What is MERSIS Number and What Does It Mean?
What is MERSİS?
MERSİS, an acronym for the Central Registration System (Merkezi Sicil Kayıt Sistemi), is an information system in Turkey designed to collect and manage all registry information related to commercial enterprises electronically. Implemented in 2015, this system has become one of the fundamental tools in the digital transformation of the business world. MERSİS allows all registry transactions, especially company registrations, to be conducted online. Its main purpose is to enable faster, more transparent, and secure execution of business procedures such as establishment, changes, and termination (closure). Moreover, the system serves a broad user base, including not only commercial companies but also associations, foundations, self-employed professionals, and professional organizations.
What is a MERSİS Number?
A MERSİS number is a unique 16-digit digital registration number assigned specifically to commercial enterprises in Turkey within the framework of the Central Registration System. This number is unique to each business and ensures the digital identification of the enterprise in official records. The MERSİS number serves as a key identifier for the business in many areas, from electronic commerce transactions to official correspondence with public institutions.
Key Features of the MERSİS Number:
Uniqueness: Each commercial enterprise is assigned a unique number once by the system. This prevents the existence of multiple registry numbers for the same business and avoids confusion.
Automatic Generation: The MERSİS number is automatically created using a special algorithm defined within the system. This structure, generated without human intervention, ensures error-free and standardized registration numbers.
Direct Access to Information: Through this number, fundamental registry information such as company name, address, business activity, and partnership structure can be easily accessed via the MERSİS system. This facilitates verification and updating of company data.
Mandatory for Official and Financial Transactions: The MERSİS number is widely used in many aspects of commercial life today. For example, banks require the MERSİS number to open a check account in a company's name. It is also used to verify financial history during business credit card applications. When a company wants to register a domain name, it may need to present its MERSİS number to verify its legal identity.
How to Obtain a MERSİS Number?
To get a MERSİS number, follow these steps:
Access the system at mersis.gtb.gov.tr.
Click the "Login" button at the top right corner.
Choose one of the login options: "MERSİS Account," "e-Government," "e-Signature," or "Mobile Signature."
After logging in, go to the "Applications" tab.
Select "Start Registration."
Choose the type of business (e.g., limited liability company, joint-stock company, sole proprietorship).
Fill out the relevant form completely and submit your registration.
After applying, contact the relevant Trade Registry Office to receive your MERSİS number.
Importance of the MERSİS Number for Companies
The MERSİS number plays a crucial role in the digitalization process of companies in Turkey. It is a unique identity number assigned to each company, enabling them to carry out transactions with public institutions quickly and securely online. The MERSİS system offers many advantages in terms of transparency, accessibility, and reduction of bureaucratic procedures.
Establishment Procedures
Many processes that were previously done physically can now be completed digitally through MERSİS, including determining the partnership structure, preparing the articles of association, verifying the identities of partners, and submitting documents to the Trade Registry Office. All documents are prepared and approved online, saving time.
Company Changes
MERSİS facilitates managing various structural changes companies might face during their activities, such as changing company type (e.g., from limited liability to joint-stock), mergers, divisions, or changes in name and address. These updates are reflected instantly in the system and communicated to relevant institutions.
Financial Transactions
Banks and financial institutions use the MERSİS number as the company’s legal identity in commercial transactions. The number is essential in credit applications, check transactions, and financial risk assessments, enhancing transparency and trust.
Official Applications
From obtaining permits from municipalities to trademark and patent applications, the MERSİS number is required in many official procedures. It functions as a key element for document tracking and matching between government institutions. Thanks to MERSİS, inter-agency document sharing is faster and more accurate.
Time and Cost Savings
MERSİS significantly reduces paperwork and bureaucratic processes. Time-consuming steps such as physical document preparation, shipping, or hand delivery are eliminated. Shorter processing times and fewer errors bring companies substantial savings in time and operational costs.
How to Query Your MERSİS Number
The MERSİS number is the digital identity of companies and is frequently used in official procedures. If you have registered a company before but have forgotten your MERSİS number, you can easily retrieve it by following these steps:
Visit the MERSİS website.
Click on the "Query" tab on the homepage menu.
Select "Company Query."
Search using your company name, tax number, city of registration, or other identifying details.
The search results will display your company details along with the MERSİS number.
This is a practical method to access your company information and obtain the MERSİS number needed for official transactions.
How Sole Proprietorships Can Find Their MERSİS Numbe
Sole proprietorships must also be registered in the MERSİS system and are assigned a unique MERSİS number. You can find your number by:
Visiting the Trade Registry Office website of your registered province.
Using the "Company Query" or "Trade Registry Query" section to enter basic company information (name, tax number, etc.) and search.
Viewing your company’s record along with its MERSİS number in the search results.
Alternatively, you can access MERSİS information via the e-Government portal:
Log in to e-Government using your Turkish ID number and password.
Search for "MERSİS" in the search bar to find the related service.
From there, view your company information and access your MERSİS number.
Conclusion
MERSİS stands as a crucial building block in the digital transformation of commercial enterprises in Turkey. With the unique MERSİS number assigned to every business, companies can conduct their transactions with public institutions more quickly and securely, while managing their commercial activities more transparently and orderly. Offering a wide range of uses—from establishment procedures to change notifications, financial transactions, and official applications this system reduces bureaucratic burdens and provides significant savings in time and costs. In today’s rapidly digitalizing business environment, possessing a MERSİS number is not only a necessity but also a strategic advantage for every enterprise.
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