What is an e-signature and how do you get one?
What an electronic signature is, where you can use it, and how it differs from a financial seal, in plain language.
What is an e-signature?
An e-signature (secure electronic signature) is data attached to an electronic document that verifies who signed it and shows the document hasn't been changed since.
Under Türkiye's Electronic Signature Law No. 5070, a secure electronic signature has the same legal effect as a handwritten one. Your certificate is issued by an electronic certificate service provider authorised by the Information and Communication Technologies Authority (BTK) and delivered on a personal USB token.
By law, transactions that require an official form or a special ceremony, and guarantee agreements, cannot be completed with an e-signature.
Electronic Signature Law
A secure electronic signature has the same legal effect as a handwritten signature.
Where is it used?
With your e-signature you can complete these systems and transactions without a wet signature:
- e-Devlet
- SGK (social security)
- Municipal services
- Tax office
- UYAP (judiciary)
- EKAP (public tenders)
- KEP (registered e-mail)
- Public institutions
- Private-sector contracts
How do you get one?
Get in touch
Message us on WhatsApp or call. Tell us what you need the e-signature for and ask about current prices.
Prepare your documents
We check your ID with you; if you're a foreign resident, we also go over your residence details.
Identity check and agreement
The applicant's identity is verified, the certificate agreement is signed and the application is sent to the provider.
Receive and install your token
Once your token arrives, we install the driver and signing software and test your first signature with you.
Which one do I need?
Answer 3 short questions and we'll tell you which services fit.
E-signature vs. financial seal
Both are electronic certificates, but one belongs to a person and the other to an organisation.
| Feature | E-signature | Financial seal (mali mühür) |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | A personal digital signature that verifies your identity online and has the same legal validity as a handwritten signature. | A digital seal issued in the name of a company or institution, representing it electronically. |
| Who owns it? | Individuals. Each person gets one in their own name. | Companies and traders using e-invoice, e-ledger and similar systems. |
| Legal basis | Electronic Signature Law No. 5070 | Tax Procedure Law and Revenue Administration regulations |
| Purpose | Verify a person's identity and sign the documents they approve. | Verify the organisation's identity and approve documents on its behalf. |
| Used for | e-Devlet, official documents, contracts and applications, UYAP, EKAP | E-invoice, e-archive, e-ledger and other e-transformation systems |
| Transferable? | No. It's personal and cannot be used by anyone else. | Issued to the organisation; authorised staff can use it. |
| Validity | Usually 1, 2 or 3 years. | Renewed when the certificate expires. |