E-Export Company Formation

Today, business borders have become almost entirely digital. With the rise of e-commerce and the decline of physical store dependency, the concept of e-export has gained tremendous importance. E-export refers to selling products or services to international customers through online channels. Compared to traditional export methods, it is more flexible, cost-effective, and offers faster market access—especially for small and medium-sized enterprises.

The first and most crucial step before entering the e-export ecosystem is establishing a legal and compliant business structure. Setting up a company is not just a formality; it is an essential foundation for long-term success and global reliability.

Why Is a Company Necessary for E-Export?

Trying to engage in e-export without a registered business entity may lead to serious issues in terms of local regulations and international marketplace access. Having an official company is necessary not just for issuing invoices but also for:

• Fulfilling legal responsibilities

• Accessing e-invoice and e-archive systems

• Benefiting from VAT exemptions and government incentives

• Using global payment gateways

• Building a strong brand image

• Creating professional seller accounts on Amazon, Etsy, eBay, etc.

Though it seems like a digital process, e-export requires a highly structured and regulated backend operation.

Which Type of Company Is Best for E-Export?

In Turkey, entrepreneurs can choose among three main business types: sole proprietorship, limited liability company, and joint-stock company. Each has its pros and cons:

• Sole Proprietorship: The most affordable and fastest to set up. Tax rates increase with income. Ideal for small-scale operations.

• Limited Liability Company (LTD): Suitable for mid-sized businesses and scalable growth. Offers a flat corporate tax rate and a professional image.

• Joint-Stock Company (A.Ş.): Best for large-scale operations, seeking investment, or international partnerships. Setup and compliance costs are higher.

A sole proprietorship is usually sufficient for beginners, but as your operations scale, switching to a limited company structure becomes more advantageous.

Company Formation Step-by-Step

Establishing an e-export company in Turkey typically includes the following steps:

1. Choose your company type and trade name

2. Select your NACE code (business activity)

3. Apply to the tax office and complete on-site inspections

4. Handle notary procedures and create a signature declaration

5. Obtain e-signature and financial seal for digital registration

6. Activate e-invoice, e-archive, and e-dispatch systems

With proper guidance, all these procedures can be completed in 3 to 5 business days. Marcaworld handles the entire process on your behalf to minimize errors and delays.

What Is Micro Export and ETGB?

Micro export is the most commonly used method in e-export, especially for low-volume international shipments. It offers both cost and time advantages. A shipment qualifies as micro export if:

• It weighs under 300 kg

• The invoice value is below €15,000

• It is shipped for commercial purposes

• It is processed using the Electronic Commerce Customs Declaration (ETGB)

ETGB eliminates the need for traditional customs declarations, making the process more practical. Marcaworld coordinates with logistics providers to manage your micro export operations seamlessly.

VAT Exemption and Refund Process

Companies engaged in e-export can benefit from VAT exemptions for international sales. This means you can sell without adding the standard 20% VAT to your product prices. Additionally, you can request a refund for the VAT paid on inputs related to those sales.

To qualify for VAT benefits, you must prepare and submit:

• ETGB document

• Sales invoice (e-invoice)

• Supplier invoices

• Application to the tax office

Marcaworld manages this entire process to ensure maximum refunds with full compliance.

Government Incentives for E-Exporters

The Turkish Ministry of Trade and other government institutions offer a range of incentives for companies engaged in e-export, including:

• Refunds for marketplace membership fees

• Support for international branding, trademark registration, and office rentals

• Digital advertising and marketing reimbursements

• Partial coverage of logistics and shipping expenses

• Special support programs for IT and software companies

To benefit from these incentives, businesses must submit complete applications with accurate documentation. Marcaworld provides full support throughout this process.

Where Can You Sell?

Once your company is set up, you can sell products on various global marketplaces, including:

• Amazon (US, Europe)

• Etsy

• eBay

• AliExpress

• Your own Shopify store

• Local platforms offering international sales like Trendyol GoGlobal and Hepsiburada Global

Each of these platforms requires business information, banking details, tax numbers, and payment integrations. Marcaworld assists you in completing full setup and integration.

Banking and Payment Systems

To collect your revenues from international sales, you’ll need a corporate bank account. You can also use international financial solutions like Payoneer, Wise, or Stripe to receive payments in multiple currencies. These systems integrate easily with e-commerce platforms like Shopify or Amazon.

Marcaworld helps you set up the most suitable payment infrastructure for your business model and market.

Digital Marketing Strategy for E-Export

Success in e-export doesn’t rely solely on having a great product. You also need a well-planned digital marketing strategy. Product titles, SEO-optimized descriptions, high-quality visuals, and ad campaigns on social media or search engines directly impact conversion rates.

Marcaworld helps you craft a marketing plan tailored to your target audience and product category, increasing visibility and sales.

A Complete Solution with Marcaworld

Establishing a company is just the beginning of the e-export journey. For long-term success, every process must be strategically and legally aligned. Marcaworld offers full-spectrum consulting that covers:

• Company setup

• Tax compliance

• VAT refunds

• Logistics and customs

• Platform integrations

• Incentive applications

• Payment solutions

• Digital marketing strategy

If you want to enter the global market with a strong foundation and minimize legal and financial risks, Marcaworld is your trusted partner.