Moving to Turkey
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Moving Your Belongings
Shipping Household Goods
to Turkey
Everything you need to know about moving your belongings to Turkey — the customs process, required documents, real costs, and how to avoid expensive mistakes.
Overview
Shipping to Turkey: How It Works
Moving your household goods to Turkey involves two separate processes: the physical transport of your belongings and the Turkish customs clearance process. Getting both right avoids the most common and costly mistakes.
Turkey allows expats to import used personal household goods duty-free when moving as part of a permanent change of residence. The key is documentation — Turkish customs are thorough and delays caused by missing or incorrect paperwork result in real costs (port storage fees can reach €50–€100 per day).
Most household moves from Europe use either road freight (truck) or sea freight. Air freight is generally only cost-effective for a small number of high-value, urgent items.
The duty-free household goods exemption
Turkey's "change of residence" customs exemption (Yerleşim Yeri Değişikliği) allows imported used household goods to enter duty-free if all conditions are met:
- Items were owned and in personal use for at least 6 months
- You are establishing permanent residency in Turkey
- Goods are imported within 12 months of establishing residency
- Items are for personal use only, not for sale
- A complete inventory is submitted in Turkish
New items attract duties
Electronics and valuables that appear new may be assessed for customs duty even if they are personal items. Keep original receipts showing purchase dates more than 6 months ago. For IMEI registration requirements, voltage compatibility, and device-specific customs allowances, see the guide on moving electronics to Turkey.
Step by step
The Shipping Process
Follow these steps in order to minimise delays and unexpected costs.
Obtain Turkish residence permit
Ideally have your ikamet before your shipment arrives. Customs will want proof of your Turkish residency status.
Create a detailed inventory
List every item being shipped with description, quantity, approximate value, and age. This must be in both Turkish and English. Your removal company can help.
Choose a removal company
Get at least 3 quotes. Look for companies with specific Turkey experience. Ask about their customs clearance process and whether they have a partner agent in Turkey.
Prepare all documents
Passport copy, ikamet, inventory, proof of previous address, customs declaration form, and certificate of change of residence from your origin country.
Engage a Turkish customs broker
A gümrük müşaviri submits your declaration and coordinates with the port on your behalf. This is strongly recommended and typically costs €150–€400.
Arrange delivery to your address
Once customs clearance is complete, your removal company arranges final delivery. In cities like Istanbul this is typically straightforward; remote areas may require additional coordination.
Paperwork
Documents Required
Missing or incorrect documentation is the single biggest cause of delays and extra costs. Have every document ready before your shipment departs.
Cost breakdown
What Does It Cost?
| Cost item | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Removal company (Western Europe, full household) | €2,000–€5,000 |
| Removal company (Western Europe, boxes only) | €500–€1,800 |
| Removal company (North America, full household) | €4,000–€10,000 |
| Turkish customs broker (gümrük müşaviri) | €150–€400 |
| Port handling / terminal fees | €100–€300 |
| Delivery to your address | €100–€400 |
| Comprehensive insurance (1–3% of declared value) | €100–€600 |
| Document translation (if needed) | €50–€200 |
Ranges are guides only. Get itemised quotes for your specific move.
Practical advice
What to Ship vs What to Leave Behind
Worth shipping
- High-quality furniture that would cost more to replace
- Sentimental or irreplaceable items
- Quality European bedding and linens
- Books, artwork, personal collections
- Quality kitchen equipment (KitchenAid, etc.)
- Children's toys and familiar items
- Tools and specialist equipment
Consider leaving behind / buying locally
- Large appliances (cheaper to buy new in Turkey)
- IKEA-type flat-pack furniture (same or lower prices locally)
- North American voltage appliances
- Cars (import duties are extremely high)
- Ordinary kitchenware and basic household items
- Mattresses (can be problematic to ship, cheap locally)
- Items you haven't used in 2+ years
Logistics
Main Turkish Entry Points for Household Goods
Mersin Port
Serves: Southern Turkey, Antalya
Largest general cargo port; handles most southern Turkey household shipments
Ambarlı (Istanbul)
Serves: Istanbul and Marmara region
Main container port for Istanbul; large throughput, efficient clearance
Izmir Port
Serves: Aegean Turkey, Izmir, Bodrum
Handles Aegean coast shipments; Bodrum goods typically truck from here
Land border (EU)
Serves: Road freight from Europe
Truck shipments from Western Europe cross via Kapıkule or Hamzabeyli borders
Common questions
FAQ
More guides for your move to Turkey
Bringing Electronics to Turkey
IMEI registration, device customs limits, adapters
Shipping Cost Calculator
Estimate your cost in 2 minutes
Moving Furniture to Turkey
Furniture-specific shipping guide
Turkey Customs Rules
What you can and cannot bring
Bringing Personal Belongings
Clothes, electronics, valuables
Moving to Turkey Guide
Complete relocation overview