Moving to Turkey
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Moving Your Belongings
Importing a Car
to Turkey
Can you bring your car to Turkey? The honest answer: temporary import is easy, permanent import is extremely expensive. Here is everything you need to decide.
The honest bottom line before you read further
Permanently importing a car to Turkey typically costs more in taxes than the car is worth. The vast majority of expats either keep their car on the 12-month temporary import scheme and then sell it, or sell before moving and buy a Turkish-registered car locally. Read on for the full picture.
Your two options
Temporary vs Permanent Import
Temporary Import
MOST EXPATS DO THIS- Duration: up to 12 months
- Cost: Free (no import duties)
- Extension: possible but not guaranteed
- Car remains on foreign plates
- Cannot be used by Turkish residents beyond your period
- Car must be re-exported or registered before deadline
Best for: Expats who plan to keep their car for 1 year while settling in, then decide whether to sell or permanently import. Gives you time to explore the Turkish car market without a large upfront commitment.
Permanent Import
USUALLY NOT WORTH IT- One-time process — car gets Turkish plates
- Full ÖTV (Special Consumption Tax) applies
- 18% VAT on top of customs value
- Total tax burden: typically 100–200%+ of car value
- Process takes weeks and requires customs broker
- Car is then registered and taxable in Turkey
Best for: Very few scenarios — perhaps a rare, high-value vehicle that cannot be replaced in Turkey and whose owner is certain they want to stay permanently.
Cost breakdown
What Does Permanent Import Actually Cost?
Turkey levies very high taxes on imported vehicles — partly to protect the domestic auto industry. These are not optional. The calculation is complex; here is a simplified illustration.
| Vehicle type | Vehicle value (EUR) | Est. ÖTV + VAT | Total approx. import cost | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small city car (<1600cc) | €8,000 | €8,000–€15,000 | €16,000–€23,000 | Not worth it |
| Mid-size family car | €20,000 | €22,000–€40,000 | €42,000–€60,000 | Strongly not worth it |
| SUV / large car | €35,000 | €45,000–€80,000 | €80,000–€115,000 | Strongly not worth it |
| Electric vehicle | €30,000 | Lower ÖTV (10–25%) | €35,000–€45,000 | May have reduced duty |
| Classic/rare car (significant value) | €80,000+ | Varies | Case-by-case | Consult a specialist |
Illustrative figures only. Actual taxes depend on exact engine size, vehicle age, declared customs value, and current Turkish tax rates. Consult a Turkish customs specialist for accurate calculations.
Electric vehicles have lower ÖTV rates (typically 10–25%): If you own a modern EV and are planning a long-term stay, the permanent import calculation is less unfavorable — though still substantial. Consult a specialist customs broker for an exact quote.
Temporary import documents
What You Need to Bring Your Car
Alternative — buy locally
The Turkish Car Market
Turkey's domestic car market is large and well-developed. All major global brands are available. Prices are higher than in Western Europe (due to high domestic taxes), but the difference is far less than paying permanent import duties on a foreign car.
Approximate new car prices in Turkey (2026)
Second-hand cars are available through sahibinden.com (Turkey's main classified platform) and dealer networks. A certified pre-owned vehicle through a dealer is recommended for expats unfamiliar with Turkish consumer rights.
Driving in Turkey as a foreignerProcess
Temporary Import: Step by Step
Enter Turkey
Drive or ship your vehicle across the border. At entry, the vehicle is noted in your passport and/or a separate vehicle admission book.
Keep all documentation
Retain the vehicle admission document throughout your stay. This is your proof of legal temporary import.
Manage the timeline
Track the 12-month deadline carefully. Set a reminder 2–3 months before expiry to decide your next step.
Exit, extend, or register
Before the deadline: export the car, apply for an extension, or begin the permanent registration process with a customs broker.
Common questions