VAT Registration in Turkey for Non-Resident Companies: Documents, Timeline, and Fees Explained
VAT Registration in Turkey for Non-Resident Companies: Documents, Timeline, and Fees Explained
VAT Registration in Turkey for Non-Resident Companies: Documents, Timeline, and Fees Explained
Foreign digital service providers and online sellers are increasingly seeking VAT registration in Turkey — However, Turkey’s VAT rules draw a clear line between digital and physical supplies.
Let’s break down what’s actually possible, what’s required, and how long it takes.
1. Who Can Register for VAT Without a Local Company?
Under Turkish VAT Law (Article 9 and Communiqué No. 60), non-resident entities that provide digital services to individuals in Turkey (B2C) can register directly for VAT without establishing a legal entity.
Typical examples include:
App stores and SaaS platforms
Online streaming or e-learning services
Cloud-based tools or gaming subscriptions
👉 For these companies, registration is handled through the “Digital VAT Portal (Dijital Hizmet Vergisi Platformu)”, entirely online.
However, foreign entities delivering physical goods — whether directly or via logistics providers — cannot register for VAT without a Turkish establishment.
They must instead form a limited company or appoint a registered tax representative.
2. Required Documents for Digital Service VAT Registration
To register under the simplified digital VAT regime, you’ll need:
| Document | Description |
| Certificate of Incorporation | Proof of legal existence (translated into Turkish) |
| Taxpayer Identification Details | Country tax ID and company registration number |
| Authorized Representative Info | Name, position, and contact details |
| Bank Account Proof | Account to remit VAT payments from |
| Power of Attorney (if applicable) | Required if an intermediary CPA handles filings |
All documents must be apostilled and, where necessary, notarized translations into Turkish are requested.
3. Step-by-Step Procedure
Pre-Assessment (1–2 days)
Determining eligibility for digital VAT vs. local entity setup.Document Preparation (3–5 days)
Translation, notarization, and verification of company information.Application Submission (via Revenue Administration Portal)
Registration on https://digital.gib.gov.tr.Activation and E-Mail Confirmation (1–2 days)
Once approved, your digital tax account is activated.First Filing & Payment
VAT returns are due monthly, by the 24th of the following month.
4. Timeline and Professional Fees
| Phase | Estimated Duration | Service Fee (Approx.) |
| VAT eligibility check & advisory | 1–2 business days | €300 |
| VAT registration (digital services) | 5–7 business days | €750 |
| Ongoing VAT return filing | Monthly | €200–€300 / filing |
💡 For physical goods sellers, company formation + VAT registration takes 10–15 business days, and fees depend on company structure (usually €1,200–€1,800 all-in).
5. How to Stay Compliant
Even for non-resident taxpayers:
Returns must be filed in Turkish Lira.
Payments must be made via Turkish bank accounts (or intermediary accounts).
There are no input VAT deductions under the simplified regime.
Missing a filing triggers late-payment interest (0.06% per day) and administrative penalties.
6. Why Work With a Local CPA
Partnering with a Turkish CPA ensures:
Seamless communication with tax authorities (no Turkish interface issues)
Fast onboarding and troubleshooting through the Revenue Administration portal
Monthly monitoring to prevent late filings and penalties
At OZM Consultancy, we support both digital VAT registrations and full company formations for non-resident businesses.
We’ve assisted numerous EU, UK, and Singapore-based companies in achieving full compliance within 7–10 days.
📞 Ready to Register?
If you’ve been referred by Taxually or any global VAT platform, you’re already one step ahead.
We’ll guide you through the end-to-end VAT registration process in Turkey — no hidden fees, no delays.
Contact:
📧 info@ozmconsultancy.com
🌐 www.ozmconsultancy.com
Evren Özmen – CPA, Istanbul
