New company owners in Türkiye often ask: do I need an e-signature or a financial seal (mali mühür)? The short answer: most businesses need both, because they do different jobs.
E-signature: a person's signature
An e-signature belongs to an individual and verifies that person's identity. Under Electronic Signature Law No. 5070, a secure electronic signature has the same legal effect as a handwritten one. It's personal and can't be transferred or used by anyone else.
Used for: e-Devlet, UYAP, EKAP tenders, signing contracts and petitions, SGK and tax office matters.
Financial seal: a company's seal
A financial seal is issued in the name of a company or institution and represents it electronically. It's used for Revenue Administration systems and can be used by staff the company authorises.
Used for: e-invoice, e-archive invoice, e-ledger and other e-transformation systems.
Which one do I need?
- Personal transactions: an e-signature is enough.
- Your company will use e-invoice or e-ledger: you need a financial seal.
- You'll sign on behalf of your company as its authorised officer: you need your own e-signature.
See the full comparison on our e-signature page, or take our short quiz.
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