What Is MERSIS? A Complete Guide for Foreign Investors – Company Formation in Turkey (2026)

MERSIS (Merkezi Sicil Kayıt Sistemi – Central Registry Recording System) represents one of the first and most critical milestones in company formation in Turkey. It is a centralised digital infrastructure that maintains all corporate records electronically, operating in full integration with the Trade Registry. For foreign investors, navigating MERSIS is the essential starting point of the entire business setup journey.
At GlobalBridge Turkey, we manage the comprehensive MERSIS process as a core component of our fully integrated company formation package. Our services encompass everything from trademark registration and virtual office solutions to tax consulting and power of attorney representation.
What Is MERSIS and What Does It Do?
Managed by the Ministry of Trade, MERSIS is an online platform designed to streamline corporate legalities. It centralises company name reservation, the generation of application numbers, and formal Trade Registry procedures within a single, efficient system.
Main Functions of MERSIS
Company name check and reservation
Definition of NACE codes (international business activity classifications)
Generation of a company application reference number
Integration with the Trade Registry Directorate
Electronic document submission and application tracking
Without MERSIS, foreign investors simply cannot register a legal entity in Turkey. The system is designed to accelerate the formation process while significantly reducing the administrative burden of physical paperwork.
Step-by-Step MERSIS Process for Foreign Investors
Step 1: Company Name Check and Reservation
The first step involves logging into the MERSIS system to verify your proposed company name. The name must strictly comply with the Turkish Commercial Code and must not conflict with any existing corporate registrations. Once availability is confirmed, the name is reserved, and the system generates a unique application reference number.
Step 2: Determine NACE Codes
Your company’s specific business activities are defined using NACE codes. These classifications are vital, as they determine your future tax obligations, eligibility for government incentives, and compliance with sector-specific regulations. GlobalBridge Turkey assists you in selecting the most accurate NACE codes through detailed, open-source sector analysis.
Step 3: Prepare the Required Documents
For foreign investors, the following documentation is typically mandatory:
Notarised Turkish translation of the passport
Articles of Association (meticulously drafted in Turkish)
Power of attorney (essential if you are not physically present in Turkey)
Formal identification documents for all foreign individuals or legal entities involved
Please note that all foreign-issued documents may require apostille certification and professional sworn translation to be legally recognised.
Step 4: Complete the Application via MERSIS
Once your digital dossier is prepared and documents are uploaded, the system forwards the application to the relevant Trade Registry Directorate for formal review.
Step 5: Trade Registry Approval and Finalisation
Upon receiving approval, your MERSIS number is used to complete the registration. At this stage, your company acquires its legal personality and the incorporation is officially announced in the Trade Registry Gazette.
While the internal MERSIS approval typically takes 1–3 business days, the total timeline—including document preparation, translation, and notarisation—usually spans 7–14 days.
Common MERSIS Mistakes Made by Foreign Investors
Attempting to register an incorrect or overly similar company name.
Inaccurate or incomplete NACE code definitions.
Missing apostille certifications or incomplete translations of foreign documents.
Presenting an outdated or incorrectly worded power of attorney.
Failing to define a clear partnership structure within the Articles of Association.
These errors frequently lead to significant delays or the outright rejection of your application.
A Smooth MERSIS Process with GlobalBridge Turkey
MERSIS is merely the foundational step of your business journey. GlobalBridge Turkey provides professional, end-to-end management of the entire cycle—from the initial MERSIS reservation to final Trade Registry approval and the opening of corporate bank accounts. By utilising a power of attorney, we can execute all necessary procedures on your behalf, even if you are not physically in Turkey.
With strategic planning, the MERSIS process is efficient and predictable. However, the system’s intricacies can be daunting, and minor errors often lead to costly setbacks. The information provided here is for general guidance only. MERSIS procedures and regulatory requirements are subject to change. We strongly recommend confirming your specific strategy and document requirements with our expert advisors. GlobalBridge Turkey operates with a commitment to radical transparency, ensuring every investor takes the right steps tailored to their unique business case.
📞 Book a Free Consultation – Request personalised support for your MERSIS process and company formation in Turkey.

LEGAL DISCLAIMER
The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional legal, financial, or investment advice. While we strive to maintain high standards of accuracy and “Radical Transparency,” regulations and market conditions in Turkey may change frequently.
We strongly recommend consulting with our professional advisors or legal experts before taking any formal action or committing to an investment. GlobalBridge Turkey and its partners cannot be held liable for any decisions made or actions taken based on the content of this article.

Last updated: Nisan 13, 2026