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Moving Your Belongings
Turkey Customs Rules
for Expats
What you can and cannot bring to Turkey, duty-free allowances, the household goods exemption, and how to avoid the most common customs mistakes. Updated 2026.
Arriving passengers
Duty-Free Allowances for Arrivals
These allowances apply to everyone entering Turkey, regardless of residency status. They cover what you can bring in your personal luggage without paying customs duty.
| Category | Allowance | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tobacco — cigarettes | 200 cigarettes | Or equivalent combination of tobacco products |
| Tobacco — cigars | 50 cigars | Or 200g pipe/rolling tobacco |
| Spirits (>22% ABV) | 1 litre | Whisky, gin, vodka, etc. |
| Wine / beer / mild spirits (<22%) | 2 litres | Can be combined with spirits up to combined allowance |
| Perfume | 5 bottles (max 120ml each) | Personal use only |
| Medication | Up to 3 months personal supply | Carry prescription for controlled drugs |
| Personal electronics | 1 laptop, 1 tablet, 1 camera, etc. | For personal use — no commercial quantities |
| Cash / foreign currency | No limit (declare if >€10,000) | Undeclared amounts above limit may be seized |
| Gifts | Up to €430 in value (international) | €150 for travellers under 15; excludes tobacco/alcohol |
These are arrival allowances only — they apply to goods in your personal luggage. Shipping goods separately (household goods) uses a different process and different rules. See the section below on the household goods exemption.
Permanent movers
The Household Goods Exemption
Expats making a permanent move to Turkey can import their used household goods and personal belongings duty-free under the "change of residence" exemption (yerleşim yeri değişikliği). This is the key customs rule for anyone relocating.
The exemption applies to genuine used personal property — furniture, clothing, kitchenware, personal electronics, and books. It does not cover new goods, commercial quantities, or vehicles (which have their own rules). For detailed rules on IMEI registration, voltage compatibility, and device-specific customs thresholds, see the full guide on bringing electronics to Turkey as a foreigner.
Conditions to qualify
You are permanently relocating to Turkey (not a tourist)
Items have been in your personal use for at least 6 months
Goods are for your personal use — not for resale
Shipment arrives within 12 months of establishing Turkish residency
A complete itemised inventory is submitted to customs
Documents you must prepare
- Valid passport (notarised copy)
- Turkish residence permit (ikamet) or application proof
- Detailed inventory — Turkish and English
- Proof of previous address abroad (lease or utility bill)
- Customs declaration (Gümrük Beyannamesi)
- Certificate of change of residence from origin country
What the exemption does NOT cover
- × New items or items appearing commercially purchased
- × Commercial quantities of the same item
- × Vehicles (cars, motorbikes — separate rules apply)
- × Alcohol and tobacco beyond arrival allowances
- × Goods purchased specifically for import
Restrictions
Prohibited and Restricted Items
Absolutely prohibited
Narcotics and psychotropic drugs
Zero tolerance — severe criminal penalties
Counterfeit goods
Including fake branded clothing or electronics
Child exploitation material
Criminal offence
Certain chemicals and precursors
Without appropriate licence
Protected wildlife and products
CITES convention applies
Restricted (licence or declaration required)
Firearms and ammunition
Turkish firearms licence required; notify customs in advance
Radio transmitting equipment
ICTA approval required
Prescription controlled drugs
Carry prescription and doctor's letter
Large amounts of foreign currency
Must declare if carrying over €10,000
Certain agricultural products
Phytosanitary certificate may be required
Gold bullion above personal use amounts
Declaration and documentation required
Vehicles
Vehicle Import Rules at a Glance
Importing a vehicle permanently to Turkey triggers very high taxes. Most expats use the temporary import exemption instead.
Temporary import (most common)
Foreign-registered vehicles can enter Turkey duty-free for up to 12 months. This is the most practical option for most expats. The car is registered in your Turkish passport or vehicle registration book. Extensions may be possible but are not guaranteed.
Permanent import — expensive
Permanently importing a car involves Special Consumption Tax (ÖTV) and VAT that can total 100–200%+ of the vehicle value. For a €20,000 car, expect total import costs of €25,000–€50,000 or more. Most expats sell their car before moving and buy locally in Turkey.
Practical tips
Avoiding Common Customs Mistakes
Use a gümrük müşaviri
A Turkish customs broker handles your declaration, liaises with port authorities, and dramatically reduces delays. Fee: €150–€400. Worth every cent.
Never understate values
Intentionally undervaluing goods for customs is a criminal offence in Turkey. The risk is confiscation and fines — not worth it for modest savings.
Have your ikamet ready
Turkish customs expects residency documentation. Goods arriving before your permit is issued may be held at port. Port storage costs €30–€100/day.
Photograph and document before packing
Photos showing items in use in your home support the "used goods" exemption claim and help resolve any disputes.
Keep receipts for electronics
Purchase receipts showing the buy date prove items are older than 6 months and support the personal use exemption.
Common questions
FAQ: Turkey Customs Rules
More moving resources
Bringing Electronics to Turkey
IMEI registration, voltage rules, device customs limits
Shipping Cost Calculator
Estimate your total shipping cost
Shipping Household Goods
Step-by-step guide to shipping
Importing a Car to Turkey
Temporary vs permanent vehicle import
Bringing Personal Belongings
What to pack and what to declare
Moving to Turkey Guide
Complete relocation overview