There are two options for bringing vehicles to Türkiye. The first option is that you can come to Turkey by car. Another option is if you want to transfer a vehicle after arriving in Turkey to bring it back to your home, or maybe you have given someone power of attorney.
in 2021, more than 30 million tourists visited Turkey. This number is double that of the previous year. Many tourists in Turkey are offered public transport options such as buses, high-speed trains and airplanes.
However, traveling by private car is always more comfortable and fun. If you want to travel to Turkey by car, we have prepared a guide for you on how to bring your car to Turkey.
Foreigners can come to Turkey in their vehicles or bring their vehicles. To bring your car to Turkey, it must first be registered in your name in the country of residence. However, citizens of European Union member states can bring vehicles from other European Union countries.
If you want to bring a car from your country to Turkey, you must meet several conditions. They;
You must have been in your country for at least 185 days in the previous year.
You must have a driving license and a residence permit in your country.
You must have valid insurance in Türkiye.
Vehicles with foreign license plates can be used in Turkey for a maximum of 24 months. At the end of this process, the vehicles must leave Turkey. Another important point is that the owner of the car from abroad must use it or be inside the car. Otherwise, legal action may be taken.
If you are planning to bring your car to Turkey, there are situations you need to be aware of. They;
The obligation to stay abroad for 185 days is checked by customs officers each time you enter the country. Your login and login information is turkiye.gov.tr you can also track it yourself through the address.
Turkish citizens returning to Turkey for good cannot bring their vehicles from abroad to Turkey. Because the place of residence now seems to be Turkey.
Turkish citizens residing abroad or foreign persons residing in Turkey can use their vehicles with a foreign license plate for 2 years (730 days) without paying any fees.
Foreigners residing in Turkey can use their vehicles in Turkey until their period of residence expires (provided it does not exceed 730 days).
People who do not have a residence permit in Turkey can keep their vehicles in Turkey for a maximum of 90 days within 180 days.
Vehicles of legal persons brought by proxy (cars, minibuses, motorcycles, etc.) the time limit is 30 days.
The period granted to leased vehicles is the same as the rental agreement, provided that it does not exceed 730 days, depending on the residence and citizenship of the person.
Vehicles with foreign license plates may be used by first-degree relatives of the car owner. (As long as they prove it and are registered)
With the exception of the vehicle owner’s first-degree relatives, no one other than the vehicle owner may use the vehicle. (Even the power of attorney)
If you are going to leave your car in Turkey and go abroad, you must submit it to the nearest customs office.
Vehicles with foreign license plates cannot be sold to different people in Turkey.
Note: The periods indicated for the vehicles can be used in one go or in several parts.
There are criminal penalties if the registered parts of the vehicle from abroad are replaced without authorization from the customs offices. Repair of vehicles requiring accidental repair is carried out by supervision at a place that customs offices deem appropriate following the request of car owners or authorized persons.
Citizens of European Union countries have 30 days for vehicles registered in their name.
People who own a car in Turkey cannot benefit from this given period. People who have taken advantage of the 30 days provided must prove that they are citizens of a member country of the European Union.
For those who retired overseas, there is no requirement to be overseas for 185 days.
If pensioners who left the country before the expiry of the 730 days in Turkey wish to return to Turkey, they can enter without having to be abroad for 185 days.
If people residing abroad wish to return to Turkey by car within 185 days, they can log in by reducing the previous period by 730 days.
If people who do not have a residence permit or blue card want to re-enter Turkey with their vehicle within 185 days, they can enter by reducing the previous period by 90 days.
Documents required to bring vehicles to Turkey from abroad;
Driver’s license showing the country and address where it is registered
Car owner’s driver’s license
Document indicating the residence address, depending on the situation (passport, identity card, residence permit)
Insurance policy valid in Türkiye
Passport of a person or document that can replace a passport
A pension certificate approved by the consulate or embassy translated into Turkish for pensioners
Power of attorney or rental agreement, depending on the situation
A document with a Turkish translation certified by a notary or a consulate indicating that the persons who will bring vehicles belonging to a legal entity are partners or employees of the company
Note: There is no charge for customs registration of vehicles.
Note: No later than 15 days before the departure date, the vehicle owner completes the Vehicle Pre-Declaration Request online via E-Government, E-Transactions. Thus, transactions are completed in a short time at the customs gate.
Sending a Car to Turkey to Bring Someone Else’s Car from Abroad to Turkey
The vehicle owner or agent wishing to bring the vehicle must meet the foreign residency requirement. Then the car must be registered at the address of residence abroad. Or, if someone else’s car will be brought to Turkey with a rental contract;
A power of attorney is required at the embassy, consulate, notarized or accepted by the customs administration. Or the car owner must also be present when entering customs.
A document issued by natural persons certified by official bodies such as customs, municipalities, security or courts is required.
If the car is rented, a rental agreement obtained from the rental company is required.
For vehicles owned by legal persons, a document indicating that the person who will bring the vehicle is a partner or an employee of the company, or a power of attorney with signature and approval of the board of directors is required.
Notarized or consular certified translations of these documents must also be submitted to Customs.
Q: Do I need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in Turkey?
A: No, it is not necessary. You can drive a car in Turkey for 6 months with the driving license you use in your country. If you plan to stay longer, you must apply for a driving license in Turkey.
Q: What is the cheapest way to bring vehicles from abroad?
A: It depends on your country and how you will bring your car. However, upon arrival in Turkey, there are no fees when applying for customs.
Q: What is the best way to bring vehicles from overseas?
A: It depends on your country location. If you plan to bring your car from an overseas country, shipping may be the best way. On the other hand, you can also bring it yourself from neighboring countries.
Q: Is it safe to drive in Türkiye?
A: Yes, almost all roads have traffic signs and traffic cameras to ensure safety.
Q: Is it easy to drive in Türkiye?
A: As long as you follow traffic rules, yes. Signs are located on the roads to inform you. Also, Turkey has many new ways to have easy access to all parts of the country.
