Importing a Vehicle to Turkey: 2026 Guide

Importing a car to Turkey is possible but expensive. If you are a foreigner living in Turkey, you can bring your vehicle in on a temporary import permit for up to two years at no cost, or you can permanently import it by paying customs duties, OTV (Special Consumption Tax) and KDV (VAT), which together often exceed the vehicle's original value. For most people, buying a car locally in Turkey is the more practical and cost-effective option. That said, there are situations where importing makes sense, and this guide walks you through every step of both routes.

We have lived in Turkey for over 11 years and have helped dozens of expats navigate this process. Some successfully brought their cars in on temporary plates and drove them for two years. Others went through the full permanent import, paying the duties and getting Turkish plates. And more than a few ended up selling their foreign car back home and buying locally once they saw the true cost of importing. Whatever your situation, this guide gives you the facts you need to make a sensible decision.

Temporary Import (Tourist Plates)

The temporary import regime, known as geçici ithalat in Turkish, is by far the most common way foreigners drive their own cars in Turkey. When you enter the country at a border crossing with a foreign-registered vehicle, customs officers will record the vehicle's details in your passport and in the customs system. You do not pay any duties or taxes. The vehicle remains on its original foreign plates and you are allowed to drive it within Turkey for a defined period.

How Long Can You Keep the Car in Turkey?

As of 2026, the standard temporary import period for foreign nationals is up to 730 days (two years) within any three-year rolling period. This is cumulative, meaning every day the vehicle is physically present in Turkey counts towards the total. If you take the car out of Turkey and re-enter, the clock pauses while you are abroad but resumes when you return.

The two-year limit is a hard ceiling. Once you have used all 730 days, the vehicle must leave Turkey and cannot re-enter for at least one calendar year. There are no extensions available beyond the two-year maximum under current regulations.

Requirements for Temporary Import

• Valid passport with sufficient remaining validity
• Vehicle registration document (V5C or equivalent) in your name
• Valid driving licence from your home country or an International Driving Permit
• Green Card insurance or a short-term Turkish border insurance policy (you can buy this at the border for around 1,500 to 3,000 TL depending on duration)
• Vehicle must be roadworthy with valid MOT or equivalent inspection from your home country

When you cross the border, the customs officer will check these documents and enter your vehicle into the BİLGE (Bilgisayarlı Gümrük Etkinlikleri) system. Your passport will receive a stamp noting the vehicle entry. This digital record is how the authorities track your temporary import period.

What You Cannot Do with a Temporarily Imported Vehicle

There are strict rules about what you can and cannot do with a temporarily imported car. Violating any of these can result in the vehicle being seized and heavy fines.

• You cannot sell, lend or transfer the vehicle to anyone in Turkey
• You cannot let a Turkish citizen drive the vehicle unless you are present in the car
• You cannot use the vehicle for commercial purposes (deliveries, taxi, etc.)
• You cannot leave the car in Turkey if you fly out of the country (the car and the passport holder must exit together, or you must formally deposit the vehicle at a customs warehouse)

That last point catches many people off guard. If you fly home for a holiday and leave the car parked in Turkey, you are technically in violation of customs regulations. The correct procedure is to either drive the car out before you fly, or to deliver it to a customs bonded warehouse (antrepo) and notify customs that the vehicle is being stored. We have a more detailed explanation in our guide to buying a car in Turkey, which also covers temporary plates in the context of vehicle ownership.

What Happens When Time Expires

If your 730 days run out and the car is still in Turkey, you have a serious problem. Turkish Customs (Gümrük Muhafaza) will flag the vehicle in their system. If the car is stopped at a traffic check or involved in any official process, it will be identified as overstaying. The consequences include:

• Substantial fines calculated per day of overstay
• Vehicle seizure, meaning the car is taken to a customs impound lot
• A potential travel ban until the matter is settled
• In extreme cases, criminal prosecution under customs smuggling laws

We cannot stress this enough: set a calendar reminder at least three months before your temporary import period is due to expire. If you want to keep driving in Turkey, start exploring either the permanent import process or buying a car locally.

Permanent Import Process

Permanently importing a vehicle to Turkey means paying all customs duties and taxes, getting the car inspected and approved for Turkish roads, and re-registering it with Turkish plates. The process is bureaucratic, expensive and time-consuming, but it is entirely doable if you are prepared.

Step 1: Customs Declaration

The process begins at the customs office (gümrük müdürlüğü) at the port or border crossing where the vehicle enters Turkey. You (or your customs broker) must file a Gümrük Beyannamesi (Customs Declaration Form). This declares the vehicle, its assessed value, and your intention to permanently import it.

The customs authority will determine the CIF value (Cost, Insurance and Freight) of the vehicle. This is the value on which all taxes are calculated. They may use your purchase invoice, but they also cross-reference against their own database of vehicle values. If they believe your declared value is too low, they will adjust it upward. There is an appeals process, but in practice it is difficult to challenge the customs valuation.

Step 2: Pay OTV (Special Consumption Tax)

OTV (Özel Tüketim Vergisi) is the single largest cost in importing a vehicle. The rate depends on the engine size and, for newer vehicles, CO2 emissions. We cover the exact rates in the customs duties section below, but expect to pay between 45% and 220% of the CIF value. Yes, you read that correctly. For a car with a 2.0-litre engine, the OTV alone can exceed the original purchase price of the vehicle.

Step 3: Pay KDV (VAT)

After OTV, you must also pay KDV (Katma Değer Vergisi) at a flat rate of 20%. The important detail here is that KDV is calculated on the CIF value plus OTV, not on the CIF value alone. This compounding effect is what makes the total tax burden so heavy.

Step 4: Conformity Certificate

Before the vehicle can be released from customs, you need a conformity certificate (uygunluk belgesi) from a TURKAK-accredited testing laboratory. We explain this in detail in the next section. The vehicle must meet Turkish safety, emissions and technical standards.

Step 5: Vehicle Registration

Once you have paid all taxes and received the conformity certificate, the customs authority releases the vehicle. You then take it to the provincial traffic registration office (Trafik Tescil Müdürlüğü) to register it, obtain Turkish plates and receive your ruhsat (vehicle registration certificate). You will also need to arrange compulsory traffic insurance (zorunlu trafik sigortası) before registration can be completed.

From this point, the vehicle is treated identically to any Turkish-purchased car. You will pay annual MTV (motor vehicle tax), arrange insurance, and take it for regular inspections.

TURKAK Inspection and Conformity

The TURKAK inspection is one of the steps that surprises many importers. TURKAK itself is the Turkish Accreditation Agency, which accredits independent testing laboratories to carry out vehicle conformity assessments. You do not go to TURKAK directly. Instead, you take your vehicle to one of their accredited testing facilities.

What the Inspection Covers

The conformity inspection checks whether your vehicle meets Turkey's technical regulations, which are largely aligned with EU and UNECE standards. The assessment includes:

• Emissions testing (exhaust gas analysis for Euro standards compliance)
• Safety equipment (headlights, seatbelts, mirrors, horn, windscreen)
• Brake performance
• Steering geometry
• Chassis and body integrity
• VIN verification (checking the Vehicle Identification Number matches the documentation)
• Speedometer calibration (must read in km/h)
• Headlight alignment (must be set for right-hand traffic if the car was previously registered in a left-hand traffic country)

Where to Get the Inspection

TURKAK-accredited vehicle testing facilities are located in most major cities, including Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, Antalya and Bursa. The most commonly used ones include TÜVTURK-affiliated labs and independent accredited centres. You can find the current list of accredited bodies on the TURKAK website.

You will need to book an appointment in advance. During busy periods, waiting times can stretch to two or three weeks, so factor this into your timeline.

Costs

The inspection fee varies by facility and vehicle type, but for a standard passenger car, expect to pay between 5,000 and 10,000 TL (as of mid-2026). This covers the physical inspection, the report and the issuance of the conformity certificate. If the vehicle fails on any point, you will need to rectify the issue and return for a re-test, which may incur additional fees.

If your vehicle documentation is in a language other than Turkish, you will also need certified translations of the registration document and any technical reports. A sworn translator (yeminli tercüman) must prepare these.

Understanding Customs Duties and Taxes

The tax burden on imported vehicles is the main reason most foreigners decide against permanent import. Turkey applies some of the highest vehicle taxes in the world, and the rates are designed to protect the domestic automotive industry. Here is how it breaks down.

OTV (Special Consumption Tax) Rates for 2026

OTV rates for motor vehicles are determined by engine displacement (for internal combustion engines) or battery capacity (for electric vehicles). The rates as of 2026 are:

Note: These are the base rates. For new vehicles sold domestically, additional sub-bands based on vehicle price apply, but for imports the engine-size bands above are the primary reference. Electric vehicles have separate rates based on kWh capacity, starting from 10% for small batteries and rising to 60% for larger ones. Check the latest rates on the Turkish Customs website as these can change with presidential decrees.

KDV (VAT) at 20%

KDV is applied at a flat 20% on the combined total of CIF value plus OTV. This is the compounding element that makes imported vehicles so expensive.

Customs Duty

There may also be a customs duty (gümrük vergisi) applied, typically at a rate of around 4.4% for vehicles from EU/EFTA countries under existing trade agreements, or up to 10% for vehicles from other origins. This is applied to the CIF value before OTV is calculated.

Worked Examples

To make this concrete, here are two examples based on typical scenarios we see.

Example 1: A 1.4-litre Volkswagen Golf, CIF value 15,000 EUR

• Customs duty (4.4%): 660 EUR
• OTV at 45% on (15,000 + 660) = 7,047 EUR
• KDV at 20% on (15,000 + 660 + 7,047) = 4,541 EUR
• Total taxes: 12,248 EUR
• Grand total (value + taxes): 27,248 EUR

Example 2: A 2.0-litre BMW 3 Series, CIF value 30,000 EUR

• Customs duty (4.4%): 1,320 EUR
• OTV at 130% on (30,000 + 1,320) = 40,716 EUR
• KDV at 20% on (30,000 + 1,320 + 40,716) = 14,407 EUR
• Total taxes: 56,443 EUR
• Grand total (value + taxes): 86,443 EUR

As you can see from Example 2, a car worth 30,000 EUR ends up costing nearly 87,000 EUR once all taxes are paid. This is why we always encourage people to run the numbers carefully before committing to a permanent import.

Buying Locally vs Importing

We get asked this question more than almost anything else: "Should I bring my car from home or buy one here?" The honest answer, in the vast majority of cases, is to buy locally. Here is why, and when importing might still make sense.

When Buying Locally Wins

• Total cost: Even though car prices in Turkey are higher than in many European countries, the customs duties and taxes on imports often outweigh the local price premium. A car that costs 20,000 EUR in Germany might sell for 25,000 EUR in Turkey, but importing that same car from Germany could cost you 35,000+ EUR once you have paid shipping, duties and taxes.
• Simplicity: Buying a locally registered car means no customs process, no TURKAK inspection, no conformity issues and no waiting. You go to the notary, sign the transfer, arrange insurance and drive away.
• After-sales support: A Turkish-registered vehicle has a local service history, Turkish-spec parts compatibility and no questions at resale time.
• Time: The import process can take weeks or even months. Buying locally can be done in a single day.

Our complete guide to buying a car in Turkey covers the local purchase process from start to finish, including how to avoid common scams and where to find reliable second-hand vehicles.

When Importing Might Make Sense

• Rare or specialist vehicles: If you own a classic car, a heavily modified vehicle or something not commonly available in Turkey, importing may be the only option. The tax hit is painful, but if the vehicle is irreplaceable to you, it may be worth it.
• Very high-value vehicles: Counterintuitively, for very expensive luxury or sports cars, the local Turkish markup can sometimes be so extreme that importing still works out cheaper. This applies to cars in the 100,000 EUR+ range where Turkish dealer premiums can be 40% or more above European prices.
• Temporary use: If you plan to stay in Turkey for less than two years, the temporary import route costs you nothing beyond insurance. You can drive your own car, then take it back when you leave.
• Sentimental value: We have helped people import family cars that have been in the family for decades. The financial maths did not add up, but the personal value was what mattered.

If you are unsure, get in touch with us and we can help you run the numbers for your specific vehicle. We also maintain a directory of vetted professionals including customs brokers who specialise in vehicle imports.

Required Documents

Gathering the right paperwork before you start is essential. Missing even one document can delay the process by weeks. Here is the complete list for a permanent import.

Personal Documents

• Valid passport (with at least six months remaining validity)
• Turkish residence permit (ikamet belgesi), valid and current. If you do not yet have one, see our address registration guide as a first step.
• Turkish tax number (vergi kimlik numarası), obtainable from any tax office
• Proof of registered Turkish address (ikametgah belgesi, from e-Devlet or the local nüfus office)

Vehicle Documents

• Original vehicle registration certificate (V5C, Fahrzeugbrief, Carte Grise, or equivalent), showing you as the registered owner
• Purchase invoice or bill of sale showing the price paid
• Certificate of de-registration from the country of origin (confirming the car has been taken off the foreign register)
• MOT certificate or equivalent (proving the vehicle was roadworthy at the time of export)
• Insurance documents (Green Card valid for Turkey, or proof of Turkish insurance)
• Vehicle identification documents including VIN details

Import-Specific Documents

• Customs declaration form (Gümrük Beyannamesi), prepared with your customs broker
• Bill of lading or CMR (if the vehicle was shipped by sea or road transport rather than driven in)
• TURKAK conformity certificate (obtained after inspection in Turkey)
• Certified Turkish translations of all foreign-language documents (by a sworn translator)
• Power of attorney (vekalet) if using a customs broker to act on your behalf

All documents should be originals or notarised copies. Photocopies will not be accepted. We recommend scanning everything before you submit it, as Turkish bureaucracy has a well-earned reputation for losing paperwork.

Timeline and Costs

Here is a realistic timeline and cost breakdown based on our experience helping people through this process. Actual times may vary depending on the city, the season and whether any complications arise.

Realistic Timeline

Itemised Cost Breakdown (Excluding Vehicle Taxes)

These are the administrative and service costs on top of the OTV, KDV and customs duty covered earlier.

These figures are in Turkish Lira and reflect mid-2026 prices. Shipping costs vary enormously depending on the origin country, the port and whether you use a container or roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) service. RoRo is generally cheaper for standard vehicles.

For a complete picture of car-related costs, including ongoing expenses like annual tax and insurance, see our guide to taxes in Turkey.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

After helping numerous people through this process, we have seen the same mistakes come up again and again. Here are the ones to watch out for.

1. Not checking the two-year clock. Many expats lose track of how many days their vehicle has been in Turkey. The customs system tracks this digitally, and there is no warning before the limit is reached. Use the e-Devlet portal to check your vehicle's remaining temporary import days.
2. Underestimating the tax burden. People often calculate only OTV and forget that KDV is applied on top of the OTV-inclusive amount. The compounding effect means the total tax bill is much higher than a simple percentage calculation would suggest.
3. Letting someone else drive the car. Under temporary import rules, only the person in whose passport the vehicle is recorded may drive it (with limited exceptions for immediate family present in the vehicle). Lending the car to a friend, even briefly, is a customs violation.
4. Flying out without the car. If you leave Turkey by air while your temporarily imported car is still in the country, you must formally deposit it at a customs warehouse. Simply parking it at home is illegal and can trigger seizure.
5. Not getting translations done in advance. Certified translations take time, especially during peak periods. Having your documents translated before you arrive in Turkey saves valuable time in the customs process.
6. Choosing the wrong customs broker. Not all customs brokers have experience with personal vehicle imports. Many specialise in commercial goods and will struggle with the vehicle-specific requirements. Ask for references and check our professional directory for vetted customs brokers.
7. Ignoring the vehicle's specifications. Right-hand drive vehicles cannot be permanently imported. Vehicles that do not meet Euro emissions standards will fail the TURKAK inspection. Modified vehicles with aftermarket parts may also face rejection. Check compatibility before you ship.
8. Forgetting ongoing costs. After import, you will pay annual MTV (motor vehicle tax), insurance, and regular inspection fees. These ongoing costs should be factored into your total cost of ownership calculation.