Bağ-Kur (4B) is a mandatory social insurance system for self-employed tradespeople, company partners and freelance professionals. However, Bağ-Kur coverage may need to be terminated for reasons such as closing a business, starting insured employment (4A), retirement, or other changes in status. Failure to close a Bağ-Kur registration on time can lead to unnecessary accumulation of premium debt and delays in retirement procedures.
Below you will find complete details on how to close a Bağ-Kur registration, which documents are required, how to apply via e-Government (e-Devlet), and sample petition text for submission.
What Is Bağ-Kur and Who Must Register?
Bağ-Kur is a compulsory insurance system that provides social security for individuals working on their own account. The following persons are required to register with Bağ-Kur:
- Self-employed professionals who are taxpayers
- Proprietors of sole proprietorships
- Partners in limited or joint-stock companies
- Tradespeople and craftspersons
- Professionals such as doctors, lawyers, and engineers working independently
If you belong to any of these groups and you have ceased your business activity, you must also close your Bağ-Kur registration.
Situations Requiring Bağ-Kur Closure
The following situations require termination of Bağ-Kur coverage:
1. Tax Registration Termination
- If you close your business or stop working, your tax registration will be cancelled.
- When the tax registration is closed, Bağ-Kur coverage must also be terminated.
- You should obtain a Tax Cancellation Certificate from the tax office and submit it to the Social Security Institution (SGK).
2. Leaving Company Partnership
- If you were a partner in a limited or joint-stock company and you transferred your shares, Bağ-Kur must be closed.
- A document showing your resignation from the company partnership published in the Trade Registry Gazette should be presented to SGK.
3. Starting Insured Employment (4A – Transfer to SSK)
- If you began working as an insured employee (SSK/4A) at a workplace, you must terminate your Bağ-Kur coverage.
- Your employment entry notification should be submitted to SGK to ensure Bağ-Kur is cancelled.
4. Termination Due to Retirement
- Bağ-Kur contributors must close their Bağ-Kur registration before they can receive retirement benefits.
- When applying to SGK for retirement, you must submit documentation showing that your Bağ-Kur registration has been terminated.
Note: You cannot have a retirement pension activated without first closing your Bağ-Kur registration.
How to Complete the Bağ-Kur Closure Process
The Bağ-Kur closure process is carried out by submitting a petition to the SGK provincial or district directorates. Some steps can also be completed via the e-Government portal.
Closing Bağ-Kur Through SGK
Steps to apply at SGK:
- Visit your SGK provincial or district directorate.
- Complete the Bağ-Kur closure petition form.
- Submit documents such as the Tax Cancellation Certificate or employment entry notification.
- Confirm with SGK officials that your application has been approved.
Note: After approval, you will be required to pay any outstanding accrued premium debt, if applicable.
Closing Bağ-Kur via e-Government (e-Devlet)
You can also submit your Bağ-Kur termination request to SGK through the e-Government portal once your tax registration or status change has been completed.
Steps to request Bağ-Kur cancellation on e-Government:
- Log in to the e-Government Portal.
- Go to the SGK Services section.
- Find the “Request to Terminate Bağ-Kur Insurance” option.
- Upload the document proving your tax registration has been closed.
- Submit your request and monitor its status.
Note: Applications made via e-Government are typically reviewed by SGK and processed in the system. If problems arise, you may need to complete the process in person at an SGK office.
Documents Required to Close Bağ-Kur
- Bağ-Kur closure petition
- Tax Cancellation Certificate (from the tax office)
- Trade Registry Gazette record (for company partners)
- SSK employment entry notification (for those transferring to 4A)
How to Fill Out the Bağ-Kur Closure Petition
The Bağ-Kur closure petition is the official request submitted to SGK to terminate your insurance status.
Sample Bağ-Kur Closure Petition
T.C. SOCIAL SECURITY INSTITUTION [PROVINCE/DISTRICT] SOCIAL SECURITY CENTER DIRECTORATE
Full Name: [Your Full Name]
Turkish ID No: [Your ID Number]
Bağ-Kur Registration No: [Your Bağ-Kur Registration Number]
Address: [Your Address]
Phone: [Your Phone Number]
Subject: Request for termination of Bağ-Kur insurance
To the relevant authority,
I hereby notify that I have terminated my commercial activity/company partnership as of [Date]. My tax registration was cancelled on [Date].
I respectfully request that my Bağ-Kur insurance be terminated as of [Date].
Attachments:
1. Tax Cancellation Certificate
2. Trade Registry Gazette entry (for company partners)
3. SSK employment entry notification (for those transferring to 4A)
Date: [Day/Month/Year]
Signature:
[Your Full Name]
Frequently Asked Questions About Bağ-Kur Closure
1. How long does the Bağ-Kur closure process take?
It typically completes within 5–10 business days.
2. Are debts erased when Bağ-Kur is closed?
No. Any accumulated premium debts are not erased upon closure.
3. Can I retire without closing Bağ-Kur?
No. You must close your Bağ-Kur registration before a retirement pension can be granted.