E-Seal and E-Signature Guide: What Are They, What Do They Do, and Who Can Use Them?
E-Seal and E-Signature Guide: What Are They, What Do They Do, and Who Can Use Them?
As digitalization continues to transform business processes, many official and commercial transactions have moved to digital platforms. In this process, e-Seal and e-Signature have become important tools for securely and legally carrying out electronic transactions. So, what exactly are an e-Seal and an e-Signature, how are they used, and who can apply for them?
What Is an e-Seal? 
An e-Seal can be considered the electronic equivalent of a company stamp. As many official procedures are now carried out through digital channels, electronic identification and authentication tools have become increasingly important.
The e-Seal is particularly used in electronic document processes such as e-Invoice. It helps ensure the security and integrity of electronic documents while also contributing to the protection of their confidentiality.
What Is an e-Seal Certificate?
An e-Seal certificate is an electronic certificate provided by TÜBİTAK and delivered in a physical device resembling a USB drive. It functions as an electronic company stamp and can also be considered a type of corporate electronic signature tool.
Companies operating as legal entities must obtain an e-Seal if they want to become e-Invoice users. Therefore, businesses that intend to use e-Invoices need to complete the e-Seal application process.
How to Apply for an e-Seal
To obtain an e-Seal, you need to complete the application form through the website of the Public Certification Center (Kamu SM) and pay the relevant fee to TÜBİTAK.
The payment can be made through bank branches as well as through online or mobile banking channels. During the payment process, the required inquiry can be made using the company's tax identification number.
Businesses that want to use e-Invoices through Paraşüt can submit their e-Seal application through the Application Guide available within the platform or directly through the Public Certification Center.
Once the application has been completed, the e-Seal is generally delivered within approximately seven days.
What Is an e-Seal Used For?
The e-Seal is used to register and identify a company within the electronic invoicing system during the e-Invoice application process. This allows the company's information to be verified.
Certificates issued by the Electronic Certificate Service Provider for e-Seals help verify the source and integrity of e-Invoices and other electronic documents created by legal entities, institutions, and organizations. They also provide security and confidentiality during the transmission and archiving of these documents.
Who Can Use an e-Seal? 
An e-Seal can be used by individuals authorized by the relevant company or institution. If there is a change in the authorized personnel within the organization, the newly appointed representatives must be identified and reported to the relevant authorities in a timely manner.
Updated e-Seal Fees for 2026
The Public Certification Center (Kamu SM) has updated its e-Seal fees. According to the August 2026 tariff, the fee for a 3-year e-Seal certificate and card reader is TRY 2,040 (TRY 1,700 + VAT).
Before submitting an application, applicants should make sure to check the latest fee schedule.
| Product / Service | Price |
|---|---|
| 3-Year e-Seal Certificate and Card Reader | TRY 2,040 (TRY 1,700 + VAT) |
e-Seal Prices for January 2026
The Financial Seal Certificate (MÜS) and Security Services Certificate (GÜS) are certificates used in electronic document and e-transformation processes. These certificates are generally issued with a 3-year validity period.
The e-Seal fee applicable in January 2026 was as follows:
| Product / Service | Price |
| 3-Year e-Seal Certificate and Card Reader | TRY 1,740 (TRY 1,450 + VAT) |
Note: VAT is included in the stated prices. Fees may vary depending on the service provider and the application period.
As of 2026, there is no separate pricing structure for legal entities and individuals when it comes to e-Seal fees. The same tariff applies regardless of the type of application.
e-Seal Fees in 2025
The e-Seal fees applicable as of September 15, 2025, were as follows:
| Applicant Type | Product / Service | Price |
| Legal Entity | 3-Year e-Seal Certificate and Card Reader | TRY 1,620 (TRY 1,350 + VAT) |
| Individual | 3-Year e-Seal Certificate and Card Reader | TRY 1,200 (TRY 1,000 + VAT) |
Key Things to Know About e-Seals
- An e-Seal certificate must be renewed every three years.
- If a company's legal name changes, the e-Seal issued under the previous name becomes invalid. A new application must therefore be submitted under the new company name.
- Legal entities that want to use e-Invoices are required to obtain an e-Seal.
- An e-Seal application can be submitted through the Kamu SM website.
- The e-Seal is used to register and identify a company in the electronic invoicing system.
What Is the Difference Between an e-Signature and an e-Seal?
Although e-Seals and e-Signatures are sometimes confused with one another, they serve different purposes and are issued to different parties.
The most important distinction is that an e-Seal is issued on behalf of a company or organization, whereas an e-Signature is issued to an individual. In other words, an e-Signature serves as the electronic equivalent of a person's handwritten signature.
If you operate as a sole proprietorship and want to become an e-Invoice user, you can apply using an e-Signature instead of an e-Seal. The e-Signature device can be obtained from organizations authorized to issue electronic signature certificates.
How Is an e-Signature Used?
An e-Signature is provided to the user through a smart card. Before using it, the required card driver and software must be installed on the computer.
During the installation process, it is important to determine whether the Windows operating system being used is 32-bit or 64-bit. Users working with macOS are advised to contact their e-Signature service provider for installation support.
Java must also be installed on the computer for the e-Signature to function properly. If Java is not already installed, the appropriate version can be downloaded free of charge according to the operating system. The .NET Framework software must also be installed on the computer.
The required drivers and programs can be installed using the user guide and other installation materials provided with the e-Signature device.
Once the installation process is complete, the activation stage can begin. After connecting the USB device to the computer, the e-Signature can be activated by following the required steps.
e-Signature Fees for 2026
The e-Signature and related service fees applicable in 2026 are listed below:
| No. | Product / Service | Price |
| 1 | 1-Year Qualified Electronic Certificate (QEC) (e-Signature) | TRY 1,440 (TRY 1,200 + VAT) |
| 2 | 2-Year Qualified Electronic Certificate (QEC) (e-Signature) | TRY 1,758 (TRY 1,465 + VAT) |
| 3 | 3-Year Qualified Electronic Certificate (QEC) (e-Signature) | TRY 2,004 (TRY 1,670 + VAT) |
| 4 | 1-Year VPN / LOGON (without QEC) | TRY 876 (TRY 730 + VAT) |
| 5 | 1-Year VPN / LOGON / Encryption (when purchased with QEC) | TRY 480 (TRY 400 + VAT) |
| 6 | 2-Year VPN / LOGON (without QEC) | TRY 1,110 (TRY 925 + VAT) |
| 7 | 2-Year VPN / LOGON / Encryption (when purchased with QEC) | TRY 630 (TRY 525 + VAT) |
| 8 | 3-Year VPN / LOGON (without QEC) | TRY 1,440 (TRY 1,200 + VAT) |
| 9 | 3-Year VPN / LOGON / Encryption (when purchased with QEC) | TRY 780 (TRY 650 + VAT) |
| 10 | Mini Card Reader | TRY 600 (TRY 500 + VAT) |
| 11 | Desktop Card Reader | TRY 1,440 (TRY 1,200 + VAT) |
| 12 | Test Certificate | TRY 1,590 (TRY 1,325 + VAT) |
e-Signature Fees in 2025
The e-Signature fees announced by the Public Certification Center for 2025 were as follows:
| Product / Service | Price |
| 1-Year Qualified Electronic Certificate (QEC) (e-Signature) | TRY 1,080 (TRY 900 + VAT) |
| 2-Year Qualified Electronic Certificate (QEC) (e-Signature) | TRY 1,320 (TRY 1,100 + VAT) |
| 3-Year Qualified Electronic Certificate (QEC) (e-Signature) | TRY 1,500 (TRY 1,250 + VAT) |
| 1-Year VPN / LOGON (without QEC) | TRY 660 (TRY 550 + VAT) |
| 1-Year VPN / LOGON / Encryption (when purchased with QEC) | TRY 360 (TRY 300 + VAT) |
| 2-Year VPN / LOGON (without QEC) | TRY 840 (TRY 700 + VAT) |
| 2-Year VPN / LOGON / Encryption (when purchased with QEC) | TRY 480 (TRY 400 + VAT) |
| 3-Year VPN / LOGON (without QEC) | TRY 1,080 (TRY 900 + VAT) |
| 3-Year VPN / LOGON / Encryption (when purchased with QEC) | TRY 600 (TRY 500 + VAT) |
| Mini Card Reader | TRY 480 (TRY 400 + VAT) |
| Desktop Card Reader | TRY 1,200 (TRY 1,000 + VAT) |
| Test Certificate | TRY 1,200 (TRY 1,000 + VAT) |
A mini card reader is a device, typically available in white or red, that allows the e-Signature card to be connected to a computer through a USB port.
How to Renew an e-Seal
The e-Seal renewal process begins approximately three months before the certificate expires. The Public Certification Center sends information about the renewal process to the email address registered in its system.
Once the certificate expires, authorized representatives must repeat the necessary steps required during the renewal application process to obtain a new certificate.
