Importing a car to Turkey

Republic of Turkey — a secular eastern state with a developed economy and a high standard of living. It’s impossible not to fall in love with the beauty of Turkish nature, stunning seascapes, warm climate, and unique culture. And this is reflected in the annual increase in the number of foreigners who come to the country as tourists or investors to buy an apartment in Turkey .

Increasingly, citizens from abroad, when choosing a method of traveling to a resort republic, prefer traveling by personal car rather than by plane. Therefore, the question of how to import a car to Turkey is especially relevant if you are planning a long tour or moving to a permanent place of residence.

The topic of our latest publication: rules for entering Turkey by car in 2023, driving and fines for violating traffic rules.

Rules for entering Turkey with a foreign car

According to Turkish laws, foreigners have the right to cross the state border by car. The register of vehicles approved for import includes:

  • passenger cars;
  • buses and minibuses;
  • vans;
  • motorcycles;
  • small box trucks and trailers.

In 2023, the following rules apply for importing a car into Turkey:

185 days outside Turkey

Before crossing the border of an eastern state, the period of stay of vehicles outside Turkey must be at least 185 days over the past annual period. Otherwise, there will be a ban on entering the country by car.

730 days in the Republic of Turkey

If you have an ikamet card (residence permit), you have the right to import your vehicle and use it in Turkey for two years. If there is no residence permit, then the period of stay corresponds to the period of validity of the visa-free or visa regime. That is, for Ukrainians — 90 days, and for Russians — up to 60 days. As soon as the Ikamet card is received, the foreign citizen has the opportunity to extend the period of stay of the car on the territory of the state. To do this, you need to contact the customs department at your place of residence.

Mandatory car declaration

Any vehicle crossing the Turkish border is subject to mandatory declaration. The declaration is filled out at customs checkpoints at the border or at any customs office. A fine is provided for violating the terms of the declaration.

In addition, the temporary import of a car into Turkey can be recorded in advance (two weeks) by submitting an application for a declaration. To do this, follow link to the government website e-Devlet services. This will speed up the customs clearance procedure.

Vehicle insurance

The rules for entering Turkey by car include issuing a Green Card insurance policy. Insurance is required in case of accidents on the road. Registration is available in your state of residence and in the Republic of Turkey.

Customs clearance

Customs clearance of a car in Turkey — a mandatory procedure for those foreigners who decide to stay in the country after two years of residence. In this case, you will have to pay a large tax and VAT of 18% for the vehicle. For new cars, the contribution usually depends on the engine size and is about 100% of the market price. According to many Russian-speaking motorists, when moving to a permanent place of residence, it is more profitable to buy a car in the republic, despite the higher price tag than at home.

Examples of real estate in Turkey

New 1+1 apartment of 50 m², located in Mahmutlar, built in 2024. Distance to the sea - 950 m, to the center - 500 m.

room

1+1

area

50 m²

id

9492

71 500

Modern 1+1 apartment of 60 m² in a new multifunctional complex built in 2024, located on the 7th floor. Distance to the sea - 1000 m, to the center - 850 m.

room

1+1

area

60 m²

id

9491

71 500

Apartment 1+1 in a modern complex of 2023, located on the 4th floor, 1400 m from the sea and 600 m from the center, with partial sea view and fully furnished.

room

1+1

area

55 m²

id

9490

69 300

A luxurious apartment in a new building at a very reasonable price.

room

1+1

area

55 m²

id

9489

165 000

Two-bedroom apartment of 128 sq.m. with furniture and appliances

room

2+1, Duplex

area

128 m²

id

9488

162 500

Very cozy furnished apartment 2+1 with a glazed balcony, located only 350 m from the sea and 200 m from the center.

room

2+1

area

110 m²

id

9487

Modern 1+1 apartment with furniture, balcony and good infrastructure, just 650 meters from the sea and 200 meters from the center of the area.

room

1+1

area

55 m²

id

9486

115 500

Furnished 2+1 apartment with two bathrooms and balconies, 350 meters from the sea and only 200 meters from the center of the area.

room

2+1

area

135 m²

id

9485

Modern 1+1 apartment with balcony and bathroom, just 650 m from the sea and 200 m from the district center.

room

1+1

area

55 m²

id

9484

130 000

Stylish 2+1 apartment with good repair and two spacious balconies in a hotel-type complex, only 1800 m from the sea and 500 m from the center.

room

2+1

area

90 m²

id

9483

88 000

Bright sunny 2+1 apartment with designer renovation, two balconies and two bathrooms, 700 meters from the sea.

room

2+1

area

115 m²

id

9482

124 500

Spacious duplex 3+1 with beautiful mountain views, 800 meters from the sea and 350 meters from the center of Mahmutlar

room

3+1, Duplex, Penthouse

area

120 m²

id

9481

346 500

Spacious 4+1 apartment with two balconies and two bathrooms, 650 meters from the sea and 400 meters from the center in the prestigious Kestel area

room

4+1, Duplex

area

650 m²

id

9480

181 500

Furnished 3+1 villa with sea view, two balconies and two bathrooms in one of the most prestigious residential complexes in the city.

room

3+1, Duplex, Penthouse

area

130 m²

id

9479

154 000

Spacious 2+1 twin villa, 180 m², with two balconies and sea view, located in Demirtas. Year of construction - 2008. 150 meters from the sea and 750 meters from the center of the area.

room

2+1

area

180 m²

id

9478

55 000

Modern apartment 1+1, 50 m², located in the Demirtas area. Year of construction - 2024. Located on the 2nd floor, 500 meters from the sea and 800 meters from the center.

room

1+1

area

50 m²

id

9477

340 000

4+1 triplex villa, 220 m², with separate kitchen and rounded rooms, located in Avsallar. Year of construction - 2008. Villa on 3 floors with three balconies, which offer partial views of the sea and the surrounding area. To the sea - 600 m, to the center - 400 m.

room

4+1, Duplex, Penthouse

area

220 m²

id

9476

124 500

We offer a cozy apartment 2+1, 85 m², with a view of the Kale fortress, in the center of Alanya near Cleopatra Beach. Year of construction - 2008. It is located on the 5th floor, 250 meters from the sea and 100 meters from the center. There is a possibility of obtaining a residence permit.

room

2+1

area

85 m²

id

9475

126 500

Bright and spacious apartment 1+1, 70 m², with a well-thought-out layout, in the Cleopatra Beach area, Alanya. Year of construction - 2023. Located on the 1st floor, 700 meters from the sea and 200 meters from the center.

room

1+1

area

70 m²

id

9474

170 000

Bright furnished 2+1 apartment with two bathrooms and three balconies, just 350 meters from the sea and 200 meters from the center of Alanya.

room

2+1

area

150 m²

id

9473

See more

For information: in order to avoid problems when crossing the Turkish border, we recommend that you fully repay the debt to the state. Otherwise, customs officials may simply not let you into Turkey.

When going by car to Turkey, in addition to your passport, take with you:

  • registration certificate for the car;
  • insurance policy (it is important that it is valid in the resort republic);
  • license to drive a car.

Pensioners should have a pension certificate translated into Turkish and legalized. Driving documents Apostille in Turkey are not required.

Foreign citizens can travel to the Republic of Turkey in someone else's car, subject to a power of attorney from the owner signed and stamped by a notary.

Importing a car to Turkey

Rules for entering Turkey by car for pensioners

The government is putting forward less stringent requirements for pensioners to import a car into Turkey. Firstly, the rule of spending 185 days outside the republic is not relevant for foreign citizens of retirement age. Secondly, after two years of living and using their own vehicle, they can renew their period of stay. To do this, you will need to leave and literally immediately return to the country. In addition, foreign pensioners, after 185 days, have the opportunity to make a deposit and get a temporary license plate for their car.

Car fines in Turkey

Perhaps the most important rule to remember while on Turkish roads is: attentiveness and calmness. Include not only vision and hearing, but also all senses, as well as intuition.

Traffic rules exist in the Republic of Turkey, but they are not followed by everyone and not always. Turkish drivers drive aggressively, honk their horns with or without reason, blink their headlights to urge others on, and are characterized by impatience and a hot temper. Common practice: do not turn, overtake on the right, cut off, suddenly change lanes, slow down or suddenly drive onto the sidewalk, and do not let people pass at pedestrian crossings. Don't be surprised if one of the road users suddenly stops. It is likely that he saw his friend and decided to chat or changed his mind about going in that direction. Both professional drivers and beginners in Turkey violate: in some cases on purpose, in others — by chance.

Drivers should also be careful, as pedestrians can cross the road in the wrong place or unexpectedly jump onto the roadway.

Be calm, do not be fooled by provocations and do not get emotional. After some time, you will adapt and feel at home on Turkish roads.

Of course, like in any other civilized state, Turkey provides for fines for violating traffic rules. DVRs are installed on the roads, and road patrols are working. The fines are large and you will be required to pay them when leaving the country. If you pay on time, you will receive a discount.

Amount of fines for:

  • driving a car without a driver's license — 9,918 TL (480 €);
  • unfastened seat belt — 1,008 TL (50 €);
  • running a red light — 936 TL (45 €);
  • driving in the oncoming lane — 2,000 TL (98 €);
  • talking on a mobile phone — 535 TL ( 26 €);
  • for drunk driving — 1000 TL (49 €) for the first time, with repeated violations the amount increases significantly.

The Republic of Turkey has good roads and highways on which it is allowed to travel at fairly high speeds. There is a speed limit within populated areas — 50 km/h. There are fines for exceeding:

  • 55–65 km/h — 535 TL (26 €);
  • 65–75 km/h — 988 TL (49 €);
  • 75 km/h or more — 5 002 TL (245 €).

Is it possible and how to check fines on a car in Turkey? Violations recorded by road surveillance cameras are located on the state Web portal by link.

In the field called "PLAKA" Enter the vehicle registration number and go through the captcha. Next, check the checkbox at the bottom left of the screen near the text “OKUDUM ANLADIM” and press the “SORGULA” button.

The system will analyze the database and provide data in the form of tables displaying all Turkish organizations that have the right to issue a fine to the driver. The inscription "KAYIT YOK" or “NO RECORDING” in the column opposite each institution indicates that no fines were imposed on you.

Importing a car to Turkey

As you can see, importing a car to Turkey by foreign citizens does not require fulfilling any difficult conditions. Therefore, traveling to a resort country in a personal car will give you only positive emotions and impressions.

If you have questions regarding the purchase of real estate in Turkey, Point Property employees will be happy to help you find a suitable property.

Examples of real estate in Turkey

New 1+1 apartment of 50 m², located in Mahmutlar, built in 2024. Distance to the sea - 950 m, to the center - 500 m.

room

1+1

area

50 m²

id

9492

71 500

Modern 1+1 apartment of 60 m² in a new multifunctional complex built in 2024, located on the 7th floor. Distance to the sea - 1000 m, to the center - 850 m.

room

1+1

area

60 m²

id

9491

71 500

Apartment 1+1 in a modern complex of 2023, located on the 4th floor, 1400 m from the sea and 600 m from the center, with partial sea view and fully furnished.

room

1+1

area

55 m²

id

9490

69 300

A luxurious apartment in a new building at a very reasonable price.

room

1+1

area

55 m²

id

9489

165 000

Two-bedroom apartment of 128 sq.m. with furniture and appliances

room

2+1, Duplex

area

128 m²

id

9488

162 500

Very cozy furnished apartment 2+1 with a glazed balcony, located only 350 m from the sea and 200 m from the center.

room

2+1

area

110 m²

id

9487

Modern 1+1 apartment with furniture, balcony and good infrastructure, just 650 meters from the sea and 200 meters from the center of the area.

room

1+1

area

55 m²

id

9486

115 500

Furnished 2+1 apartment with two bathrooms and balconies, 350 meters from the sea and only 200 meters from the center of the area.

room

2+1

area

135 m²

id

9485

Modern 1+1 apartment with balcony and bathroom, just 650 m from the sea and 200 m from the district center.

room

1+1

area

55 m²

id

9484

130 000

Stylish 2+1 apartment with good repair and two spacious balconies in a hotel-type complex, only 1800 m from the sea and 500 m from the center.

room

2+1

area

90 m²

id

9483

88 000

Bright sunny 2+1 apartment with designer renovation, two balconies and two bathrooms, 700 meters from the sea.

room

2+1

area

115 m²

id

9482

124 500

Spacious duplex 3+1 with beautiful mountain views, 800 meters from the sea and 350 meters from the center of Mahmutlar

room

3+1, Duplex, Penthouse

area

120 m²

id

9481

346 500

Spacious 4+1 apartment with two balconies and two bathrooms, 650 meters from the sea and 400 meters from the center in the prestigious Kestel area

room

4+1, Duplex

area

650 m²

id

9480

181 500

Furnished 3+1 villa with sea view, two balconies and two bathrooms in one of the most prestigious residential complexes in the city.

room

3+1, Duplex, Penthouse

area

130 m²

id

9479

154 000

Spacious 2+1 twin villa, 180 m², with two balconies and sea view, located in Demirtas. Year of construction - 2008. 150 meters from the sea and 750 meters from the center of the area.

room

2+1

area

180 m²

id

9478

55 000

Modern apartment 1+1, 50 m², located in the Demirtas area. Year of construction - 2024. Located on the 2nd floor, 500 meters from the sea and 800 meters from the center.

room

1+1

area

50 m²

id

9477

340 000

4+1 triplex villa, 220 m², with separate kitchen and rounded rooms, located in Avsallar. Year of construction - 2008. Villa on 3 floors with three balconies, which offer partial views of the sea and the surrounding area. To the sea - 600 m, to the center - 400 m.

room

4+1, Duplex, Penthouse

area

220 m²

id

9476

124 500

We offer a cozy apartment 2+1, 85 m², with a view of the Kale fortress, in the center of Alanya near Cleopatra Beach. Year of construction - 2008. It is located on the 5th floor, 250 meters from the sea and 100 meters from the center. There is a possibility of obtaining a residence permit.

room

2+1

area

85 m²

id

9475

126 500

Bright and spacious apartment 1+1, 70 m², with a well-thought-out layout, in the Cleopatra Beach area, Alanya. Year of construction - 2023. Located on the 1st floor, 700 meters from the sea and 200 meters from the center.

room

1+1

area

70 m²

id

9474

170 000

Bright furnished 2+1 apartment with two bathrooms and three balconies, just 350 meters from the sea and 200 meters from the center of Alanya.

room

2+1

area

150 m²

id

9473

See more

These materials have been prepared for informational purposes and are not of a commercial nature.

Point Property — is a certified real estate agency that specializes in providing a full range of real estate services for residential and commercial real estate transactions in Turkey. Our company takes care of all the organizational aspects of a real estate transaction: searching for an object, organizing a sightseeing tour, assistance in collecting documents and checking the legal purity of documentation, support in re-registration of ownership. In addition, we provide our customers with a wide range of after-sales services.

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