--- title: "Can People Under 18 Do E-Commerce? Legal Requirements and Roadmap" description: "Can people under 18 do e-commerce? Learn the legal limits in Turkey, the tax and marketplace barriers, and a practical roadmap for young entrepreneurs." url: https://www.faprika.com/en/blog/can-people-under-18-do-e-commerce language: en site: Faprika --- # Can People Under 18 Do E-Commerce? Legal Requirements and Roadmap > Can people under 18 do e-commerce? Learn the legal limits in Turkey, the tax and marketplace barriers, and a practical roadmap for young entrepreneurs. As digitalization gathers pace, e-commerce has become a field that attracts not only adults with large capital but also young people who develop a vision early. High-school-age individuals in particular see entrepreneurship as more accessible thanks to the low-cost, borderless trade opportunities the internet offers. However, this interest is not limited to technical knowledge and marketing skills; it also requires a serious legal and financial foundation. This study aims to put the enthusiasm of people under 18 for e-commerce on a realistic footing, to clarify the limits within which they can operate under the legal regulations in force in Turkey, and to offer young entrepreneurs a practical, sustainable roadmap. Key Takeaway People under 18 cannot start e-commerce directly; however, through lawful alternative models, they can build up knowledge, experience and brand groundwork strongly before reaching adulthood. ## Digital Transformation The wave of digital transformation brought by the 21st century has fundamentally changed the nature of trade and made the entrepreneurial ecosystem more accessible than ever. The high capital, physical store rent and inventory costs once needed to start a business have been minimized by digital platforms. This has caused the age of entrepreneurship to fall rapidly and led even high-school-age individuals to dream of starting their own businesses. Statistics show that young people's interest in e-commerce is multiplying every year. Aspiring young entrepreneurs are no longer content with being consumers; they also want to take part in the economy as producers and sellers. However, when this strong interest and enthusiasm meet legal realities, they raise various questions. Questions such as “I'm under 18, can I get a tax certificate?”, “Can I open an e-commerce site in my own name?” and “Can I accept payments without a bank account?” are the ones most often encountered in the industry and, unfortunately, are often answered with wrong or incomplete information. The main purpose of this document is to help young entrepreneurs and their families understand this complex legal process correctly and to draw up a sustainable roadmap in line with 2025 legislation. ## Legal Capacity and Legal Basis in Turkish Law The basic condition for carrying out any commercial activity in Turkey is having the authority to perform legal acts, that is, “legal capacity.” Turkish Civil Code No. 4721 sets certain requirements for people to acquire rights and take on obligations. Because doing e-commerce by its nature requires continually entering into contracts (sales contracts, supply contracts, etc.) and taking on financial obligations, the concept of legal capacity is vital. Under the Civil Code, three main conditions must be met together to have full legal capacity: - **Capacity to Discern:** The ability to understand the causes and consequences of one's actions and to act accordingly. - **Being of Legal Age:** The legislator has set the age of majority at the completion of 18 years. - **Not Being Under Restriction:** One must not have been placed under guardianship due to reasons such as mental illness, mental weakness or prodigality. In light of these conditions, individuals who have not completed 18 years are legally considered to be in the status of “**limited legal capacity**.” Tip Accept the Legal Realities from the Start While you are under 18, the obstacles to e-commerce are not technical but entirely stem from legal and financial responsibility. Knowing these limits prevents wrong steps. ## Legal Requirements of E-Commerce Seen from the outside, e-commerce may look like simply creating a digital storefront, but behind the scenes it is a formal commercial activity carrying heavy legal obligations. Law No. 6563 on the Regulation of Electronic Commerce and the related regulations impose strict rules on sellers. **Tax Liability** Under the Turkish tax system, all commercial income of a “continuous” nature earned over the internet is subject to tax. From the moment you start selling a product for profit, you must become a taxpayer under the Tax Procedure Law. This process begins by submitting a start-of-business notification to the tax office. Taxpayer status brings responsibilities such as filing returns, keeping books and issuing invoices. It is not possible for people under 18 to establish this status in their own name without the approval of a legal representative. **ETBİS and İYS Registrations** The Electronic Commerce Information System (ETBİS), established by the Ministry of Trade, is a database in which businesses engaged in e-commerce are registered. Everyone who opens an e-commerce site must register with ETBİS and display a QR code on their site. Similarly, registration with the Message Management System (İYS) is required to do marketing to customers by SMS or email. Both systems request an authorized signature along with a MERSİS number or tax identification number at the registration stage. **Distance Sales and Consumer Rights** The “Distance Sales Agreement” and “Pre-Information Form” that must be published on e-commerce sites create a legal bond between seller and buyer. These agreements must clearly state the seller's right of withdrawal, return conditions and warranty obligations. Since it is legally debatable for a minor to take on these commitments as a seller, the process may stall in the event of a complaint to the Consumer Arbitration Committee. Tip Structuring Through the Family Is the Healthiest Model Proceeding through a sole proprietorship set up in a parent's name or an existing family business puts critical processes such as accepting payments, marketplace membership and logistics on a legal footing. ## Main Obstacles Facing Entrepreneurs Under 18 The obstacles young entrepreneurs face on their e-commerce journey are not limited to theoretical legal rules. In practice, the system is built on the basis that minors are not accepted as commercial actors. **Banking and Financial System Barriers** Collection of payments is the most critical pillar of e-commerce. People under 18 can open a demand deposit account with parental consent, but these accounts are “individual” in nature. Opening commercial accounts, requesting chequebooks or applying for business loans requires being of legal age. More importantly, the virtual POS integrations needed to accept credit card payments on a website, and the contracts to be signed with payment providers such as Iyzico and PayTR, directly require a legal entity or a natural person with a tax certificate (sole proprietorship). A person under 18 does not have the capacity to sign these contracts. **Marketplace Restrictions** Turkey's leading marketplaces such as Trendyol, Hepsiburada, Pazarama and N11 require very strict documents from those who want to become sellers. Documents such as the trade registry gazette, tax certificate and signature circular must be uploaded to the system. Marketplaces want to guarantee the legal responsibility of the sellers on their platforms. For this reason, the membership agreements explicitly include the requirement of “having completed 18 years.” Applications that fail the age criterion in the system's Turkish ID number verification are automatically rejected. **Supply Chain and Logistics Problems** Agreements with wholesalers or manufacturers to source products, and corporate contracts with shipping companies to deliver products to customers, require a commercial identity. Shipping companies charge high prices for individual shipments but offer substantial discounts under corporate agreements. To make a corporate agreement, a tax certificate and signing authority are required. A minor entrepreneur will have great difficulty managing shipping costs. We recommend reading Common Traits of Brands That Appeal to Gen Z ## Alternative Solutions and Strategies All these restrictions do not mean that young people cannot do e-commerce. These obstacles can be overcome with alternative models developed in line with legal procedures. **Setting Up a Sole Proprietorship in a Parent's or Guardian's Name** The most practical and common method is to set up a sole proprietorship in the name of one of the parents (mother or father). In this model, the business officially appears under the parent's name and the tax certificate is issued in the parent's name. Bank accounts, virtual POS agreements and marketplace memberships are made with the parent's identity details. However, the operational side of the business (product management, marketing, customer communication) is carried out entirely by the young entrepreneur. The point to watch in this model is that legal and financial responsibility (tax debts, legal penalties, etc.) will rest entirely with the parent. Income sharing can be arranged through a trust-based protocol within the family. **Integration into a Family Business** If the family already has an active company or tradesman business, this structure can be used instead of setting up a separate company. The young entrepreneur can create an e-commerce department within the family's existing company. This method offers a cost advantage because it requires no extra incorporation costs or accounting fees. In addition, the existing company's commercial history and credit rating provide an advantage with banks and suppliers. **Social Media and Second-Hand Platforms** Instead of a large-scale e-commerce operation, platforms such as Instagram, Dolap, Gardrops and Zebramo can be used at the starting stage. Some of these platforms allow individual sellers (within certain limits). By staying within the “incidental income” limits that do not require taxpayer status, you can build capital through the sale of second-hand or handmade items and gain trading experience. Tip Turn the Preparation Period Until Age 18 into an Advantage This period should be seen less as selling and more as a process of education, market research, brand building and gaining financial literacy. ## Advice for Young Entrepreneurs - **Invest in Education:** E-commerce is not just selling products; it is a whole of digital marketing, SEO (Search Engine Optimization), data analysis and customer relationship management. Spend the time until you turn 18 improving yourself in these areas through Udemy, Coursera or YouTube. - **Market Research and Business Plan:** The best way to convince your family is to present them not just a dream but a business plan backed by concrete data. Which product will you sell? Who is your target audience? Who are your competitors? Prepare a detailed file that answers these questions. - **Try Capital-Free Models:** Explore “[Dropshipping](https://www.faprika.com/en/blog/what-is-dropshipping-e-commerce-how-is-dropshipping-done)” or “Print on Demand” models that require no inventory cost. These models let you learn the logic of commerce without taking on a large capital risk. - **Build a Brand Identity:** Even if you cannot set up a company yet, create your future brand's name, logo and social media accounts now, and start building an audience (followers). Selling to a ready-made audience is far easier than starting from scratch. - **Financial Literacy:** Learn concepts such as revenue, expenses, profit margin and cash flow. Instead of spending what you earn right away, make a habit of investing it back into your business. - **Legal Advice:** Once things get serious and you reach the stage of setting up a company, be sure to consult a financial advisor (Mali Müşavir) instead of relying on hearsay. It is important that your family clearly understands its legal responsibilities. - **Be Patient:** A successful e-commerce operation is not built overnight. Waiting until you turn 18 is not wasted time; it is preparation. Those who make the best use of this period start ten steps ahead of their competitors once they come of age. ## Future Outlook The e-commerce volume in Türkiye is growing every day, and the digital economy is replacing the traditional one. Lawmakers are aware of young people's entrepreneurial potential, and it is likely that incentives such as the "Young Entrepreneur Exemption" will be expanded in the future and that new rules on age limits will be introduced. As technology advances, blockchain-based smart contracts and decentralized marketplaces may also transform age and identity verification processes. ## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) **Can Individuals Under 18 Open an E-Commerce Site in Their Own Name?** No. In Türkiye, individuals who have not reached 18 do not have full legal capacity, so they cannot open an e-commerce site in their own name, enter into contracts as a seller or take on legal commitments. These transactions can only be carried out through a legal representative. **Is It Possible to Get a Tax Certificate Under 18?** No. A tax certificate can only be issued in the name of individuals or legal entities with legal capacity. People under 18 cannot become taxpayers in their own name. However, business activity can be carried out through a sole proprietorship set up in the name of a mother or father. **Who Can Manage E-Commerce in a Sole Proprietorship Set Up in a Parent's Name?** Although the business legally belongs to the parent, operational tasks (product management, marketing, customer communication, advertising) can in practice be handled by the young entrepreneur. However, all legal and financial responsibility rests with the parent who owns the business. **Can Someone Under 18 Become a Seller on Marketplaces?** No. Marketplaces such as Trendyol, Hepsiburada, Pazarama and N11 require sellers to be at least 18. Because a tax certificate and an authorized signatory are required, applications from minors are rejected by the system. **Are Virtual POS and Online Payment Systems Available to Under-18s?** No. Payment providers such as Iyzico, PayTR and PayU only work with individuals or companies that hold a tax certificate and can sign legal contracts. People under 18 cannot use a virtual POS in their own name. **Can Someone Under 18 Not Sell Anything at All?** No. Sales that are not continuous and fall under incidental income are possible. Second-hand or handmade items can be sold individually within certain limits. However, these activities must not grow into a commercial scale. Faprika e-Commerce The way to succeed in the world of e-commerce is a strong and effective infrastructure. Faprika gives you all the tools you need to stay one step ahead in the industry. If you want to take a closer look at the advantages Faprika offers to make a difference in e-commerce, expand your customer base and increase your sales, start your free trial now. Start free with Faprika now. Try for Free ### You May Also Like - [**E-Commerce: What Is It? Types, Advantages and Disadvantages of E-Commerce**](https://www.faprika.com/en/blog/what-is-e-commerce) - [**Selling on ÇiçekSepeti and Its Advantages**](https://www.faprika.com/en/blog/what-is-pinterest) - [**Pazarama’da Satış Yapmak ve Avantajları**](https://www.faprika.com/blog/instagram-hikaye-story-paylasma-rehberi) - [**Amazon'da Satış Yapmak İçin Gerekli Bilgiler**](https://www.faprika.com/blog/amazonda-satis-yapmak-icin-gerekli-bilgiler) - [**What Is Pinterest? Benefits of Pinterest for E-commerce Sites**](https://www.faprika.com/en/blog/what-is-pinterest) - [**Instagram Hikaye (Story) Paylaşma Rehberi**](https://www.faprika.com/blog/instagram-hikaye-story-paylasma-rehberi)