How to Register for EKAP (turkey), 2026 Guide for Foreign Bidders

Understanding how to register for EKAP is the essential first step for any foreign company that wants to participate in tenders in Turkey. EKAP, the Elektronik Kamu Alımları Platformu (Electronic Public Procurement Platform), is operated by Turkey’s Public Procurement Authority (Kamu İhale Kurumu, or KİK) and serves as the mandatory gateway for all public tender notices, bid submissions, and procurement communications. With the rollout of EKAP v2, updated procurement thresholds, and clarified e-signature rules in 2026, foreign bidders face a tighter, more technical onboarding process than ever before.

This guide walks procurement managers, legal teams, and international suppliers through every stage: from assembling documents and obtaining a Turkish tax identification number, to procuring a qualified electronic signature and completing the step-by-step EKAP registration flow.

Quick Summary, What This Guide Covers (and 2026 Updates)

If you are short on time, here is a three-minute overview of the EKAP registration process for foreign bidders in 2026:

• Determine your legal approach. Decide whether you will register directly as a foreign legal or natural person, appoint a Turkish representative, or establish a local subsidiary.
• Prepare your document package. Gather company extracts, authority certificates, notarised translations, and apostilled or legalised originals, matched to Turkey’s equivalence requirements.
• Obtain a Turkish potential tax identification number. Foreign entities without a Turkish tax presence must apply to the Revenue Administration before they can submit bids.
• Procure a qualified electronic signature (QES) and, where required, a KEP address. E-signatures must be compatible with EKAP’s signing client.
• Complete the EKAP registration form on the platform, upload documents, and await validation by the Public Procurement Authority.
• Test your EKAP login and configure signing software before your first tender deadline.

Key 2026 changes to note: The EKAP v2 interface introduces revised field structures and updated threshold values for direct procurement (doğrudan temin). The Public Procurement Authority has also published updated guidance on acceptable foreign-entity document equivalences and e-signature certificate standards. Industry observers expect these changes to reduce processing delays for compliant applications while tightening rejection criteria for incomplete filings.

What Is EKAP and Who Must Register?

EKAP is Turkey’s centralised electronic public procurement platform, administered by the Public Procurement Authority under the framework of Public Procurement Law No. 4734. Every contracting authority in Turkey, from government ministries to municipal bodies and state-owned enterprises, publishes tender notices, receives bids, and communicates with bidders through EKAP. Registration on the platform is mandatory for any entity that wishes to submit a bid, and this obligation extends equally to domestic and foreign bidders.

It is important to distinguish EKAP from Turkey’s e-Devlet (e-Government) portal. While e-Devlet provides citizen-level access to various government services, EKAP is a purpose-built procurement system with its own registration pathway, login infrastructure, and e-signature requirements. Turkish citizens and domestic companies may use their e-Devlet credentials for certain initial steps, but foreign bidders must follow EKAP’s dedicated foreign registration process. The EKAP mobile app, available on Google Play, also provides access to tender listings but does not replace the full web-based registration and bidding workflow.

EKAP v2 Changes in 2026

The 2026 EKAP v2 release brought several changes relevant to foreign bidders:

• Revised interface. The registration form for foreign natural and legal persons now uses restructured fields, with clearer labelling in Turkish and English.
• Updated procurement thresholds. Annual threshold revisions affect which procurements require full EKAP-based electronic bidding versus simplified direct procurement (doğrudan temin) routes.
• Clarified e-signature standards. Updated guidance on accepted qualified certificate providers and signing client compatibility.
• Improved validation workflow. The Public Procurement Authority now uses a streamlined document validation queue, with faster turnaround for complete applications.

Pre-Requisites for Foreign Bidders: EKAP Registration for Foreign Companies

Before you begin the EKAP registration process, you must determine your legal approach to bidding in Turkey. Foreign entities have three principal options, each with different document requirements, timelines, and practical considerations.

Option 1, Register Directly as a Foreign Legal or Natural Person

The most common route for foreign companies is to register directly on EKAP as a foreign legal person. This is the approach described in the Public Procurement Authority’s official announcement on the registration of foreign natural and legal persons on EKAP. You submit equivalent national documents (company extracts, authority certificates, and identification) with notarised Turkish translations, and the authority validates your registration. This approach avoids the cost and delay of forming a Turkish entity but requires a compatible e-signature arrangement.

Option 2, Appoint a Turkish Representative

A foreign company may appoint a Turkish-resident authorised representative to act on its behalf for EKAP registration and bid submissions. This requires a notarised power of attorney, apostilled or legalised in the bidder’s home jurisdiction and translated into Turkish by a sworn translator. The representative must hold a valid Turkish e-signature. This arrangement simplifies the e-signature procurement process but adds a layer of dependency and trust.

Option 3, Establish a Turkish Subsidiary

Some foreign companies choose to form a Turkish subsidiary, typically a limited liability company (limited şirket) or a joint-stock company (anonim şirket). A Turkish subsidiary registers on EKAP as a domestic entity using its MERSİS number and local e-signature, which is the fastest and simplest registration pathway. However, company formation involves incorporation costs, minimum capital, and ongoing compliance obligations. This option is generally advisable only for companies planning sustained participation in Turkish public procurement. For further context on forming a Turkish entity, see our guide on how to register a foreign construction company in Turkey.

Document Checklist, Foreign Natural and Legal Persons

The document requirements for EKAP registration of foreign companies are specified in the Public Procurement Authority’s official announcement. Each document must demonstrate equivalence to the Turkish domestic counterpart, and specific formatting, translation, and legalisation rules apply.

Practical Notes by Entity Type

EU Limited Company (e.g., German GmbH). A German GmbH would typically submit a current Handelsregisterauszug (commercial register extract), apostilled under the Hague Convention, with a sworn Turkish translation. The managing director’s authority is evidenced by the extract itself or a separate notarised declaration, also apostilled and translated. Germany Trade & Invest (GTAI) guidance confirms that the e-signature obligation applies to all foreign bidders submitting electronic bids.

US LLC. A US LLC would submit a Certificate of Good Standing from the relevant Secretary of State, legalised via apostille (since the US is a Hague Convention member). An operating agreement excerpt naming the authorised member or manager, notarised by a US notary and apostilled, serves as the authority document. Sworn Turkish translation is required for all submissions.

In both cases, all documents should be recent, typically issued within the preceding six months, and uploaded to EKAP in PDF format during the registration procedures for EKAP.

Tax ID for Foreign Bidders, How to Obtain an EKAP Tax Identification Number

Foreign legal and natural persons that do not have a Turkish tax presence must obtain a potential tax identification number (potansiyel vergi kimlik numarası) before they can complete EKAP registration or submit bids. This is a simplified tax number issued by the Turkish Revenue Administration for entities that are not yet fully tax-registered in Turkey but need a tax identity for procurement and other official transactions.

Steps to Obtain a Potential Tax ID

1. Identify the competent tax office. Applications are typically submitted to the tax office serving the district where the company’s Turkish representative is located, or to a designated large-taxpayer office for foreign entities.
2. Prepare required documents. These generally include a notarised and apostilled copy of the company’s incorporation certificate, a passport copy of the authorised person, and a completed application form.
3. Submit via authorised representative. A Turkish representative holding a valid notarised power of attorney can submit the application on the foreign entity’s behalf.
4. Receive the tax number. Processing typically takes a few business days, though timelines can vary by tax office.

When to Use a Tax ID vs MERSİS

Turkish-registered entities use their MERSİS (Merkezi Sicil Kayıt Sistemi) number for EKAP registration. Foreign entities without a Turkish commercial registry entry use the potential tax identification number instead. The EKAP system accepts either identifier depending on the registration pathway selected, domestic or foreign.

How to Register for EKAP: E-Signature (QES) and KEP Requirements

Electronic bidding on EKAP requires a qualified electronic signature (QES, nitelikli elektronik imza) that is compatible with the platform’s signing infrastructure. This is not a simple digital signature or a scanned image of a wet-ink signature. It is a cryptographic certificate issued by a qualified trust service provider, stored on a secure token (USB smart card or HSM), and used to sign bid documents within EKAP’s electronic submission workflow.

QES vs Standard E-Signature

Turkey’s Electronic Signature Law (Law No. 5070) distinguishes between standard electronic signatures and qualified electronic signatures. Only the latter carries the legal equivalence of a handwritten signature and is accepted by EKAP. The EKAP SystemLogin page specifies that users must log in using a QES issued by a provider recognised by Turkey’s Information and Communication Technologies Authority (BTK).

KEP, Registered Electronic Mail

KEP (Kayıtlı Elektronik Posta) is Turkey’s registered electronic mail system, which provides legally binding proof of delivery for official communications. While KEP is not always mandatory for initial EKAP registration, contracting authorities may use KEP addresses for tender notifications and official correspondence. Companies planning sustained participation in Turkish procurement should obtain a KEP address from a licensed KEP service provider. Practical guidance on setting up KEP for non-Turkish entities is available from specialist consultancies.

How Foreign Entities Procure QES for EKAP

1. Option A, Turkish QES via representative. The most common approach is for the foreign company’s Turkish authorised representative to obtain a QES in their own name from a Turkish qualified trust service provider (e.g., e-Güven, TürkTrust, or Kamusm). The representative then signs EKAP submissions on behalf of the foreign entity under the power of attorney.
2. Option B, Foreign QES (where accepted). EKAP’s signing client may accept qualified certificates issued by EU-recognised trust service providers under the eIDAS framework, provided the certificate meets EKAP’s technical specifications. Industry observers expect EKAP v2 to expand interoperability, but bidders should verify acceptance directly with the Public Procurement Authority before relying on a non-Turkish certificate.
3. Option C, Obtain a Turkish QES directly. A foreign natural person physically present in Turkey can apply for a QES from a Turkish provider by presenting a valid passport and completing identity verification in person.

Common Installation Errors and Fixes

EKAP’s signing client relies on Java-based browser plugins or standalone signing applications (such as ArkSigner) and PKCS#11 drivers for the USB token. Foreign bidders frequently encounter technical issues during initial setup. The table below summarises the most common problems:

Step-by-Step EKAP Registration (EKAP v2 Flow)

Once you have assembled your documents, obtained your tax identification number, and procured a compatible e-signature, you are ready to complete the EKAP registration. The following numbered steps reflect the EKAP v2 registration procedures for EKAP as of 2026:

1. Access the EKAP registration page. Navigate to the EKAP portal at ekap.kik.gov.tr. From the main page, select the registration pathway for Gerçek veya Tüzel Kişi Kayıt (Real or Legal Person Registration). Foreign bidders should select the foreign natural person (Yabancı Gerçek Kişi) or foreign legal person (Yabancı Tüzel Kişi) pathway.
2. Enter entity details. Complete the required fields, including:
   • Unvan (company name), enter the full legal name as it appears on your certificate of incorporation.
   • Ülke (country), select your country of registration from the dropdown.
   • Vergi Kimlik Numarası (tax identification number), enter the Turkish potential tax ID obtained earlier.
   • Yetkili Kişi Bilgileri (authorised person details), name, passport number, and contact information of the person who will sign on behalf of the entity.
3. Upload supporting documents. Upload PDF copies of all items from the document checklist, company extract, authority certificate, passport copy, power of attorney (if applicable), and tax ID document. Each file must be clearly named and within the file-size limits specified on the form.
4. Submit the registration protocol. EKAP generates a registration protocol document (kayıt protokolü), which summarises the details you have entered and the documents uploaded. Review this protocol carefully. You may need to sign it electronically using your QES before submission, depending on the pathway selected.
5. Await Public Procurement Authority validation. After submission, the application enters the KİK validation queue. The authority reviews all documents for completeness and equivalence. Complete and properly formatted applications are typically validated within five to ten business days, though complex cases or document queries may take longer.
6. Receive activation confirmation. Upon successful validation, you receive an activation notification (typically via the email address provided during registration). You can now log in to EKAP using your e-signature via the EKAP login page at ekap.kik.gov.tr/EKAP/SystemLogin.aspx.
7. Test your EKAP login and signing setup. Before your first tender deadline, perform a full test: insert your QES token, launch the signing client, and verify that EKAP recognises your certificate and allows you to access the bidder dashboard. Resolve any driver or configuration issues at this stage rather than under time pressure.

What to Expect After Submission, PPA Validation Timeline

The Public Procurement Authority processes foreign registration applications on a rolling basis. Applications with complete, correctly formatted, and properly legalised documents move through validation fastest. The most common reason for delay is incomplete or improperly apostilled documentation. If the authority requests additional documents or corrections, you will receive a notification through the EKAP messaging system or by email. Responding promptly to these requests is critical, unresolved queries may result in application cancellation.

How to Submit an Electronic Bid on EKAP, Final Prechecks

With your EKAP registration active and your e-signature tested, you can participate in electronic bidding on EKAP. The platform supports fully electronic bid submission for tenders that are designated as e-ihale (electronic tender). Before submitting your first bid, run through the following pre-bid compliance checks:

• Verify tender eligibility. Confirm that the tender notice does not restrict participation to domestic bidders or impose conditions that your entity cannot meet (e.g., specific local licences).
• Prepare bid documents. Assemble all required technical and financial documents as specified in the tender’s idari şartname (administrative specification) and teknik şartname (technical specification).
• Create the electronic envelope. EKAP’s e-bid workflow requires you to upload documents into a virtual envelope structure, separating technical qualification documents from financial offers.
• Sign each document with QES. Every document within the bid envelope must be individually signed using your qualified electronic signature before submission.
• Submit before the deadline. EKAP enforces a strict timestamp cutoff. Bids submitted after the deadline, even by seconds, are automatically rejected by the system.

Entity-Type Comparison, Pre-Bid Steps and Common Errors

Troubleshooting Checklist, Quick Fixes for Bid Submission

• Bid envelope rejected as “incomplete”: Check that all mandatory annexes listed in the tender specification have been uploaded and individually signed.
• Financial offer format error: Ensure currency, decimal separators, and unit prices match the format specified in the idari şartname.
• E-signature time-stamp mismatch: Synchronise your computer clock with an NTP server before signing. EKAP’s timestamp validation can reject documents signed with a significantly drifted local clock.
• File size or format rejection: Upload documents in PDF format within the size limits displayed on the submission screen. Scanned images embedded in Word documents are not accepted.

Conclusion

Successfully navigating how to register for EKAP in 2026 demands careful preparation, from assembling legalised documents and obtaining a Turkish tax ID, to procuring and configuring a qualified electronic signature. Foreign companies that invest in thorough, compliant onboarding position themselves to participate in tenders in Turkey without last-minute rejections or missed deadlines. For tailored guidance on EKAP registration, e-signature procurement, or any aspect of Turkish public procurement, consult a qualified specialist via our Turkey lawyer directory.

This article provides general information on EKAP registration requirements and does not constitute legal advice. Requirements may change; contact qualified counsel for case-specific guidance. Last updated: 14 June 2026.

Sources

1. Kamu İhale Kurumu, Announcement on Foreign Registration
2. EKAP (Kamu İhale Kurumu), EKAP Portal
3. EKAP SystemLogin
4. WorkOn, KEP and E-Signature in Turkey
5. Ongur Partners, Electronic Bidding in Turkish Tenders
6. 10K Danışmanlık, EKAP Registration for Foreign Persons
7. GTAI, Tender Publication and E-Signature Notes
8. EKAP Mobile App, Google Play