Türkei: A New Era for Commercial Books in Türkiye: Amendments on Bookkeeping, Opening Certification and Electronic Record-Keeping in Effect

The Amendment to the Regulation on Commercial Books, published in the Official Gazette on 10 July 2025, introduces major updates to how companies keep, store, and certify commercial books. The changes aim to accelerate digitalization process and eliminate practical ambiguities.

1. Ownership Criteria Changed for Bearer Shares

In joint stock companies and limited partnership divided into shares, presenting a bearer share certificate will no longer be sufficient to be considered a shareholder.

New requirements:

  • Proof of possession
  • Notification to the Central Securities Depository (MKK)

This regulation aims to enhance the reliability of company records and to prevent unregistered transactions.

2. Extension of Deadline for Loss Certificate Applications

In extraordinary situations (e.g. fire, flood, theft), the deadline for applying for a loss certificate for destroyed commercial books is extended from 15 to 30 days.
This change provides companies with a more flexible legal timeline in the event of a disaster.

3. Expanded List of Books Requiring Notarial Opening Approval

In addition to the share ledger and board resolution book, the general assembly meeting and negotiation book is now also subject to notarial opening certification.
In case of replacement, the notary must:

  • Record the new book with an opening certification,
  • Annotate the previous book (or loss certificate) with date and reference.

This procedure provides a systematic record to prevent the same register from being opened a second time.

4. New Distinction in Electronic Bookkeeping

A new separation is introduced between:

  • Accounting-related books → previous communiqué provisions apply.
  • Non-accounting books (e.g. share ledger, board minutes, general assembly records) → must be kept electronically per the communiqué dated 14 February 2025.

This distinction aims to reduce confusion in digital bookkeeping practices.



Autor: Müge Şengönül
Autor: Sedanur Zengin