# Mobile Signature and Electronic Signature in Turkey for Foreigners: 2026 Guide

# Mobile Signature and Electronic Signature in Turkey for Foreigners: 2026 Guide

Foreigners living, investing, or doing business in Turkey increasingly need a legally valid way to sign documents and access digital government and corporate systems.

This is particularly relevant for **foreign company owners, directors, investors, residence permit holders, digital nomads, and professionals relocating to Turkey**.

Two terms frequently cause confusion:

*   **Mobile Signature (Mobil İmza)**
    
*   **Electronic Signature (e-İmza / Electronic Signature)**
    

Although both can provide legally valid electronic signing capabilities, they work differently and are not necessarily available to every foreign national under the same conditions.

This guide explains **how foreigners can obtain a mobile signature or electronic signature in Turkey, what documents may be required, which option is more practical, and how we assist foreign clients with the process.**

## Quick Answer: Can Foreigners Get a Mobile Signature in Turkey?

**Yes, foreigners may be able to obtain a mobile signature in Turkey, provided that the applicable identity verification and mobile operator requirements can be satisfied.**

Foreign nationals who cannot use the standard Turkish electronic identity card verification infrastructure may be subject to alternative identity verification procedures.

Following regulatory changes introduced in 2026, the Turkish electronic communications framework expressly provides identity verification mechanisms for certain foreign nationals through the **Directorate General of Migration Management (Göç İdaresi Başkanlığı)**.

Foreigners establishing a company or conducting business in Turkey should also consider obtaining a conventional **electronic signature (e-İmza)** because it may be more practical for certain corporate, tax, accounting, and government procedures.

* * *

# What Is a Mobile Signature in Turkey?

A **mobile signature (Mobil İmza)** allows a person to create a legally recognized electronic signature using a mobile phone and compatible SIM infrastructure.

Instead of inserting a physical USB token or smart card into a computer, the authentication and signing process is connected to the user's mobile subscription.

For foreign business owners, this can make certain digital procedures significantly easier.

However, a mobile signature should not be confused with simply receiving an SMS verification code.

A qualified electronic signature is based on a regulated electronic certificate and identity verification infrastructure.

* * *

# What Is an Electronic Signature (e-İmza)?

An **electronic signature**, commonly called **e-İmza in Turkey**, is a digital signing solution generally provided through an authorized electronic certificate service provider.

It is commonly used with a:

*   USB token,
    
*   smart card,
    
*   compatible electronic certificate,
    
*   or other approved secure signature infrastructure.
    

For foreigners operating companies in Turkey, an e-signature can be particularly important because many corporate and government procedures have become increasingly digital.

* * *

# Mobile Signature vs. e-Signature in Turkey

| Mobile Signature | Electronic Signature |
| --- | --- |
| Connected to mobile/SIM infrastructure | Usually certificate/token based |
| Convenient for mobile use | Convenient for computer-based business procedures |
| Requires compatible mobile operator arrangements | Obtained from an authorized certificate provider |
| Operator eligibility is important | Broader use for many corporate procedures |
| Useful for individuals and entrepreneurs | Frequently preferred by company owners and professionals |

There is no universal answer as to which one is better.

The correct solution depends on **what you need to sign and which Turkish systems you need to access.**

For a foreign shareholder or director establishing a company in Turkey, I generally recommend assessing the electronic signature requirements as part of the company establishment and tax registration process rather than treating the signature as a completely separate matter.

* * *

# New Identity Verification Rules for Foreigners in 2026

This is particularly important for foreigners.

Turkey amended the **Regulation on the Identity Verification Process of Applicants in the Electronic Communications Sector** in June 2026.

The amendments expanded the methods through which applicants may be identified and expressly introduced identity verification through the **Directorate General of Migration Management**.

For foreign applicants without the relevant electronic identity document, the regulation provides a procedure involving the Migration Management infrastructure.

The system may use the foreigner's identification information and compare a live facial image with the photograph available in official records.

Importantly, the regulation also addresses foreigners **without a foreign identification number**. For these applicants, passport or equivalent internationally valid travel document information may be used according to the procedure specified in the regulation.

The amendments entered into force on **25 June 2026**.

This is a significant development because identity verification has historically been one of the practical obstacles foreigners encounter when trying to obtain Turkish telecommunications and digital authentication services.

* * *

# Who Usually Needs an Electronic Signature in Turkey?

From a business perspective, electronic signatures are particularly relevant for:

### Foreign shareholders

If you establish or participate in a Turkish company, numerous corporate processes are conducted electronically.

### Foreign company directors

Directors and authorized representatives may need access to electronic government and corporate systems.

### Foreign entrepreneurs

Entrepreneurs establishing a Limited Liability Company (Limited Şirket) or Joint Stock Company (Anonim Şirket) should determine their electronic signature requirements during the establishment process.

### Digital nomads and remote professionals

Foreign professionals relocating to Turkey may eventually need access to tax, social security, immigration, or corporate systems.

### Foreign investors

Investors acquiring companies or establishing Turkish subsidiaries frequently require digital access to corporate and government infrastructure.

* * *

# When Do Foreigners Need an Electronic Signature?

Depending on the individual's position and the transaction involved, an electronic signature may become relevant for:

*   company establishment and post-incorporation procedures,
    
*   tax administration procedures,
    
*   electronic notifications,
    
*   accounting authorizations,
    
*   corporate filings,
    
*   e-Invoice and e-Ledger procedures,
    
*   MERSİS-related transactions,
    
*   KEP-related processes,
    
*   Social Security procedures,
    
*   government applications,
    
*   certain commercial contracts,
    
*   applications for incentives and government support programs.
    

Not every transaction requires an electronic signature, and some transactions may still require a physical signature, notarization, apostille, or personal attendance.

For that reason, foreign entrepreneurs should first determine **what they actually need the signature for.**

* * *

# Do I Need an Electronic Signature to Open a Company in Turkey?

Not necessarily for every stage of the initial incorporation.

A foreign individual can establish a Turkish company even if they do not already possess a Turkish electronic signature.

However, after incorporation, the company's directors and authorized representatives may need electronic access for various corporate, tax, accounting, and administrative procedures.

Therefore, when I assist a foreign entrepreneur with establishing a company in Turkey, electronic signature requirements are normally considered as part of the **post-incorporation setup**.

* * *

# Which Comes First: Company Formation or Electronic Signature?

This is one of the most common practical questions.

For a foreign entrepreneur, the process may broadly look like this:

**Company formation → Tax registration → Electronic signature/digital infrastructure → Bank and operational setup → Accounting and tax compliance**

The exact order can vary according to the person's immigration status, identification documents, corporate structure, and intended activities.

There is therefore little benefit in obtaining different digital services independently without first determining the complete structure.

* * *

# Can I Get an Electronic Signature Without Turkish Citizenship?

**Yes. Turkish citizenship itself is not necessarily required to obtain an electronic signature.**

Foreign nationals can obtain electronic signatures in Turkey when the identification and certification requirements of the relevant provider are satisfied.

The required documentation and procedure may differ from those applicable to Turkish citizens.

* * *

# Can I Get a Mobile Signature with a Turkish Residence Permit?

Potentially, yes.

A residence permit and foreign identification number can facilitate access to many Turkish systems.

However, possession of a residence permit does not automatically guarantee that a particular GSM operator will issue or activate a mobile signature.

The applicant must also satisfy the operator's and electronic certificate provider's requirements.

* * *

# Can a Foreigner Without a Turkish Residence Permit Get a Mobile Signature?

This requires a case-specific assessment.

The 2026 identity verification amendments are particularly relevant because they expressly contemplate certain foreign applicants who do not have the electronic identity documentation normally used in Turkey.

They also contain provisions concerning foreign nationals without a foreign identification number.

Nevertheless, identity verification rules and eligibility for a specific mobile signature product are not necessarily the same thing.

The relevant GSM operator and certificate provider requirements must therefore also be checked.

* * *

# Can I Apply Using My Passport?

For certain identity verification procedures, passport information can be relevant.

The amended regulation expressly provides a mechanism involving passport or equivalent internationally valid travel document information for foreign nationals who do not have a foreign identification number.

Whether this is sufficient for obtaining the particular mobile signature or electronic signature service you need depends on the provider and the specific application.

* * *

# Do I Need to Speak Turkish?

The application infrastructure and documentation are predominantly Turkish.

This can create difficulties for foreigners, particularly when there is a mismatch between:

*   passport information,
    
*   residence permit information,
    
*   Turkish mobile subscription records,
    
*   foreign identification number,
    
*   tax registration,
    
*   company records.
    

These inconsistencies should ideally be identified before the application.

* * *

# Can My Accountant Use My Electronic Signature?

Your electronic signature is personal.

You should **not simply provide your electronic signature credentials or PIN to another person.**

Instead, accounting and tax procedures should be structured through the appropriate legal authorizations and professional systems.

As a Turkish Certified Public Accountant (SMMM), I particularly recommend foreign company owners distinguish between:

1.  transactions that must be personally signed by the company representative, and
    
2.  tax and accounting procedures that can legally be performed by the company's accountant under the relevant professional authorization.
    

This distinction can substantially reduce the administrative burden on a foreign company director.

* * *

# Can I Use My Turkish Electronic Signature While Abroad?

Depending on the technical solution and the government or commercial platform involved, electronic signing may be possible while you are outside Turkey.

This is particularly valuable for foreign shareholders who establish companies in Turkey but spend significant periods abroad.

However, you should confirm this before selecting the electronic signature solution if remote management of your Turkish company is important.

* * *

# Mobile Signature or e-Signature: Which Should a Foreign Company Owner Choose?

For someone establishing or operating a company in Turkey, I generally look at the practical requirement rather than simply recommending one product.

If the objective is primarily convenient mobile authentication and signing, **Mobil İmza** may be attractive.

If the objective is broader access to Turkish corporate, accounting, tax, and government systems, a conventional **e-İmza** may be more practical.

Some foreign business owners may ultimately use both.

* * *

# Example: Foreign Entrepreneur Establishing a Company in Turkey

Consider a German entrepreneur establishing a software consultancy company in Istanbul.

The entrepreneur will be the sole shareholder and company director.

The practical process may involve:

1.  preparing incorporation documents,
    
2.  establishing the Turkish company,
    
3.  obtaining the company's tax registration,
    
4.  arranging the required electronic signature infrastructure,
    
5.  opening the corporate bank account,
    
6.  completing accounting registrations,
    
7.  implementing e-Invoice/e-Ledger requirements where applicable,
    
8.  establishing monthly tax and accounting compliance.
    

In this situation, treating the electronic signature as an isolated application would not be particularly efficient.

It should be coordinated with the company's overall incorporation and compliance process.

* * *

# Electronic Signature Services for Foreigners in Turkey

I am a **Turkish Certified Public Accountant (SMMM)** advising foreign individuals and foreign-owned companies on establishing and operating businesses in Turkey.

Together with my team, I assist foreign entrepreneurs with the practical steps required after establishing their presence in Turkey, including electronic signature and digital corporate infrastructure.

Our assistance may include:

*   assessing whether you need Mobile Signature or e-Signature,
    
*   determining the appropriate application route,
    
*   reviewing identification requirements,
    
*   coordinating electronic signature applications,
    
*   company formation,
    
*   Turkish tax registration,
    
*   accounting registration,
    
*   e-Invoice and e-Ledger setup,
    
*   tax compliance,
    
*   corporate compliance,
    
*   and ongoing accounting services.
    

This is particularly useful for foreign entrepreneurs because **company formation, tax registration, electronic signature, banking, accounting, and immigration requirements are interconnected.**

* * *

# Already Have a Turkish Company but No Electronic Signature?

We can also assist foreigners who have already established their company.

This commonly occurs when a company was incorporated through a formation agent but the shareholder subsequently discovers that they still need assistance with:

*   accounting,
    
*   electronic signature,
    
*   tax registrations,
    
*   corporate banking,
    
*   e-Invoice,
    
*   e-Ledger,
    
*   payroll,
    
*   tax filings,
    
*   or ongoing corporate compliance.
    

The incorporation certificate is only the beginning of operating a compliant Turkish company.

* * *

# Frequently Asked Questions

## Can a foreigner get an e-Signature in Turkey?

Yes. Foreign nationals may obtain electronic signatures when they satisfy the identification and provider requirements.

## Can a foreigner get Mobile Signature in Turkey?

Potentially yes, subject to the relevant identity verification, GSM operator, SIM, and certificate requirements.

## Is a Turkish residence permit required?

It depends on the particular service and identification procedure. Having a residence permit and foreign identification number can make the process easier.

## Can I apply with my passport?

Passport information may be used in certain identity verification procedures applicable to foreign nationals, but the service provider's requirements must also be satisfied.

## Can tourists get an electronic signature?

This depends on the provider and the applicant's identification status. It should be checked before assuming eligibility.

## Can I establish a Turkish company without an e-Signature?

Generally, a foreigner does not necessarily need to already possess a Turkish e-Signature for every stage of company incorporation. Electronic signature requirements often become particularly relevant during post-incorporation operations.

## Does a company shareholder need an electronic signature?

Not simply because they own shares. The person's role as director, authorized representative, or user of particular electronic systems is also relevant.

## Does a foreign company director need an electronic signature?

It is frequently useful and may be required for particular electronic corporate or government procedures.

## Is Mobile Signature the same as e-Signature?

No. They are different technical methods of creating an electronic signature.

## Which is better for a company owner?

For many company owners, a conventional e-Signature provides broad practical functionality. The correct solution nevertheless depends on the systems the individual needs to use.

## Can I obtain both?

Yes, where the eligibility requirements for both services are satisfied.

## Can I use my e-Signature outside Turkey?

This may be technically possible depending on the signature solution and the platform being accessed.

## Can my accountant keep my electronic signature?

Electronic signatures and their security credentials are personal. Accounting procedures should instead be handled using legally appropriate professional authorizations.

## Can an electronic signature replace a notary?

Not in every case. Certain transactions continue to require notarization, apostille, physical documentation, or personal attendance.

## Is e-Signature necessary for e-Invoice?

Electronic signature or other approved electronic certification infrastructure can become relevant depending on the taxpayer and the particular e-document application.

## Can foreigners use e-Devlet?

Foreign nationals meeting the applicable requirements can obtain access to e-Devlet. Access to e-Devlet and possession of an electronic signature are nevertheless separate issues.

## What happens if my Turkish SIM card changes?

This is particularly important for Mobile Signature because the service is linked to mobile infrastructure. The relevant operator should be contacted before changing the SIM or subscription.

## Can I obtain an electronic signature remotely?

Whether the entire process can be completed remotely depends on the applicant's identification status, provider, and applicable verification procedure.

## How long does the process take?

Processing time depends on the chosen provider, identity verification method, documentation, and whether there are inconsistencies in the applicant's Turkish records.

* * *

# Need a Mobile Signature or Electronic Signature in Turkey?

If you are a foreigner who:

*   is establishing a company in Turkey,
    
*   already owns a Turkish company,
    
*   has recently obtained a residence permit,
    
*   is relocating your business to Turkey,
    
*   needs access to Turkish corporate or tax systems,
    
*   or simply needs a Turkish electronic signature,
    

**you do not need to navigate the process alone.**

I assist foreign individuals and company owners with the electronic signature process and, where required, coordinate it with their **company formation, tax registration, accounting, and ongoing compliance requirements.**

The first step is determining whether you actually need **Mobile Signature, e-Signature, or another form of digital authorization** for the transaction you are trying to complete.

### Mobile Signature & e-Signature Assistance for Foreigners

For professional assistance with obtaining an electronic signature or setting up the digital infrastructure required for your Turkish company, you can contact me through **evrenozmen.com.tr**.

If you are establishing a new company, we can also coordinate the electronic signature process as part of the **company formation and post-incorporation setup**, rather than requiring you to deal separately with multiple institutions.

* * *

## About Evren Özmen

**Evren Özmen is a Turkish Certified Public Accountant (SMMM)** advising foreign individuals, entrepreneurs, investors, and foreign-owned companies on Turkish taxation, company formation, accounting, and cross-border business matters.

His practice particularly focuses on foreigners relocating to Turkey, international entrepreneurs establishing Turkish companies, foreign-source income taxation, and the ongoing tax and accounting compliance of foreign-owned businesses.

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