e-Fatura and e-Arşiv integration in Turkey: from order to invoice automatically

Short answer: e-Fatura is the electronic invoice between two taxpayers registered in the e-Fatura system; e-Arşiv is the electronic invoice issued to buyers who aren't registered (including individual customers). For most online businesses the real job is making sure the right invoice is issued automatically for every order.

e-Fatura vs e-Arşiv

If the buyer is registered in the Turkish Revenue Administration's (GİB) e-Fatura system, the invoice goes as e-Fatura; otherwise an e-Arşiv invoice is issued. An integrated system should check the buyer's status on every order and pick the right document type.

Who must use them?

The obligation depends on revenue thresholds and line of business, with separate rules for businesses selling online. Thresholds are updated regularly, so confirm your situation with your accountant and GİB announcements. Even if it's not mandatory for you, switching voluntarily cuts paper costs and manual work.

How integration works

Most businesses send invoices through authorized private integrators rather than directly to GİB. Their APIs let your online store, ERP or custom software create and send invoices automatically. A typical flow: payment confirmed → order becomes an invoice → buyer's e-Fatura status is checked → the right invoice type is issued → PDF and link are emailed to the customer.

What to watch out for

Correct VAT rates and units on products; a defined process for refunds and cancellations; collecting tax number and tax office correctly from business customers at checkout; managing invoice numbering from a single place. If you use e-İrsaliye (e-waybill) for shipping, connecting it to the same flow makes life easier.

The hidden cost of manual invoicing

Issuing a few invoices a day by hand seems fine; as orders grow it returns as errors, delays and complaints. The real gain of automation is not needing extra staff as you grow.

We automate payment, invoicing and stock end to end on e-commerce sites and in custom software. Let's talk →