MERSİS NUMARASI NEDİR? NE İŞE YARAR? NASIL ALINIR VE SORGULANIR?

WHAT IS A MERSIS NUMBER? WHAT IS IT USED FOR? HOW TO OBTAIN AND QUERY IT?

What is MERSİS?

MERSİS, which stands for Central Registry Record System, is a platform that ensures information regarding businesses and companies registered in the trade registry is kept digitally. In this way, many operations from company establishment to liquidation processes can be carried out faster and more orderly in the electronic environment.

The fundamental function of MERSİS is the management of registration, amendment, and deregistration (removal from the registry) operations of companies and commercial enterprises through a single system. In addition, transferring trade registry records and company registration announcements to the electronic environment and storing them securely are among the important functions of the system.

By presenting the information needed by public institutions regarding legal or real persons from a single point, MERSİS makes it possible to associate the data in the system with the TR. identity number or tax number. Gathering and organizing data under a single roof contributes to making company information more compatible with international standards.

Additionally, through MERSİS, certain contracts required during the company establishment process can be prepared electronically, signed by the founding partners using an e-signature or mobile signature, and forwarded to the relevant Trade Registry Directorate. The ability to share data with the TR. Ministry of Interior for identity verification when necessary is also one of the elements that accelerate the processes.

The system standardizes workflows in registry operations, making the process clearer and easier to track. Ensuring uniformity of practice and allowing analysis/reporting over real-time data are also prominent advantages of MERSİS. Operations carried out within the scope of MERSİS also include processes such as National Address Database (UAVT) integration and certification of commercial books.

Which Operations Can Be Performed with MERSİS?

MERSİS allows the establishment operations of commercial enterprises, limited partnerships, cooperatives, and branches to be conducted digitally. Just as in the establishment phase, many subsequent applications and updates can be carried out through the system in a faster, trackable, and transparent manner.

The most frequently performed operations via MERSİS are processes such as establishment applications, amendment applications, structural changes, group of companies operations, and tracking ongoing applications. In summary, the operations that can be performed with the Central Registry Record System are as follows:

• Mergers, Demergers, and Type Conversions: These operations involving the structural transformation of the company can be carried out more practically in the digital environment thanks to MERSİS. Processes can be tracked through the system, and necessary documents can be transmitted electronically.
• Amendment Operations: It ensures the recording of all amendments that must be registered in the trade registry. Updates such as address changes, capital increases/decreases can be made by authorized persons or by individuals authorized by them via MERSİS.
• Transfer of Commercial Enterprise: In the event of a transfer of a commercial enterprise, the rights and responsibilities of the business owner must be transferred to the new owner. Making applications through the system contributes to conducting the transfer in a more orderly and legally complete manner.
• Liquidation, Additional Liquidation, and Return from Liquidation: This is the process carried out for the liquidation of assets and liabilities in the event of termination of activities. Liquidation requests, additional liquidation, and return from liquidation operations can be prepared via MERSİS and sent to the Trade Registry Directorate for approval.
• Deregistration and Revival: Deregistration means the deletion (closure) of the business's trade registry record. The reactivation of a deregistered business is called revival. A deregistration request can be created for companies in liquidation; if revival is decided, the relevant application can be forwarded to the Trade Registry Directorate.
• Certification of Commercial Books: Certification of commercial books is performed by the Trade Registry Directorate. There are relevant fields where necessary information can be entered for each book, and the approval pages that need to be added to the first page of the books can be obtained through MERSİS.

What is a MERSIS Number?

A MERSIS number is a unique identification number assigned to enterprises and companies with a trade registry record. This 16-digit number is generated based on the T.C. ID number (Republic of Turkey Identification Number) for real persons and the tax number for legal entities. Serving as the "commercial identity" of the company, the MERSIS number is used in company establishment, registration, and many official transactions to be carried out afterwards. It also helps verify the identity of the company/enterprise and facilitates access to various public services.

The MERSIS number is generated through the system managed by the T.C. Ministry of Trade and is recorded by the Trade Registry Directorate where the company is registered. Since the number is associated with official records containing information such as the company's title, scope of activity, and persons authorized to represent and bind the company (e.g., management body/representatives), it serves as an important reference in legal transactions and commercial correspondence. For this reason, it is frequently requested for identity verification purposes in business relations between companies (e.g., partnership processes, contracts, proposals, and correspondence).

The structure of the MERSIS number may vary depending on the type of enterprise/company. For example, MERSIS numbers belonging to limited liability and joint-stock companies generally start with "0" and continue with specific patterns. In sole proprietorships, the number is often created in connection with the real person's identification information. Since such patterns may occasionally differ in practice, it is recommended to query the relevant company's MERSIS record through the system for the most accurate information.

What Does a MERSIS Number Do?

The MERSIS number is one of the fundamental reference numbers used to verify company/enterprise information in official transactions, ensuring that trade registry data is collected under a single digital infrastructure. Thanks to this system, information is securely stored, updated, and consistently shared between institutions.

MERSIS contributes to a more orderly and traceable execution of transactions not only for companies but also for different legal/private entities such as merchants, self-employed professionals, professional organizations, associations, and foundations. In short, the MERSIS number reduces time loss and minimizes the risk of errors by enabling multiple processes to be carried out on the same platform.

Within the scope of digital transformation, the primary usage areas and advantages provided by the MERSIS number are as follows:

• It is used in processes such as liquidation, deregistration, reinstatement, head office relocation, bankruptcy proceedings, and website registration.
• It facilitates the determination of whether real or legal persons engaging in commercial transactions are registered in the system.
• It enables access to trade registry data via the MERSIS number in legal and commercial transactions.
• It helps easily track the transactions carried out by enterprises and companies over the internet.
• It reduces the workload of public institutions by supporting the uninterrupted execution of transactions in an electronic environment.
• It makes it possible to quickly find the required information from the digital database when needed.
• It facilitates auditing and increases efficiency in terms of transaction tracking.
• It ensures that transactions carried out electronically are executed and recorded securely, leaving a trail that can serve as evidence/proof when necessary.
• It offers a practical solution for monitoring changes made within companies and enterprises.
• It accelerates information flow through data sharing/integration with various public institutions such as population registries, land registry and cadastre, judicial institutions, and SGK (Social Security Institution).
• It reduces the workload in many transactions ranging from the establishment of the company to activities like branch/agency operations.
• It provides convenience in fulfilling certain obligations such as website registration.
• It supports rapid and accurate access to company information during financial restructuring processes such as concordat (bankruptcy protection).
• It helps verify corporate identity and commercial reliability, thereby increasing transparency in business relations.

Who is Required to Obtain a MERSIS Number?

The MERSIS number is the primary identity number defined during the establishment stage of an enterprise or company and used in trade registry transactions. For this reason, all enterprises and companies that must be registered in the trade registry are required to create their MERSIS record and obtain the number before starting operations.

Since MERSIS enables transactions such as establishment, amendment, and deregistration to be carried out through a single digital system, it helps keep official records orderly and allows processes to progress faster.

In general, the main types of legal/private entities obligated to obtain a MERSIS number are as follows:

• Joint-stock company
• Limited liability company
• Commercial enterprise
• Branch
• Collective company
• Commandite company
• Shipping partnership (Donatma iştiraki)
• Cooperative

Note: Since the scope may vary depending on the legal structure of the enterprise and its registration obligations, it is advisable to verify via the relevant Trade Registry Directorate or MERSIS in case of doubt.

How to Get a MERSİS Number?

For a commercial enterprise or company, the MERSİS number is generated at the end of the application and registration process carried out through the official MERSİS web portal of the TR. Ministry of Trade. The process generally consists of the steps of registering to the system, defining the required company information, and completing the relevant application.

The basic steps you can follow to get a MERSİS number are as follows:

1. Log in to the portal / create an account. When creating a new user registration on the MERSİS portal, registration can be made using a TR. ID Number or Passport Number. It is important to fill in the mandatory fields completely on the application screens; when some fields are not completed, the registration/progress buttons may remain inactive.
2. Complete user verification. Follow the verification steps directed by the system (verification can be done using methods such as e-Government, e-signature, or mobile signature when necessary).
3. Define company information. After logging into the system, registration details belonging to the enterprise/company such as trade name, address, tax number, and, if available, trade registry information must be entered accurately and up to date.
4. Complete your establishment or transaction application. An application is created from the relevant menu in the system according to transaction types such as establishment or amendment. By completing the required documents and information, the application is forwarded to the review/approval process of the relevant Trade Registry Directorate.

When logging into the system with a previously created account, the username and password information must also be entered correctly. Error messages may be received during login due to reasons such as a username/password error, account lockout, password expiration, or the account not being approved yet. In such cases, following the password reset steps and contacting the relevant units if necessary will speed up the process.

Completing the registration and application steps fully helps prevent potential errors from the very beginning. If you get stuck at any point in the process, getting professional support can also be beneficial.

How to Query a MERSİS Number?

To find out your MERSİS number, you need to log into the system through mersis.ticaret.gov.tr, which is the official portal of the TR. Ministry of Trade. The login process can be completed using a username/password or by verifying via e-Government.

On the query screen, a few of the following pieces of information are usually requested (it may vary depending on the options presented on the screen):

• Company title
• Trade registry number
• Company type
• Tax number

You can follow these steps to query a MERSİS number:

• Go to the mersis.ticaret.gov.tr address.
• Open the Company Query section from the MERSİS menu at the top right of the page.
• Click on the Company Search button on the screen that opens.
• Select the directorate to which the company is affiliated from the Trade Registry Directorate field.
• Select the province where the company is registered from the City field.
• Enter information such as the company title, tax number, and/or trade registry number into the visible fields.
• Click the Search button.

The MERSİS number is displayed on the screen where the search results are located. In addition, you can access information such as the company's commercial representatives and periods of representation on the results page.

Tip: If no results appear, check for spelling/character errors (e.g., ü/ı/ş). If possible, try searching using only the tax number or trade registry number.

How to Change a MERSİS Number?

The MERSİS number is generally a fixed number; therefore, "direct replacement" is not possible in most cases. However, registration errors made during the incorporation phase may cause the number to be generated temporarily or the information to appear incorrect. In such a case, depending on the type of error, it may be necessary to apply to the relevant Trade Registry Directorate to make a correction and, if required, request a new MERSİS number.

Apart from this, although as a rule the MERSİS number remains the same, in some structural changes (e.g., change of company type or transfer of the company), a new MERSİS number may be assigned in the system. The most accurate guidance is provided by the Trade Registry Directorate according to the nature of the transaction.

Things to check before application

Before creating a change/correction request, ensure that the company information in MERSİS is accurate and up to date:

• Address, trade name, capital, and share information
• Persons authorized to represent and bind the company (if any)
• Trade registry information and relevant registration records

General process steps

1. Log in to the MERSİS portal.
2. Go to the Change Procedures / Changes menu.
3. Check the fields to be updated and make the necessary corrections.
4. Create the application through the system and attach the relevant documents (if necessary).
5. Submit the application for approval and follow the review/approval process of the Trade Registry Directorate.

Note: Whether to proceed with "information correction" or if a "new number" is required may vary depending on the type of company, the reason for the transaction, and the registration process. In case of hesitation, it is beneficial to obtain confirmation from the Trade Registry Directorate or MERSİS support channels.

In summary;

• MERSİS is used to digitally manage business/company information registered in the trade registry within a single system.
• The MERSİS number is a unique 16-digit identification number used in the company's official transactions.
• Establishment, amendment, and inquiry transactions are carried out faster and in a traceable manner through the MERSİS portal.

  For Those Considering Setting Up a Company: Manage the Process Quickly and Accurately with İfasTürk

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Mesut SENEL | Ifasturk CEO

Independent Accountant Financial Advisor