The Social Security Institution (SGK) in Turkey plays a vital role in managing social insurance, healthcare coverage, and employer reporting obligations. To increase efficiency and transparency, SGK has implemented a fully digital communication system known as the electronic notification system.
This article provides a comprehensive guide to how the SGK electronic notification system in Turkey works, who must use it, and what employers need to know to remain compliant.
1. What Is the SGK Electronic Notification System?
The SGK electronic notification system (e-tebligat) is a digital communication platform that allows the Social Security Institution to send official notifications, warnings, and correspondence to employers electronically instead of by post.
This system was introduced to:
- Streamline communication between SGK and employers,
- Ensure faster and more secure delivery of official documents, and
- Reduce administrative costs and delays.
Once an employer registers for electronic notifications, all official SGK correspondence—including audits, penalty notices, contribution reminders, and other legal documents—is delivered through the e-notification portal instead of paper mail.
2. Legal Basis for SGK Electronic Notifications in Turkey
The SGK electronic notification system is regulated under:
- Law No. 5510 on Social Insurance and General Health Insurance, and
- Regulation on Electronic Notifications of the Social Security Institution, published in the Official Gazette on 24 September 2021.
According to this regulation, all registered employers in Turkey are required to use the SGK electronic notification system. This obligation includes:
- Companies with legal entities (limited or joint-stock companies),
- Individual employers with employees, and
- Public institutions.
Failure to register or check notifications on time can lead to serious administrative penalties.
3. Who Is Required to Use the System?
The SGK electronic notification system is mandatory for all employers who have a registered workplace under the Social Security Institution.
This includes:
- Domestic employers operating within Turkey,
- Foreign employers employing staff in Turkey through local entities, and
- Employers of record (EOR) service providers managing Turkish employees on behalf of foreign companies.
Once registered, each employer is responsible for regularly monitoring their electronic notification inbox, as all messages are considered legally delivered once sent by SGK.
4. How to Register for SGK Electronic Notifications
Employers must complete a one-time registration process through the SGK’s online portal. The steps are as follows:
- Access the SGK E-Notification Portal
Go to https://www.turkiye.gov.tr/sgk-tebligat-basvuru (available via the e-Government platform, e-Devlet). - Log in Using Your e-Government Credentials
Authorized company representatives or legal signatories can access the system using an electronic signature (e-imza) or e-Government password. - Complete the Application Form
Enter the company’s SGK workplace registration number, tax ID, and contact details. - Confirm and Submit
Once submitted, SGK reviews the application and activates the company’s electronic notification account.
After approval, the employer receives a confirmation message, and from that point onward, all SGK notifications are delivered electronically.
5. How the SGK Electronic Notification System Works
Once an employer is registered, SGK can send any official document through the system. Here’s how the process functions:
- Notification Sent by SGK
SGK uploads the official notice (such as an audit report, penalty, or inquiry) to the employer’s account. - Automatic Delivery Confirmation
The system automatically records the exact date and time of delivery. - Deemed Receipt After Five Days
Even if the employer has not opened the notification, it is legally considered delivered five days after it is sent. - Employer Response or Action
Employers must act within the legal deadlines stated in the notification—such as filing an objection or paying a fine—starting from the delivery date.
Therefore, it’s crucial that employers check their SGK e-notification inbox regularly, ideally every few days, to avoid missing important legal correspondence.
6. Types of Notifications Sent via SGK E-System
Through the SGK electronic notification system in Turkey, employers can receive a variety of official communications, including:
- Notices of administrative fines or penalties;
- Audit notifications or inspection reports;
- Payment reminders for social security premiums;
- Requests for additional documentation or clarifications;
- Legal correspondence regarding disputes or objections;
- General announcements or regulatory updates.
These notifications are digitally signed by SGK and hold the same legal validity as paper documents.
7. Employer Responsibilities and Compliance Requirements
Employers have several key responsibilities under the SGK electronic notification system:
- Register and maintain active access to the portal;
- Check notifications regularly, at least once per week;
- Ensure up-to-date contact details in the system;
- Authorize a responsible person (usually the HR or accounting manager) to monitor the inbox;
- Keep a digital record of all received notifications for at least five years.
Failure to comply with these responsibilities can result in missed legal deadlines, fines, or difficulties in disputing SGK decisions.
8. Penalties for Non-Compliance
If an employer fails to register for or monitor the SGK electronic notification system, they risk administrative sanctions, including:
- Fines for non-registration with the e-notification system;
- Loss of the right to appeal certain penalties, due to missed deadlines;
- Increased liability for unpaid premiums or incorrect declarations.
Since electronic notifications are deemed legally delivered after five days, claiming lack of awareness is not accepted as a valid excuse.
9. Benefits of Using SGK Electronic Notifications
Beyond legal compliance, there are significant advantages for employers using the SGK e-notification system:
- Faster communication and instant delivery of official documents;
- Reduced administrative workload by eliminating paper correspondence;
- Improved traceability, since all messages are logged with a digital timestamp;
- Environmental sustainability, supporting paperless government initiatives;
- Increased transparency between employers and the Social Security Institution.
For foreign companies managing Turkish employees through local partners or Employer of Record (EOR) services, this system ensures all SGK correspondence is securely handled on time.
The SGK electronic notification system in Turkey marks an important step toward digital transformation in public administration. For employers, compliance with this system is not only a legal requirement but also a way to improve efficiency and communication with the Social Security Institution.
By registering promptly, monitoring the e-notification inbox regularly, and maintaining proper records, employers can prevent penalties, respond quickly to SGK communications, and ensure full transparency in their social security obligations.
For foreign employers operating in Turkey, partnering with a local payroll or Employer of Record (EOR) provider can simplify compliance, as these experts manage all SGK notifications, filings, and deadlines on your behalf.