Overview
On June 11, 2026, the Information and Communication Technologies Authority (BTK) published two significant amendments in Official Gazette No. 33277. These amendments update the Identity Verification Process and Consumer Rights Regulations in the electronic communications sector. The rules impose strict digital verification standards for establishing subscription contracts and introduce mandatory quarterly audits for all active mobile lines.
The regulations take effect on June 25, 2026. Foreign companies, expatriate employees, and local corporate entities must update their compliance procedures to prevent service interruptions.
1. Expanded Identity Verification Standards
Telecom operators must now verify the identity of applicants using highly secure, standardized methods before executing any subscription contract. The BTK has categorized electronic identity documents into two main types:
- TEKB (Contact Electronic Identity Document): An ID card with a chip capable of contact communication, meeting at least EAL4+ security levels and ISO/IEC 7816 standards.
- YAKB (Near Field Communication Electronic Identity Document): An ID card supporting wireless, short-range communication via NFC, compliant with ICAO 9303 and ISO/IEC 14443 standards.
Operators can verify applicants through the following channels:
- The e-Devlet (e-Government) gateway.
- Video verification supported by artificial intelligence or an authorized agent, using a YAKB.
- Password or fingerprint hash verification using a TEKB.
- Face-to-face applications requiring the applicant's physical ID and a specific video recording dedicated to the transaction.
2. Specific Procedures for Foreign Nationals
Foreign individuals residing or working in Türkiye face new procedures for obtaining telecom services if they do not possess a TEKB or YAKB.
Verification via the Directorate of Migration Management
- Foreign applicants must log into the Directorate of Migration Management mobile application.
- The system will display the applicant's foreign ID number, full name, transaction type, and service number provided by the telecom operator.
- The application will perform a live facial recognition check, comparing the applicant's face against official government records.
- If a foreign national does not have a Turkish foreign ID number, the system will use their passport number combined with the issuing country's ISO 3166 alpha-3 code.
- If mobile application verification fails, the applicant must visit a Provincial Directorate of Migration Management for biometric verification via facial recognition or fingerprints.
To prevent fraud, telecom operators are legally required to verify the applicant's mobile location data and IP address during the application process to ensure they match the location of the transaction.
Verification for Foreign Mission Personnel
Diplomats and members of international organizations holding a Foreign Mission Identity Card can verify their identity via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs integration on the e-Devlet portal.
3. Corporate Subscription Requirements
Foreign and local businesses purchasing corporate lines must provide digitized copies of original verification documents. Operators must retain the following for corporate accounts:
- The ID of the authorized representative.
- An official authorization document proving the representative's authority to bind the company.
- For commercial companies: A registry certificate containing the MERSIS (Central Registration System) number obtained from the Trade Registry Directorate.
- For entities without a MERSIS number: The official document containing the corporate tax identification number.
4. Mandatory Quarterly Audits and Line Closures
The most critical operational change for businesses is the new active status monitoring requirement. Telecom operators must verify the active legal status of all subscribers every three months.
- Real Persons: Verified via the Ministry of Interior's Identity Sharing System (KPS) using the Turkish ID or foreign ID number.
- Foreigners Without Initial ID Numbers: Must be verified via KPS within three months of the contract date.
- Corporate Entities: Operators must verify that the legal entity has not been dissolved, using MERSIS or tax identification numbers.
Penalties for Verification Failure
If an operator cannot verify the active status of a subscriber or the corporate entity:
- Within 24 hours: The operator must send an SMS warning to all contact numbers associated with the account.
- Within 30 days: The operator must restrict the telecom service.
- Within 90 days: The operator must permanently close the line.
If a corporate entity remains active but its authorized representative can no longer be verified via KPS, the lines will not be closed immediately, but no new subscription transactions can be made until the company registers a new authorized representative.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When do these new telecommunication rules take effect?
The amendments enter into force on June 25, 2026.
How do our newly arrived expatriate employees get mobile lines if they do not yet have a Turkish residency card?
They can apply using their passport. The operator will process the application using the passport number combined with your home country's ISO 3166 alpha-3 code. The employee will need to use the Directorate of Migration Management application for live facial verification. Once they receive their formal foreign ID number, the operator must update and verify the records within three months.
We hold several corporate mobile lines. What happens if our authorized signatory leaves the company?
The telecom operator runs compliance checks every three months. If the former signatory's authority is removed and they fail the Identity Sharing System verification, your company will be barred from making any new subscription transactions or modifications until you formally register a new authorized representative with the telecom operator.
Can operators accept physical photocopies of IDs for new contracts?
No. Operators are required to take digital copies from the original identity documents and transfer them directly to an appropriate electronic medium. If the verification is done via e-Devlet or biometric channels, the requirement to take a copy is considered fulfilled.
