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.
Spacious apartment 2+1, 100 m², in a 2020 complex with a swimming pool, parking and security. Fully furnished, beautiful view of the banana garden
2+1
100 m²
9313
Spacious apartment 1+1, 70 m², in a 2018 complex with a swimming pool, parking and security. Fully furnished, beautiful sea view from a large balcony
1+1
70 m²
9312
Cozy apartment 1+1, 70 m², in a 2018 complex with a swimming pool, parking and security. To the sea - 500 m, to the center - 250 m. Fully furnished, beautiful sea view.
1+1
70 m²
9311
Cozy apartment 2+1, 115 m², in a 2012 complex with swimming pools, parking and security. To the sea - 1000 m, to the center - 750 m. Fully furnished, beautiful view of the sea
2+1
115 m²
9310
Bright apartment 2+1, 100 m², in a 2010 complex with a swimming pool, recreation area and parking. To the sea - 700 m, to the center - 500 m. Partially furnished.
2+1
100 m²
9309
Cozy apartment 2+1, 115 m², in a 2010 complex with swimming pools, parking and security. To the sea - 1200 m, to the center - 400 m. Fully furnished, suitable for registration of a residence permit.
3+1
115 m²
9308
Project 400 meters from the Mediterranean Sea. The area is open for residence permits
1+1
65 m²
9307
Apartment 2+1 with furniture and appliances and beautiful mountain views
2+1
105 m²
9306
Complex with hotel infrastructure 800 meters from the sea
1+1
60 m²
9305
Furnished 2+1 apartment of 95 m² in Obagol district. House of 2014, only 250 meters to the sea, 50 meters to the center. The complex has a swimming pool, fitness, sauna.
2+1
95 m²
9304
Bright furnished apartment 1+1 in the Oba area, 42 m², with a balcony. House of 2022, 1000 m to the sea. Complex with a swimming pool, fitness room, sauna and steam room.
1+1
42 m²
9303
Cozy furnished apartment 2+1, 100 m², with a separate kitchen and two balconies. House of 2000, just 300 m from the sea. The house has an elevator.
2+1
100 m²
9302
Cozy furnished apartment 1+1, 60 m², in a modern complex of 2020. Excellent location - only 500 m to the beach and 300 m to the center. The complex has a swimming pool, sauna, fitness and landscaped garden.
1+1
60 m²
9301
Modern apartment 70 m², in a 2023 residence with rich infrastructure. Free transfer to the sea and the center, indoor and outdoor pools, SPA area, fitness, cinema and much more.
2+1
70 m²
9300
Cozy apartment 1+1, 50 m², in a 2022 complex with swimming pools, SPA area, fitness and security. Excellent location: 650 m to the sea, 250 m to the center. Fully furnished.
1+1
50 m²
9299
Spacious 4+2 villa in Kargicak area, located in a villa complex. Area 290 m², land plot – 350 m². The house was built in 2006. The villa is furnished, has three balconies and spacious terraces. Distance to the sea – 4000 m, to the center – 2000 m.
4+2
290 m²
9298
Bright 1+1 apartment with stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea in the Calais area. The house was completed in 2024, distance to the sea - 600 m, to the center - 800 m. Fully furnished, located in a complex with rich infrastructure.
1+1
65 m²
9297
Furnished 2+1 apartment with a convenient layout, in a house built in 2005, 500 m from the sea and 150 m from the center of Alanya.
2+1
90 m²
9296
Bright duplex 4+1 with panoramic view, after renovation, located in Bektash area. 3500 m from the sea and 2000 m from the center. Possibility of obtaining a residence permit
4+1, Duplex, Penthouse
160 m²
9295
A solid project from a reliable developer 1000 meters from the sea
3+1, Duplex, Penthouse
150 m²
9294
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.
Spacious apartment 2+1, 100 m², in a 2020 complex with a swimming pool, parking and security. Fully furnished, beautiful view of the banana garden
2+1
100 m²
9313
Spacious apartment 1+1, 70 m², in a 2018 complex with a swimming pool, parking and security. Fully furnished, beautiful sea view from a large balcony
1+1
70 m²
9312
Cozy apartment 1+1, 70 m², in a 2018 complex with a swimming pool, parking and security. To the sea - 500 m, to the center - 250 m. Fully furnished, beautiful sea view.
1+1
70 m²
9311
Cozy apartment 2+1, 115 m², in a 2012 complex with swimming pools, parking and security. To the sea - 1000 m, to the center - 750 m. Fully furnished, beautiful view of the sea
2+1
115 m²
9310
Bright apartment 2+1, 100 m², in a 2010 complex with a swimming pool, recreation area and parking. To the sea - 700 m, to the center - 500 m. Partially furnished.
2+1
100 m²
9309
Cozy apartment 2+1, 115 m², in a 2010 complex with swimming pools, parking and security. To the sea - 1200 m, to the center - 400 m. Fully furnished, suitable for registration of a residence permit.
3+1
115 m²
9308
Project 400 meters from the Mediterranean Sea. The area is open for residence permits
1+1
65 m²
9307
Apartment 2+1 with furniture and appliances and beautiful mountain views
2+1
105 m²
9306
Complex with hotel infrastructure 800 meters from the sea
1+1
60 m²
9305
Furnished 2+1 apartment of 95 m² in Obagol district. House of 2014, only 250 meters to the sea, 50 meters to the center. The complex has a swimming pool, fitness, sauna.
2+1
95 m²
9304
Bright furnished apartment 1+1 in the Oba area, 42 m², with a balcony. House of 2022, 1000 m to the sea. Complex with a swimming pool, fitness room, sauna and steam room.
1+1
42 m²
9303
Cozy furnished apartment 2+1, 100 m², with a separate kitchen and two balconies. House of 2000, just 300 m from the sea. The house has an elevator.
2+1
100 m²
9302
Cozy furnished apartment 1+1, 60 m², in a modern complex of 2020. Excellent location - only 500 m to the beach and 300 m to the center. The complex has a swimming pool, sauna, fitness and landscaped garden.
1+1
60 m²
9301
Modern apartment 70 m², in a 2023 residence with rich infrastructure. Free transfer to the sea and the center, indoor and outdoor pools, SPA area, fitness, cinema and much more.
2+1
70 m²
9300
Cozy apartment 1+1, 50 m², in a 2022 complex with swimming pools, SPA area, fitness and security. Excellent location: 650 m to the sea, 250 m to the center. Fully furnished.
1+1
50 m²
9299
Spacious 4+2 villa in Kargicak area, located in a villa complex. Area 290 m², land plot – 350 m². The house was built in 2006. The villa is furnished, has three balconies and spacious terraces. Distance to the sea – 4000 m, to the center – 2000 m.
4+2
290 m²
9298
Bright 1+1 apartment with stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea in the Calais area. The house was completed in 2024, distance to the sea - 600 m, to the center - 800 m. Fully furnished, located in a complex with rich infrastructure.
1+1
65 m²
9297
Furnished 2+1 apartment with a convenient layout, in a house built in 2005, 500 m from the sea and 150 m from the center of Alanya.
2+1
90 m²
9296
Bright duplex 4+1 with panoramic view, after renovation, located in Bektash area. 3500 m from the sea and 2000 m from the center. Possibility of obtaining a residence permit
4+1, Duplex, Penthouse
160 m²
9295
A solid project from a reliable developer 1000 meters from the sea
3+1, Duplex, Penthouse
150 m²
9294
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.
