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.
A modern and cozy one-bedroom apartment in the heart of Alanya—a location that perfectly blends urban comfort and resort lifestyle. Situated just 300 meters from the sea and 50 meters from the city center, it's ideal for living, vacationing, and renting.
1+1
56 m²
10539
A comfortable and bright 2+1 apartment in the heart of Alanya, a location where everything you need is within walking distance and convenient for everyday living.
2+1
110 m²
10538
A spacious and bright 3+1 apartment in one of Alanya's most prestigious and green districts, Kargicak, prized for its tranquility, panoramic views, and high-quality construction.
3+1
145 m²
10537
A bright and functional 1+1 apartment in a new residential complex built in 2023 in the Mahmutlar district—a convenient and sought-after location for both living and renting.
1+1
55 m²
10536
Mahmutlar district, duplex 4+1, 135 m², floors 11–12, building of 2024, 400 m to the sea, 250 m to the center, three balconies with sea views, new residential complex with infrastructure.
4+1, Duplex, Penthouse
135 m²
10535
Mahmutlar district, 2+1 apartment, 90 m², 4th floor, 2022 building, 1500 m to the sea, 1000 m to the center, balcony with views of the surrounding area and partial sea view, residential complex with resort infrastructure.
2+1
90 m²
10534
Oba district, 1+1 apartment, 50 m², 3rd floor, building built in 2022, 3500 m to the sea, 2500 m to the center, balcony overlooking the surrounding area, residential complex with developed infrastructure.
1+1
50 m²
10533
Oba district, penthouse 2+1, 180 m², 4th floor, building of 2012, 3000 m to the sea, 1750 m to the center, two balconies, complex with a swimming pool and green area.
2+1, Duplex, Penthouse
180 m²
10532
Oba district, 2+1 apartment, 115 m², 1st floor, 2014 building, 1200 m to the sea, 300 m to the center, two balconies, residence permit is suitable, complex with a swimming pool and fitness center.
2+1
115 m²
10531
Obagol district, furnished 3+1 apartment, 140 m², in a building built in 2000, 5th floor, first line, 50 m to the district center.
3+1
140 m²
10530
Oba district, 1+1 apartment, 48 m², 2nd floor, 2012 building, 450 m to the sea, 250 m to the center, balcony with a view of the surrounding area, complex with a swimming pool.
1+1
48 m²
10529
Tosmur district, 2+1 apartment, 110 m², 6th floor, 2011 building, 300 m to the sea, 200 m to the center, two balconies, view of the fortress, suitable for a residence permit.
2+1
110 m²
10528
Oba district, duplex 2+1, 120 m², 5th floor, 2016 building, 1000 m to the sea, 300 m to the center, balconies overlooking the infrastructure and surroundings, resort-level complex.
2+1, Duplex, Penthouse
120 m²
10527
Tosmur district, furnished 1+1 apartment, 50 m², in a complex built in 2025, second floor, 700 m to the sea, 450 m to the district center.
1+1
50 m²
10525
Район Оба, квартира 1+1 площадью 55 м² в комплексе сентября 2024 года постройки, первый этаж, без мебели, до моря 2000 м, до центра района 350 м.
1+1
55 m²
10524
Район Джикджилли, квартира 2+1 площадью 100 м² в жилом комплексе 2013 года постройки, 1 этаж, до моря 700 м, до центра 150 м, подходит для оформления ВНЖ.
2+1
100 m²
10523
Avsallar district, 1+1 apartment, 60 m², in a complex built in 2014, 2nd floor, 900 m to the sea, 300 m to the district center.
1+1
60 m²
10522
Район Тюрклер, меблированная отдельная вилла 4+2 площадью 250 м² после реновации, год постройки 2000, собственный участок 750 м², до моря 800 м, до центра района 800 м.
4+2
250 m²
10521
Oba district, 1+1 apartment, 50 m², in a complex built in 2025, 3rd floor, unfurnished, 1800 m to the sea, 450 m to the district center.
1+1
50 m²
10520
Oba district, 1+1 apartment, 50 m², in a complex built in 2025, first floor, unfurnished, 1750 m to the sea, 500 m to the district center.
1+1
50 m²
10519
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.
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.
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.
A modern and cozy one-bedroom apartment in the heart of Alanya—a location that perfectly blends urban comfort and resort lifestyle. Situated just 300 meters from the sea and 50 meters from the city center, it's ideal for living, vacationing, and renting.
1+1
56 m²
10539
A comfortable and bright 2+1 apartment in the heart of Alanya, a location where everything you need is within walking distance and convenient for everyday living.
2+1
110 m²
10538
A spacious and bright 3+1 apartment in one of Alanya's most prestigious and green districts, Kargicak, prized for its tranquility, panoramic views, and high-quality construction.
3+1
145 m²
10537
A bright and functional 1+1 apartment in a new residential complex built in 2023 in the Mahmutlar district—a convenient and sought-after location for both living and renting.
1+1
55 m²
10536
Mahmutlar district, duplex 4+1, 135 m², floors 11–12, building of 2024, 400 m to the sea, 250 m to the center, three balconies with sea views, new residential complex with infrastructure.
4+1, Duplex, Penthouse
135 m²
10535
Mahmutlar district, 2+1 apartment, 90 m², 4th floor, 2022 building, 1500 m to the sea, 1000 m to the center, balcony with views of the surrounding area and partial sea view, residential complex with resort infrastructure.
2+1
90 m²
10534
Oba district, 1+1 apartment, 50 m², 3rd floor, building built in 2022, 3500 m to the sea, 2500 m to the center, balcony overlooking the surrounding area, residential complex with developed infrastructure.
1+1
50 m²
10533
Oba district, penthouse 2+1, 180 m², 4th floor, building of 2012, 3000 m to the sea, 1750 m to the center, two balconies, complex with a swimming pool and green area.
2+1, Duplex, Penthouse
180 m²
10532
Oba district, 2+1 apartment, 115 m², 1st floor, 2014 building, 1200 m to the sea, 300 m to the center, two balconies, residence permit is suitable, complex with a swimming pool and fitness center.
2+1
115 m²
10531
Obagol district, furnished 3+1 apartment, 140 m², in a building built in 2000, 5th floor, first line, 50 m to the district center.
3+1
140 m²
10530
Oba district, 1+1 apartment, 48 m², 2nd floor, 2012 building, 450 m to the sea, 250 m to the center, balcony with a view of the surrounding area, complex with a swimming pool.
1+1
48 m²
10529
Tosmur district, 2+1 apartment, 110 m², 6th floor, 2011 building, 300 m to the sea, 200 m to the center, two balconies, view of the fortress, suitable for a residence permit.
2+1
110 m²
10528
Oba district, duplex 2+1, 120 m², 5th floor, 2016 building, 1000 m to the sea, 300 m to the center, balconies overlooking the infrastructure and surroundings, resort-level complex.
2+1, Duplex, Penthouse
120 m²
10527
Tosmur district, furnished 1+1 apartment, 50 m², in a complex built in 2025, second floor, 700 m to the sea, 450 m to the district center.
1+1
50 m²
10525
Район Оба, квартира 1+1 площадью 55 м² в комплексе сентября 2024 года постройки, первый этаж, без мебели, до моря 2000 м, до центра района 350 м.
1+1
55 m²
10524
Район Джикджилли, квартира 2+1 площадью 100 м² в жилом комплексе 2013 года постройки, 1 этаж, до моря 700 м, до центра 150 м, подходит для оформления ВНЖ.
2+1
100 m²
10523
Avsallar district, 1+1 apartment, 60 m², in a complex built in 2014, 2nd floor, 900 m to the sea, 300 m to the district center.
1+1
60 m²
10522
Район Тюрклер, меблированная отдельная вилла 4+2 площадью 250 м² после реновации, год постройки 2000, собственный участок 750 м², до моря 800 м, до центра района 800 м.
4+2
250 m²
10521
Oba district, 1+1 apartment, 50 m², in a complex built in 2025, 3rd floor, unfurnished, 1800 m to the sea, 450 m to the district center.
1+1
50 m²
10520
Oba district, 1+1 apartment, 50 m², in a complex built in 2025, first floor, unfurnished, 1750 m to the sea, 500 m to the district center.
1+1
50 m²
10519
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.
