Bayraktar Attorneys helps foreign clients bring a vehicle into Turkey, or move one out, in a way that meets Turkish customs and traffic rules. We advise on the right route for your situation, prepare the paperwork and deal with the authorities, all in English.
Bringing a car across a border is rarely simple. The rules on customs, taxes and registration are strict, and a mistake can mean penalties, storage costs or a vehicle you cannot legally drive. We help you avoid those problems from the start.
Talk to an English-speaking lawyer before you ship the vehicle. The first consultation is free and there is no obligation.
Car prices in Turkey are significantly higher than in many other countries, largely because of high import duties and taxation. As a result, many of our foreign clients prefer to bring a vehicle from their home country rather than buy one locally.
The catch is that importing, registering or transferring a vehicle in Turkey involves strict regulation and detailed paperwork. The right approach depends on who you are, how long you plan to stay and what you want to do with the car. Getting this wrong is expensive, so it pays to plan the route before the vehicle arrives.
An international car transfer means legally moving a vehicle, and its ownership, from one country to another. The process changes depending on the countries involved and must comply with import and export rules, customs regulations and tax policy on both sides.
Our role is to identify the correct legal basis for your case, prepare the documents, and deal with customs and the traffic authorities so that the vehicle can be used lawfully and without unexpected charges.
For most foreign visitors and residents, the practical route is the temporary importation, or tourist vehicle, regime rather than a permanent import.
Under this regime you may bring your foreign-plated vehicle into Turkey and use it for a limited period without paying full import taxes. The permitted period is tied to your status and stay in Turkey, and the vehicle generally must leave the country, or be placed in bonded custody, when that period ends. We confirm the current time limits and conditions for your situation.
The regime is designed for people whose usual residence is abroad and who bring a vehicle for their own use. The details depend on your residence status, so we review your position before you rely on it. Where relevant, we coordinate this with your residence permit.
Permanently importing and registering a foreign used car on Turkish plates is tightly restricted and only available in limited situations. Because full import duties and taxes can be very high, and eligibility is narrow, this route must be assessed case by case before any vehicle is shipped.
To move a vehicle into Turkey or out to another country, you will generally need to provide:
Beyond the transfer itself, a few practical points often decide whether the process runs smoothly:
Valid insurance cover is mandatory before a vehicle can be legally driven in Turkey, and before a title can be transferred. Depending on your case, additional cover may be needed for the import or export stage. We advise on the specific requirements and help you arrange the right policy.
If the vehicle still carries an outstanding loan, the lender's approval is needed before ownership can change hands. We can help engage with the finance provider so that both the title and the loan obligations are dealt with correctly.
Every country has its own rules on taxation, emissions standards and registration. We work through the requirements on both sides of the transfer to keep the vehicle compliant and to prevent complications, delays or penalties.
We learn your plans and residence status, then advise whether the tourist regime, permanent import or another route fits your case.
We list exactly what is needed, then help you gather, prepare and translate the title, registration, export and import documents.
We confirm the insurance you must hold and, if the vehicle is financed, help arrange the lender's approval for the transfer.
We deal with customs clearance and the traffic authorities, and complete the temporary importation or registration steps that apply.
We confirm the vehicle can be used legally in Turkey, explain any time limits, and set out what you must do when the period ends.
We guide foreign clients through vehicle relocation every day, entirely in English.
We identify the correct legal basis before you ship, which avoids costly mistakes and penalties.
We handle the customs and traffic paperwork that so often causes delays for individuals.
We tell you honestly what is possible, including where permanent import is not, so you can plan with certainty.
Atty. Nevzat Oğulcan Bayraktar
Confidential, English-speaking support through customs, insurance and registration.
This page provides general information about bringing and registering a vehicle in Turkey in Turkey and does not constitute legal advice. For guidance on your specific situation, please contact Bayraktar Attorneys for a consultation.
