How to Bring a Car from Abroad to Turkey? Requirements, Taxes and Application Process

Many people who want to bring a car from abroad to Turkey think that the process only consists of purchasing the vehicle and bringing it into the country. However, vehicle importation is subject to many legal regulations, including customs legislation, residency requirements, tax obligations, and registration procedures.

In recent years, questions such as "Can I bring a car from Bulgaria to Turkey?", "Can a Georgian-plated vehicle be used in Turkey?", and "What is the 185-day rule?" have become among the most searched topics.

People who reside in Turkey do not have the right to permanently import a vehicle from abroad without paying taxes or without meeting any requirements. The method of bringing a vehicle into Turkey depends on the person's residency status abroad, citizenship, and whether the vehicle will be used temporarily or permanently in Turkey.

Is It Possible to Bring a Car from Abroad to Turkey?

Yes. However, the requirements set out in the current customs legislation must be fulfilled.

Vehicle import procedures to Turkey are mainly carried out through three different methods:

Temporary Importation (Tourist Facilities)

This allows people living abroad to use their foreign-plated vehicles in Turkey for a limited period.

Duty-Free Importation (For Those Returning Permanently)

This allows individuals who permanently transfer their residence from abroad to Turkey to bring their vehicles into the country under certain conditions.

Importation by Paying All Taxes

This refers to importing a vehicle under Turkish import regulations by paying all applicable taxes and duties.

What Is Temporary Importation (Tourist Facilities)?

Temporary importation is an arrangement that allows people living abroad to use their foreign-registered vehicles in Turkey for a certain period.

Through this system, the vehicle can be used in Turkey; however, it must be taken out of the country when the permitted period expires.

What Is the 185-Day Requirement?

One of the most important conditions for bringing a vehicle under temporary importation is the 185-day rule.

According to this rule:

The person must have physically stayed abroad for at least 185 days within the last one-year period before entering Turkey.

The important point here is not only being physically abroad but also being considered a resident abroad.

Temporary assignments, short-term visits, or hotel stays alone do not meet the residency requirement.

How Long Can a Vehicle Stay in Turkey Under Temporary Importation?

Individuals who meet the 185-day requirement may be granted permission to use their vehicles in Turkey for up to 730 days (2 years) at the customs border.

For retirees living abroad who meet the relevant conditions, this period may be extended up to 1460 days (4 years) in certain cases.

At the end of the permitted period, the vehicle must be taken out of Turkey.

Under Whose Name Should the Vehicle Be Registered for Temporary Importation?

The vehicle to be brought into Turkey must:

• Be registered abroad,

• Have a registration certificate issued in the name of the person bringing the vehicle,

• Be registered in the country where the person resides.

Vehicles registered under another person's name generally cannot be processed. Special conditions may apply for vehicles brought by proxy.

What Is the Vehicle Pre-Declaration Process?

People who will bring vehicles under temporary importation are advised to complete the Vehicle Pre-Declaration process through the e-Government system before arriving in Turkey.

This procedure can significantly reduce waiting times at border crossings.

Who Can Use the Imported Vehicle?

Foreign-plated vehicles brought into Turkey under temporary importation cannot be used by everyone.

The people who are allowed to use the vehicle are limited by legal regulations.

Generally:

Vehicle Owner

The vehicle owner can personally use the vehicle in Turkey.

First-Degree Relatives

The spouse, parents, and children of the vehicle owner who reside abroad may also use the vehicle if they meet the required conditions.

Unauthorized use of the vehicle may result in administrative penalties.

What Is Duty-Free Importation (Permanent Return)?

Duty-free importation is a special application granted to individuals who permanently end their life abroad and return to Turkey.

Through this method, individuals who meet certain requirements may permanently bring their vehicles into Turkey.

Who Can Benefit from Duty-Free Importation?

Generally, the following individuals may benefit from this application:

• Turkish citizens who have lived abroad for at least 24 months and are permanently returning to Turkey,

• Public officials returning to Turkey after completing their assignments abroad,

• Foreign nationals who have acquired Turkish citizenship.

Applications are evaluated within the framework of the relevant customs regulations.

What Are the Vehicle Requirements for Duty-Free Importation?

There are certain technical requirements for vehicles brought under permanent return provisions.

The most important ones include:

• The vehicle must not be older than three years.

• The age calculation is made by considering the model year.

• The vehicle must have been registered in the person's name for at least six months.

Vehicles purchased immediately before being brought to Turkey cannot benefit from this exemption.

Required Documents for Duty-Free Importation

The documents that may be required during the application process include:

• Identity card or passport,

• Vehicle registration certificate,

• Customs Traffic Certificate,

• Certificate of Conformity,

• Compulsory traffic insurance,

• Certified population registration document,

• Other official documents deemed necessary.

Additional documents may also be requested depending on the nature of the application.

Bringing a Vehicle from Abroad by Paying Taxes

Individuals residing in Turkey may also import vehicles from abroad.

However, in this method, the vehicle is subject to commercial import regulations and all applicable taxes must be paid.

A person who does not qualify for an exemption cannot permanently bring a vehicle into Turkey without paying the required taxes.

Which Taxes Are Paid?

Vehicles imported by paying taxes are subject to various financial obligations.

Special Consumption Tax (SCT / ÖTV)

The Special Consumption Tax is calculated according to the engine capacity, vehicle value, and technical characteristics of the vehicle.

Value Added Tax (VAT / KDV)

The applicable VAT rate in force at the time of importation is applied to the imported vehicle.

TRT Bandrol Fee

A TRT broadcasting license fee may also be required for imported vehicles under the relevant legislation.

In addition, expenses such as registration, notary fees, license plates, and insurance may also arise.

How to Obtain Turkish License Plates?

After completing the permanent importation procedures, the vehicle is registered in Turkey.

Generally, the following documents are required:

• Customs Traffic Certificate,

• Certificate of Conformity,

• Compulsory traffic insurance,

• Required registration documents.

After completing the procedures, the vehicle can receive Turkish license plates.

Can a Vehicle Be Brought by Proxy?

This may be possible if certain conditions are met.

However, both the vehicle owner and the person bringing the vehicle must satisfy the relevant residency requirements.

The 185-day requirement is particularly important in such procedures.

What Happens If the Permitted Period Is Exceeded?

If a vehicle brought under temporary importation remains in Turkey beyond the permitted period, various penalties may be imposed under customs legislation.

These may include:

• Administrative fines,

• Customs procedures,

• Legal sanctions regarding the status of the vehicle.

Therefore, the permitted period must be carefully monitored.

Is It Easy to Bring a Vehicle from Bulgaria or Georgia?

In recent years, there have been many misleading advertisements regarding Bulgarian and Georgian-plated vehicles.

Statements such as:

• "Tax-free vehicle,"

• "Anyone can bring one,"

• "Unlimited usage"

do not reflect the actual legal situation.

If the foreign residency requirement and relevant customs rules are not fulfilled, the vehicle may not be allowed to enter Turkey.

Before purchasing a vehicle, current regulations should always be reviewed and information should only be obtained from reliable sources.