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
Citizenship
2+1 apartment, 110 m² in the Tosmur district with a residence permit and citizenship-id-11000-photo-1

250 000 €

We offer a 2+1 apartment with an area of 110 m² in the Tosmur district. Located on the fifth floor, it includes two bathrooms and two balconies. It comes newly furnished and is suitable for a residence permit. It is located 300 m from the sea and 150 m from the city center.

room

2+1

area

110 m²

id

11000

132 000 €

We offer a 90 sq m, 2+1 apartment in the Avsallar district. Located on the ninth floor, the apartment includes two bathrooms and a balcony. It is delivered furnished and features a sea view. The distance to the sea is 1,000 m, and the district center is 500 m.

room

2+1

area

90 m²

id

10999

81 000 €

We offer a 61 m² one-bedroom apartment in the Kargicak district. The apartment is located on the third floor, includes one bathroom and one balcony, and is delivered furnished. The building was built in 2023 and is 1,500 m from the sea and the city center.

room

1+1

area

61 m²

id

10998

169 500 €

We offer a 3+1 duplex villa with an area of 140 m² in the Demirtaş district. The layout includes three bedrooms and a living room, a separate kitchen, two bathrooms, and three balconies. The villa is two-story, delivered furnished, and is located 700 m from the sea and 500 m from the district center. Built in 2005, the villa is eligible for a residence permit.

room

3+1, Duplex

area

140 m²

id

10997

Citizenship
2+1 apartment, 110 m² in the Oba district with a residence permit and citizenship-id-10996-photo-5

164 000 €

We offer a 2+1 apartment of 110 sq m in the Oba district of Alanya. Located on the second floor, the apartment includes two bathrooms, three balconies, and a terrace. It is delivered furnished and is suitable for residency and citizenship applications. The distance to the sea is 1,400 m, and to the city center is 600 m.

room

2+1

area

110 m²

id

10996

143 000 €

We offer a 1+1 apartment of 55 m² in the center of Alanya. Located on the sixth floor, it includes one bathroom and one balcony. It is delivered furnished, suitable for a residence permit, and boasts a sea view. The distance to the sea is 350 m, and to the city center is 150 m.

room

1+1

area

55 m²

id

10995

Urgent sale fire
1+1 apartment with an area of 55 m² in the Kargicak district-id-10994-photo-7

77 000 €

We offer a 1+1 apartment with an area of 55 m² in the Kargicak district. The apartment is located on the third floor, includes one bathroom and one balcony, and is delivered furnished. The building was built in 2023, and is 800 m from the sea and 400 m from the district center.

room

1+1

area

55 m²

id

10994

320 000 €

We offer a 220 sq m duplex villa with a 4+2 bedroom layout in the Turkler district of Alanya. The villa occupies the first and second floors, includes two bathrooms and two balconies, and is delivered beautifully furnished. Built in 2005, the interior has been completely renovated. The distance to the sea is 1000 m, and to the city center is 500 m.

room

Duplex, 4+2

area

220 m²

id

10993

121 500 €

We offer a 1+1 apartment with an area of 70 sq m in the Tosmur district. Located on the ninth floor, the apartment includes one bathroom and one balcony. It is delivered furnished and is suitable for a residence permit. It is located 900 m from the sea and 300 m from the district center. The building was built in 2008.

room

1+1

area

70 m²

id

10992

Citizenship
Apartment 1+1 with an area of 83 m² in the Mahmutlar area with citizenship-id-10991-photo-10

This 83 sq m one-bedroom apartment in the Mahmutlar district of Alanya is for sale. Located on the third floor, it includes one bathroom and one balcony and is delivered unfurnished. Built in 2015, the building is 250 m from the sea and 150 m from the district center. Citizenship is available for this property.

room

1+1

area

83 m²

id

10991

Citizenship
2+1 apartment, 65 m² in Gullerpinary, Alanya, with citizenship-id-10990-photo-11

228 000 €

We offer a 65 sq m two-bedroom apartment in the Güllerpınarı district of Alanya. The apartment is located on the third floor, has one bathroom and one balcony, and is delivered unfurnished. Built in 2010, the building is 100 m from the sea and 150 m from the city center. The property is suitable for citizenship applications.

room

2+1

area

65 m²

id

10990

Citizenship
3+1 apartment, 170 m² in Cumhuriyet, Alanya, with a separate kitchen and citizenship-id-10989-photo-12

192 500 €

We offer a 3+1 apartment of 170 sq m in the Cumhuriyet district of Alanya, opposite the Alanyum shopping center. The apartment is located on the second floor and features a separate kitchen, two bathrooms, and three balconies. It will be delivered furnished. Built in 2010, the building is 450 m from the sea and 50 m from the city center. The property is suitable for citizenship.

room

3+1

area

170 m²

id

10989

Citizenship
2+1 apartment with an area of 109 m² in the Kargicak district with citizenship-id-10987-photo-13

165 000 €

A 2+1 apartment of 109 m² is for sale in the Kargicak district. Located on the second floor of a three-story building, the apartment includes two bathrooms and a balcony. The distance to the sea is 280 m, and the district center is 100 m. The building will be completed in 2026, and citizenship is available.

room

2+1

area

109 m²

id

10987

Citizenship
2+1 apartment, 110 m² in the Tosmur district with a residence permit and citizenship-id-10985-photo-14

300 000 €

We offer a 2+1 apartment of 110 m² in the Tosmur district of Alanya. Located on the fourth floor, it features two bathrooms and two balconies. It is delivered furnished and suitable for residence permits and citizenship applications. It is located 150 m from the sea and 100 m from the district center.

room

2+1

area

110 m²

id

10985

94 500 €

1+1 apartment with an area of 50 m² in the Saray area of Alanya: fifth floor, one balcony, 2019 building, 650 m to the sea and 250 m to the center.

room

1+1

area

50 m²

id

10984

110 000 €

2+1 apartment of 115 m² in the Mahmutlar area with furniture, two bathrooms and two balconies, on the fourth floor, 400 m from the sea and 150 m from the center.

room

2+1

area

115 m²

id

10983

115 000 €

2+1 apartment, 110 m², in the Mahmutlar area: seventh floor, two bathrooms, two balconies, furniture included in the price, 400 m to the sea and 250 m to the center of the area.

room

2+1

area

110 m²

id

10982

138 000 €

2+1 apartment, 90 m², Mahmutlar: first floor, second level, 350 m to the sea, 150 m to the center, furnished, two bathrooms and one balcony.

room

2+1

area

90 m²

id

10979

1+1 apartment of 50 m² in Mahmutlar district is located on the fifth floor, 450 m from the sea and 250 m from the center; building of 2026, unfurnished.

room

1+1

area

50 m²

id

10978

Citizenship
Furnished villa 4+1, 270 m², in Tepe area-id-10977-photo-20

490 000 €

Furnished 4+1 villa in Tepe area with an area of 270 m² is spread over two floors and has four bathrooms, two balconies, a swimming pool and a garden.

room

4+1

area

270 m²

id

10977

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
Citizenship
2+1 apartment, 110 m² in the Tosmur district with a residence permit and citizenship-id-11000-photo-1

250 000 €

We offer a 2+1 apartment with an area of 110 m² in the Tosmur district. Located on the fifth floor, it includes two bathrooms and two balconies. It comes newly furnished and is suitable for a residence permit. It is located 300 m from the sea and 150 m from the city center.

room

2+1

area

110 m²

id

11000

132 000 €

We offer a 90 sq m, 2+1 apartment in the Avsallar district. Located on the ninth floor, the apartment includes two bathrooms and a balcony. It is delivered furnished and features a sea view. The distance to the sea is 1,000 m, and the district center is 500 m.

room

2+1

area

90 m²

id

10999

81 000 €

We offer a 61 m² one-bedroom apartment in the Kargicak district. The apartment is located on the third floor, includes one bathroom and one balcony, and is delivered furnished. The building was built in 2023 and is 1,500 m from the sea and the city center.

room

1+1

area

61 m²

id

10998

169 500 €

We offer a 3+1 duplex villa with an area of 140 m² in the Demirtaş district. The layout includes three bedrooms and a living room, a separate kitchen, two bathrooms, and three balconies. The villa is two-story, delivered furnished, and is located 700 m from the sea and 500 m from the district center. Built in 2005, the villa is eligible for a residence permit.

room

3+1, Duplex

area

140 m²

id

10997

Citizenship
2+1 apartment, 110 m² in the Oba district with a residence permit and citizenship-id-10996-photo-5

164 000 €

We offer a 2+1 apartment of 110 sq m in the Oba district of Alanya. Located on the second floor, the apartment includes two bathrooms, three balconies, and a terrace. It is delivered furnished and is suitable for residency and citizenship applications. The distance to the sea is 1,400 m, and to the city center is 600 m.

room

2+1

area

110 m²

id

10996

143 000 €

We offer a 1+1 apartment of 55 m² in the center of Alanya. Located on the sixth floor, it includes one bathroom and one balcony. It is delivered furnished, suitable for a residence permit, and boasts a sea view. The distance to the sea is 350 m, and to the city center is 150 m.

room

1+1

area

55 m²

id

10995

Urgent sale fire
1+1 apartment with an area of 55 m² in the Kargicak district-id-10994-photo-7

77 000 €

We offer a 1+1 apartment with an area of 55 m² in the Kargicak district. The apartment is located on the third floor, includes one bathroom and one balcony, and is delivered furnished. The building was built in 2023, and is 800 m from the sea and 400 m from the district center.

room

1+1

area

55 m²

id

10994

320 000 €

We offer a 220 sq m duplex villa with a 4+2 bedroom layout in the Turkler district of Alanya. The villa occupies the first and second floors, includes two bathrooms and two balconies, and is delivered beautifully furnished. Built in 2005, the interior has been completely renovated. The distance to the sea is 1000 m, and to the city center is 500 m.

room

Duplex, 4+2

area

220 m²

id

10993

121 500 €

We offer a 1+1 apartment with an area of 70 sq m in the Tosmur district. Located on the ninth floor, the apartment includes one bathroom and one balcony. It is delivered furnished and is suitable for a residence permit. It is located 900 m from the sea and 300 m from the district center. The building was built in 2008.

room

1+1

area

70 m²

id

10992

Citizenship
Apartment 1+1 with an area of 83 m² in the Mahmutlar area with citizenship-id-10991-photo-10

This 83 sq m one-bedroom apartment in the Mahmutlar district of Alanya is for sale. Located on the third floor, it includes one bathroom and one balcony and is delivered unfurnished. Built in 2015, the building is 250 m from the sea and 150 m from the district center. Citizenship is available for this property.

room

1+1

area

83 m²

id

10991

Citizenship
2+1 apartment, 65 m² in Gullerpinary, Alanya, with citizenship-id-10990-photo-11

228 000 €

We offer a 65 sq m two-bedroom apartment in the Güllerpınarı district of Alanya. The apartment is located on the third floor, has one bathroom and one balcony, and is delivered unfurnished. Built in 2010, the building is 100 m from the sea and 150 m from the city center. The property is suitable for citizenship applications.

room

2+1

area

65 m²

id

10990

Citizenship
3+1 apartment, 170 m² in Cumhuriyet, Alanya, with a separate kitchen and citizenship-id-10989-photo-12

192 500 €

We offer a 3+1 apartment of 170 sq m in the Cumhuriyet district of Alanya, opposite the Alanyum shopping center. The apartment is located on the second floor and features a separate kitchen, two bathrooms, and three balconies. It will be delivered furnished. Built in 2010, the building is 450 m from the sea and 50 m from the city center. The property is suitable for citizenship.

room

3+1

area

170 m²

id

10989

Citizenship
2+1 apartment with an area of 109 m² in the Kargicak district with citizenship-id-10987-photo-13

165 000 €

A 2+1 apartment of 109 m² is for sale in the Kargicak district. Located on the second floor of a three-story building, the apartment includes two bathrooms and a balcony. The distance to the sea is 280 m, and the district center is 100 m. The building will be completed in 2026, and citizenship is available.

room

2+1

area

109 m²

id

10987

Citizenship
2+1 apartment, 110 m² in the Tosmur district with a residence permit and citizenship-id-10985-photo-14

300 000 €

We offer a 2+1 apartment of 110 m² in the Tosmur district of Alanya. Located on the fourth floor, it features two bathrooms and two balconies. It is delivered furnished and suitable for residence permits and citizenship applications. It is located 150 m from the sea and 100 m from the district center.

room

2+1

area

110 m²

id

10985

94 500 €

1+1 apartment with an area of 50 m² in the Saray area of Alanya: fifth floor, one balcony, 2019 building, 650 m to the sea and 250 m to the center.

room

1+1

area

50 m²

id

10984

110 000 €

2+1 apartment of 115 m² in the Mahmutlar area with furniture, two bathrooms and two balconies, on the fourth floor, 400 m from the sea and 150 m from the center.

room

2+1

area

115 m²

id

10983

115 000 €

2+1 apartment, 110 m², in the Mahmutlar area: seventh floor, two bathrooms, two balconies, furniture included in the price, 400 m to the sea and 250 m to the center of the area.

room

2+1

area

110 m²

id

10982

138 000 €

2+1 apartment, 90 m², Mahmutlar: first floor, second level, 350 m to the sea, 150 m to the center, furnished, two bathrooms and one balcony.

room

2+1

area

90 m²

id

10979

1+1 apartment of 50 m² in Mahmutlar district is located on the fifth floor, 450 m from the sea and 250 m from the center; building of 2026, unfurnished.

room

1+1

area

50 m²

id

10978

Citizenship
Furnished villa 4+1, 270 m², in Tepe area-id-10977-photo-20

490 000 €

Furnished 4+1 villa in Tepe area with an area of 270 m² is spread over two floors and has four bathrooms, two balconies, a swimming pool and a garden.

room

4+1

area

270 m²

id

10977

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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