Requirements to Sell on Hepsiburada
Selling on Hepsiburada requires a registered business, valid tax identification, and corporate bank accounts in Turkey for legal and financial compliance.
Establishing a commercial presence on Hepsiburada, one of the leading e-commerce marketplaces in Turkey, requires strict adherence to local corporate, fiscal, and operational frameworks. Selling on Hepsiburada requires a registered business, valid tax identification, and corporate bank accounts in Turkey for legal and financial compliance. For international brands and domestic entrepreneurs alike, understanding the structural prerequisites—from company formation and MERSİS registration to e-invoice integration and KEP address setup—is critical to mitigating regulatory risks and avoiding onboarding delays. This comprehensive guide outlines the mandatory steps, legal compliance parameters, and document verifications necessary to launch and maintain a compliant seller account on the platform.
Introduction to Hepsiburada Seller Compliance
The regulatory landscape governing Turkish digital retail is defined by rigorous legislative frameworks. Turkey's electronic commerce environment has transitioned from an unregulated growth phase into a highly scrutinized, compliance-first ecosystem. For commercial entities wishing to leverage the reach of Hepsiburada, compliance is not merely an onboarding checkpoint but an ongoing operational obligation. Platforms like Hepsiburada are legally bound to enforce these rules, as they share joint liability under certain provisions of Turkish commerce and consumer protection laws.
To maintain operational status, merchants must align their digital activities with the Turkish Revenue Administration (Gelir İdaresi Başkanlığı - GİB), the Ministry of Trade (Ticaret Bakanlığı), and the Personal Data Protection Authority (KVKK). Failing to establish a solid legal and financial foundation prior to account creation leads to immediate system-level rejection or permanent suspension of seller privileges.
Understanding the Legal Framework for E-Commerce in Turkey
The fundamental legal pillar of digital trade in Turkey is Law No. 6563 on the Regulation of Electronic Commerce. This law defines the responsibilities of service providers and intermediary service providers (marketplaces like Hepsiburada). Intermediary service providers are tasked with verifying the identity and tax status of the merchants operating within their infrastructure. This legislative mandate explains why the seller registration process requires extensive corporate documentation.
Additionally, merchants must comply with the Electronic Commerce Information System (ETBİS) registration guidelines. ETBİS was established by the Ministry of Trade to register and monitor e-commerce sites operating within the country. While Hepsiburada is registered as an intermediary platform, individual merchants must ensure their corporate entities are correctly registered and that their marketplace stores are linked to their corporate profiles. This ensures transparency in consumer transactions and simplifies fiscal tracking for state institutions.
Consumer protection is another critical legal dimension. Law No. 6502 on Consumer Protection dictates the terms of distance sales contracts, return policies, and product liabilities. In Turkey, consumers are legally entitled to a 14-day unconditional right of withdrawal (cayma hakkı) for most products purchased online. Sellers must structure their operational costs and logistics to absorb the financial impact of these return rates, which are heavily monitored by Hepsiburada’s seller performance metrics.
Core Corporate Requirements for Seller Registration
The onboarding infrastructure at Hepsiburada employs automated verification pipelines connected directly to Turkish government databases. Consequently, a seller account cannot be activated without valid corporate status. The platform does not allow individual, non-commercial accounts to engage in public sales. Every transaction must be backed by a legal entity capable of issuing commercially valid invoices and processing corporate tax returns.
Sellers must prepare their corporate identity to align with the database fields used by Hepsiburada’s automated verification services. Any spelling variance, outdated document, or mismatched ID across different databases will cause a system error, placing the onboarding application into a manual review queue or triggering an outright rejection.
Mandatory Business Registration in Turkey (Company Types)
Sellers can register under three primary corporate structures recognized by the Turkish Commercial Code (Türk Ticaret Kanunu - TTK). Each structure carries distinct legal, tax, and operational implications.
Sole Proprietorship (Şahıs Şirketi): This is the most accessible business structure for local entrepreneurs. It features low initial setup costs, rapid registration (often within 24 hours via the e-Devlet interactive tax office portal), and simpler accounting. However, it offers no limited liability; the owner is personally liable for all commercial debts and platform penalties. This structure is ideal for low-to-medium volume sellers starting their e-commerce operations.
Limited Liability Company (Limited Şirket - Ltd. Şti.): An LTD company requires a minimum share capital of 50,000 TRY (subject to regulatory increases) and must have at least one shareholder. It provides limited liability protection, separating personal assets from corporate debts. This structure is preferred by growing brands, medium-sized enterprises, and foreign investors establishing a local Turkish subsidiary due to its corporate credibility and stable tax structure (flat corporate tax rate instead of progressive income tax).
Joint Stock Company (Anonim Şirket - A.Ş.): An A.Ş. is designed for large-scale operations. It requires a minimum share capital of 250,000 TRY and features a highly structured governance model with a board of directors. Shares are easily transferable, and the company can eventually go public. Large retail brands and high-volume e-commerce enterprises choose this structure to manage complex investment relations and secure maximum credibility in the marketplace.
Valid Tax Identification Number (Vergi Kimlik Numarası)
Every legal entity operating in Turkey must possess a valid Tax Identification Number (Vergi Kimlik Numarası) issued by the local Tax Office (Vergi Dairesi). For sole proprietorships, this number is typically the owner’s Turkish National Identification Number (T.C. Kimlik Numarası). For LTD and A.Ş. companies, a unique 10-digit tax identification number is generated upon incorporation.
During Hepsiburada onboarding, this tax number is validated in real-time against the database of the Revenue Administration. The tax plate (Vergi Levhası) must display an "Active" status. If the tax office has suspended your activity, or if there is an unaddressed tax audit hold on your business, the onboarding portal will block progress. Furthermore, your registered commercial activity codes (NACE codes) must encompass retail or mail-order trade.
MERSIS Number and Chamber of Commerce Registration
All capital companies (LTD and A.Ş.) and registered sole proprietorships of a certain size must register with their local Chamber of Commerce (Ticaret Odası, e.g., İTO in Istanbul, ATO in Ankara) and obtain a MERSİS number. MERSİS (Merkezi Sicil Kayıt Sistemi) is the centralized commercial registry system of Turkey.
The 16-digit MERSİS number serves as the definitive corporate fingerprint. Hepsiburada uses this number to pull official registry details, verifying the company’s legal name, registered trade address, and list of authorized signatories. In addition to the MERSİS number, sellers must submit a Chamber of Commerce Registry Document (Oda Kayıt Belgesi) or a Certificate of Activity (Faaliyet Belgesi) issued within the last three to six months to prove the business remains active and compliant.
KEP (Registered Electronic Mail) Address Necessity
Under Turkish commercial law, corporate entities are required to possess a Registered Electronic Mail (Kayıtlı Elektronik Posta - KEP) address. A KEP address is not a standard email service; it is a secure, legally binding electronic post system that provides cryptographic proof of delivery, receipt, and content integrity.
Hepsiburada utilizes the KEP system to deliver critical legal notices, contract modifications, policy updates, and formal compliance warnings. This ensures that the platform has absolute legal proof that the merchant has received official communications. KEP addresses must be purchased from an authorized service provider licensed by the Information and Communication Technologies Authority (BTK), such as PTT KEP, TNB KEP, or TÜRKKEP. The format must match official standards (e.g., [email protected]).
Financial and Banking Prerequisites
The financial ecosystem of Hepsiburada functions via automated electronic fund transfers (EFT) and clearing networks. Consequently, the fiscal pipelines must be meticulously configured to prevent legal complications or system locks. All payments processed by the platform’s payment gateway are disbursed directly to the merchant’s corporate bank account after deducting applicable commission rates, cargo fees, and platform service charges.
Sellers must implement strict internal accounting practices to balance cash flow. Hepsiburada's payout cycles operate on standard, pre-negotiated delay periods (often ranging from 14 to 28 days following delivery confirmation, depending on product categories and seller performance history). This delay is designed to cover the 14-day legal return window before funds are permanently cleared for disbursement.
Opening a Turkish Corporate Bank Account
The bank account registered in the Hepsiburada Seller Center must be a Turkish Lira (TRY) corporate account opened under the exact name of the registered commercial entity. Personal bank accounts are rejected for LTD and A.Ş. registrations, and even for sole proprietorships, using a personal account that does not match the official tax registration details can cause immediate payment holds.
To open a Turkish corporate bank account, a business must undergo standard KYC (Know Your Customer) and AML (Anti-Money Laundering) checks conducted by the bank under MASAK (Financial Crimes Investigation Board of Turkey) regulations. The bank will require:
The company’s Tax Plate (Vergi Levhası).
The Trade Registry Gazette (Ticaret Sicil Gazetesi).
The Signature Circular (İmza Sirküleri).
ID documents of the company's authorized managers and major shareholders.
The IBAN provided to Hepsiburada must match the verified bank records of this corporate entity.
Capital Controls and Cross-Border Fund Transfers
For international merchants operating through a local subsidiary, managing the repatriation of capital is a critical operational consideration. Turkey maintains specific regulatory frameworks managed by the Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey (TCMB) concerning outbound currency transfers and capital controls.
When funds are transferred from a Turkish corporate account to an international parent company, these transactions must be classified properly under local accounting standards (e.g., as dividends, transfer pricing for goods supplied, or service fees). These transactions may trigger withholding taxes (Stopaj), which can range from 10% to 15% depending on bilateral double taxation avoidance agreements (DTAAs) in place between Turkey and the target country (such as the US, UK, or UAE). Working with a qualified local Certified Public Accountant (Mali Müşavir) is essential to safely navigate these cross-border transfers.
VAT (KDV) Obligations and E-Invoicing (e-Fatura) Compliance
Value Added Tax (Katma Değer Vergisi - KDV) is an integral component of the Turkish pricing structure. E-commerce transactions are subject to standard VAT rates, which vary depending on the product category:
1%: Basic foodstuffs and specific agricultural products.
10%: Basic necessities, clothing, textiles, books, and certain medical devices.
20%: Standard consumer electronics, furniture, household goods, cosmetics, and general retail items.
Sellers must display prices inclusive of VAT on the Hepsiburada customer-facing front-end.
Furthermore, Turkey has made e-Invoicing (e-Fatura) and e-Archive (e-Arşiv Fatura) systems mandatory for most commercial entities, with specific revenue thresholds triggering automatic compliance requirements. Even if a business falls below the general legal threshold, Hepsiburada requires all sellers to integrate with e-invoice compliance frameworks.
Every time a purchase is made, the seller must automatically generate an e-Fatura or e-Arşiv invoice via an integration service provider (Özel Entegratör) and transmit it to both the Revenue Administration and the consumer’s digital portal. To achieve this, merchants must acquire a digital certificate (Mali Mühür for companies) or an electronic signature (e-İmza for sole proprietors) to sign the invoices cryptographically.
Document Checklist Based on Company Structure
The document verification process is a primary bottleneck for new merchants on Hepsiburada. Preparing the correct set of digital assets, saved in acceptable formats (typically high-resolution PDF or JPEG files), is essential for rapid account activation. The required documents vary significantly depending on whether the business is organized as a capital company or a sole proprietorship. Every document uploaded must display matching information. For instance, if the company address on the Tax Plate does not match the address on the Chamber of Commerce Activity Certificate due to a recent relocation, the compliance team will flag the application, halting the onboarding process until the records are synchronized across all official registries. Requirements for Limited Liability (LTD) and Joint Stock (A.Ş.) Companies Capital companies must submit an extensive portfolio of corporate governance and registration documents. These files prove that the entity is authorized to conduct commerce, pay corporate taxes, and bind the corporation to the marketplace agreement.
Signature Circular (İmza Sirküleri)
This is a notarized document proving which individuals are authorized to represent and legally bind the corporation. It includes samples of the authorized manager's signatures and specifies their limits of authority.
Trade Registry Gazette (Ticaret Sicil Gazetesi)
The official government publication documenting the establishment of the company, its share capital, registered address, and corporate purpose.
Tax Plate (Vergi Levhası)
The active tax registration document showing the company's fiscal details, tax office, and NACE codes.
Chamber of Commerce Registry Document (Faaliyet Belgesi)
A document confirming that the company is actively registered in the commercial registry and has not been liquidated or suspended.
Requirements for Sole Proprietorships (Şahıs Şirketi)
Sole proprietorships are subjected to a slightly streamlined verification path, as the business is legally tied directly to the individual owner.
Signature Declaration (İmza Beyannamesi): Unlike a corporate signature circular, a sole proprietor obtains an İmza Beyannamesi from a notary public, confirming their signature as an individual merchant.
Tax Plate (Vergi Levhası): Displays the individual’s name, tax registration number (T.C. Kimlik Numarası), and active e-commerce NACE codes.
Identification Document: A clear color copy of the owner's official Turkish National ID card or biometric passport.
Registry Certificate: If registered with the Chamber of Tradesmen and Craftsmen (Esnaf ve Sanatkarlar Odası), the corresponding registry certificate must be provided.
Cross-Border E-Commerce: Can Foreign Entities Sell Directly?
A common question for brand decision-makers based in the US, UK, or AE is whether they can access the Turkish market via Hepsiburada without establishing a physical legal entity in Turkey. The short answer is that direct local account creation is restricted to Turkish-registered companies. However, Hepsiburada provides dedicated pathways for cross-border e-commerce, allowing international brands to list their products under specific operational models.
International businesses must evaluate these pathways based on their long-term market commitment, logisitical capabilities, and margin tolerance. Establishing a local subsidiary provides the highest level of control and fastest delivery speeds, while cross-border programs reduce initial administrative overhead at the expense of longer delivery times and import duty complexities.
Hepsiburada Global vs. Local Seller Account Differences
The Hepsiburada Global program (Hepsiburada Yurtdışı Satış) allows foreign entities to sell products directly to Turkish consumers from overseas fulfillment centers. When a local customer orders from a global seller, the product is shipped internationally, cleared through Turkish customs under simplified cross-border import regulations, and delivered to the end-user.
While the Global program simplifies market entry, it restricts your competitive edge in fast-moving categories. Turkish consumers are highly sensitive to shipping times. Local accounts utilizing local warehousing (or Hepsiburada’s fulfillment services, Fulfilled by Hepsiburada - FBH) typically achieve much higher conversion rates due to next-day delivery capabilities.
Partnering with Local Distributors (Employer of Record / Merchant of Record options)
To circumvent the need for a Turkish company while still enjoying the operational benefits of a local seller account, many global brands utilize a Merchant of Record (MoR) or an authorized distributor model. Under this structure, a Turkish corporate partner acts as the importer, legal owner, and local merchant on the Hepsiburada platform.
The MoR purchases inventory from the international brand, manages the customs clearance processes, stocks the products in local fulfillment centers, and lists them on Hepsiburada under their own Turkish corporate credentials. The MoR is responsible for all local VAT compliance, customer invoices, and platform performance parameters. This model dramatically simplifies operations for foreign brands, though it requires sharing a portion of the retail margin with the local partner and demands strict service-level agreements (SLAs) regarding brand representation, pricing parity, and intellectual property management.
The Seller Account Application Process
Once the corporate entity is established, taxes are aligned, and documentation is organized, the merchant can begin the formal digital application process. This workflow takes place within the Hepsiburada Merchant Portal (Hepsiburada Satıcı Paneli). The process is sequential, and any failure to provide accurate digital files during a step will cause the system to freeze progress.
The average timeline for account approval ranges from 3 to 7 business days, provided all submitted materials are accurate and complete. If the verification team requests clarifications or document re-submissions, this timeline can extend to several weeks. Therefore, attention to detail during the initial application is paramount.
Step-by-Step Portal Registration
Initial Account Creation: Access the merchant registration landing page. Enter your primary corporate email address, active Turkish phone number, and choose your store name. This store name is customer-facing and must not infringe on existing trademark registrations.
Corporate Type Selection: Specify your business structure (Sole Proprietorship, LTD, or A.Ş.). This selection changes the dynamic fields of the registration wizard, adapting the required document upload slots.
Tax Office & MERSİS Validation: Input your verified Tax Office, Tax Identification Number, and 16-digit MERSİS number. The system will perform an automated background check with public databases to confirm the validity of these values.
Bank Account Provision: Enter the official corporate IBAN, matching the legal entity name exactly. This IBAN is where all future marketplace disbursements will be wired.
Store Category and Commission Selection: Define your primary selling categories. This dictates your default marketplace commission rates (which can range from 5% to over 25% depending on the specific category, such as fashion, electronics, or home goods).
Document Upload: Upload high-resolution scans of the documents detailed in your specific company checklist (Tax Plate, Signature Circular, Trade Registry Gazette, etc.).
Merchant Agreement and Digital Signature Approval
After the online form is completed and validated, the portal generates the Hepsiburada Marketplace Seller Agreement (Pazaryeri Satış Sözleşmesi). This is a comprehensive, legally binding contract that outlines the marketplace rules, commission deductions, payment clearing timelines, penalties for counterfeit goods, data protection obligations (KVKK), and dispute resolution terms.
Sellers must carefully review this document. To execute the agreement, the seller can use a secure digital signature (e-İmza) verified through an authorized Turkish certificate authority (such as BTK-approved providers). Alternatively, if the digital signature option is not supported for your specific corporate profile, the agreement must be printed, signed and stamped by the authorized signatory listed on the Signature Circular on every page, and physically sent to Hepsiburada's corporate headquarters via contracted cargo services for manual verification.
Compliance Warnings and Common Rejection Reasons
Even after carefully assembling documents, many applications face delays or outright rejections due to minor compliance errors. Understanding these pitfalls before initiating registration saves operational time and prevents your tax ID from being flagged in the system. The Hepsiburada compliance team operates with strict verification standards, leaving zero room for clerical discrepancies.
If your application is rejected, the portal will typically display a standard error code or a brief note explaining which document failed validation. However, these system messages can sometimes be vague. Analyzing the most frequent compliance failures helps ensure your registration moves smoothly through the review queue on the first attempt.
Incomplete Tax Documentation
The most common point of failure is submitting outdated tax documents. The Turkish Tax Plate (Vergi Levhası) must reflect the current tax year. If your company recently underwent a structural change—such as transforming from a sole proprietorship to a limited liability company, or changing its legal name—you must ensure the updated tax plate has been generated by GİB before applying.
Additionally, the physical address listed on your tax plate must exactly match the corporate address entered in the Hepsiburada Merchant Portal. If you have moved locations, you must first update your address with the tax office and obtain an updated tax plate. Discrepancies in address formatting or zip codes can trigger automated system mismatches, stalling the validation process.
Non-Matching Bank Account Credentials
Hepsiburada enforces strict anti-money laundering and financial compliance measures. Therefore, payments cannot be made to third-party bank accounts or accounts that do not perfectly align with the registered merchant entity.
For instance, if the seller account is registered under the corporate name "XYZ Ticaret Limited Şirketi", the bank account provided must be registered under "XYZ Ticaret Limited Şirketi". Using a personal bank account belonging to the company's majority shareholder or general manager will result in an immediate rejection during the banking verification phase. Ensure that your bank has formatted your corporate name in their system exactly as it appears on your trade registry to prevent IBAN verification failures.
Intellectual Property and Trademark Verifications
To maintain a trustworthy shopping environment and prevent buybox hijacking, Hepsiburada strictly verifies intellectual property (IP) rights. If you intend to sell branded goods, you must prove that you are authorized to distribute those products.
If you are the brand owner, you must submit your official Trademark Registration Certificate issued by the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office (TÜRKPATENT). If you are an authorized reseller, you must provide a valid authorization letter, dealer certificate, or invoices from the official brand distributor showing a clear chain of custody. Attempting to list branded products without verifiable authorization can lead to immediate listing suspension, merchant account termination, and potential legal action under industrial property protection laws.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Turkish citizen partner to start selling on Hepsiburada?
No, foreign nationals can establish a 100% foreign-owned Limited Liability Company (LTD) or Joint Stock Company (A.Ş.) in Turkey to register. Alternatively, foreign companies can participate through the Hepsiburada Global program or by partnering with a local Merchant of Record.
Are there monthly store subscription fees on Hepsiburada?
Hepsiburada does not charge a fixed monthly or annual subscription fee for maintaining a standard seller account. Instead, the platform operates on a commission-based model, charging a percentage on every completed transaction based on the product category.
How long does the account verification process take on Hepsiburada?
Once all digital documents are uploaded and the merchant agreement is submitted, the standard verification and account activation process takes between 3 to 7 business days. Any errors or mismatches in the paperwork will extend this timeline.
Can I register as an individual seller without a registered company?
No, individual, non-commercial accounts are not permitted to list products on Hepsiburada. Every seller must have a registered commercial entity (Sole Proprietorship, LTD, or A.Ş.) and a valid tax identification number to issue legally compliant invoices.
What is a KEP address and why is it mandatory for Hepsiburada registration?
A KEP (Kayıtlı Elektronik Posta) is a legally binding registered electronic mail system in Turkey. Hepsiburada requires it to deliver official legal notices, contract modifications, and policy updates with cryptographic proof of delivery.
How do VAT regulations work for sales made on Hepsiburada?
All listed prices on Hepsiburada must be inclusive of VAT (KDV), which ranges from 1%, 10%, to 20% depending on the product type. The seller is responsible for calculating, collecting, and declaring this VAT to the Turkish Revenue Administration via monthly filings.
What happens if my bank account name does not match my corporate registry?
The Hepsiburada automated payment verification pipeline will reject the banking configuration if there is any mismatch between your registered business name and the bank account holder's name. This check is strictly enforced to comply with anti-money laundering regulations.
Can I sell branded products on Hepsiburada without a dealer certificate?
No, attempting to list branded products without verifiable trademark ownership or an official authorized dealer certificate from the brand owner is a violation of platform policy. It will result in your listings being suspended and potentially lead to permanent account termination.