç***Member
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Production planning
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Doki · KVKK compliance consulting · 2026

#6

definitely do not forget the etbis registration. you log in via e-Devlet as the company rep and declare your domain server locatioon and payment methods. it's completely free and legally mandatory.

OOnurExpert
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Security developer
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Oct 2023
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196
#7

Don't just paste contract templates copied from other websites directly onto your store. In textiles, if you don't add specific exceptions for made-to-measure items or products not eligible for return once the packaging is opened, you will lose every single consumer dispute filed against you.

RReyhan E***Member
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#8

when we moved from a brick-and-mortar shop to online our first application got rejected too. turns out we hadnt explicitly written the return address on the contact page. we updated it, sent a screenshot, and the POS integration was approved the next day. honestly its not that complicated dont let it intimidate you.

TTolga Y***Expert
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Export manager
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Printing
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chain store
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Aug 2023
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3
#9

In the contracts you sign with payment providers, we recommend negotiating the applicable commission tiers and payout schedules (settlement periods) by referencing your existing retail turnover.

NNuri Y***Member
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Co-founder
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Doki · Phishing awareness training · 2024

#10

If we decide to open shop on popular e-commerce marketplaces first instead of selling through our own site do we still need to draft these legal agreements and register with ETBİS?

BBeren Ç***MemberCommunity member
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Jul 2024
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398
#11

Thanks for posting. A two-week notebook guides you more than a six-month forecast.

If I were you, I'd go this route.

BBeyza A***Member
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Field sales representative
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#12

Sorry but this doesn't apply in every case. Trying to do this alone is the most expensive way.

The biggest time-waster for us was not knowing who had the final say. Of course, it varies if your situation is different.

MMustafa N***Member
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Technical service technician
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Cosmetics
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40-person manufacturing company
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Jan 2023
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324
#13

Here's how it went for us. Finding a new customer is more expensive than keeping an existing one.

The biggest time-waster for us was not knowing who had the final say. Of course, it varies if your situation is different.

VVahide V***Member
Job title
General Manager
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Cosmetics
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workshop
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Jul 2022
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1
#14

Timely topic.

PPelin D***Expert
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Finance Manager
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138
#15

Exactly, and not many people know this. Changing habits is harder and more expensive than setting up a system.

Correct me if I'm wrong.

GGizem Y***MemberCommunity member
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40
#16

I've been dealing with this for a long time. The answer varies greatly by industry; there is no one-size-fits-all rule.

Correct me if I'm wrong.

TTaner K***Member
Job title
Sales Manager
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Seafood
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medium-sized business
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Sep 2023
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3
#17

This thread is archived. tbh most time waste accumulates in tasks waiting for approval.

Look where the bucket leaks; pouring water on top doesn't solve it. like this is my opinion, I'm not claiming it's absolute truth.

ZZafer Y***Expert
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#18

There's also a measurement aspect to this. The answer varies greatly by industry; there is no one-size-fits-all rule.

Correct me if I'm wrong.

ZZerrin C***Member
Job title
Supply chain manager
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Healthcare services
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workshop
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Jan 2024
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10
#19

I have a question. Taking notes for two weeks yields better results than a six-month estimate.

Taking notes for two weeks yields better results than a six-month estimate. That's all, sorry if I went on too long.

MMurat K***Member
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SaaS developer
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Doki · Log management setup · 2025

#20

Noted thanks.

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