How to Bring your car to Turkey?

• Cars in Turkey are still seen as a luxury, and the prices of vehicles, taxes, and fuel can seem excessive to most foreigners. The cost of an average second-hand motor can be as much as three times the price you would expect to pay in the UK or Europe.
• While foreigners can bring their car into Turkey for up to two years, there are rules regarding importing foreign vehicles. After two years, the car must leave the country for at least six months, or you face paying hefty taxes and risk the vehicle being taken and impounded. Still, want to bring your car to Turkey? Read on how to bring your car to Turkey.

How to Bring your car to Turkey?

• As of October 2015, visitors can bring a vehicle with a foreign number plate into Turkey for 730 days (two years). It applies to anyone (foreigner or Turk) who resides abroad for more than 185 days a year. It won’t apply to you if you have a residence permit, as the offer is tailored to overseas residents. However, provided residents have spent the required days abroad, they will be allowed entry with their foreign plate vehicle.

What documents are required to bring a car to Turkey?

• The car’s papers must be presented, and you must show that you have insurance and a valid warranty of fitness. If the driver isn’t the owner of a vehicle, they will need a power of attorney. Initially, you’ll be presented with a six-month permit. However, you can apply to have this extended to 730 days.

Who can use the vehicle?

• Immediate family members can use the vehicle, provided they live abroad.

What happens if the vehicle overstays?

• Vehicle owners are liable to hefty fines for cars that overstay – especially after three months of overstaying.

Blue-plate and tax-free cars

• We have encountered exceptions to this rule about those with a Turkish work permit issued by the Ministry of Labour, NATO staff, retired foreigners, diplomats, and foreign press. In these cases, it may be possible to purchase a tax-free ‘blue-plate car‘ or import your foreign-owned car tax-free for use during your stay in Turkey. Several laws and regulations surrounding this issue are changing, so please check with authorities if you believe you fall into one of the categories.
• These drivers can bring their foreign car and officially register it against their passports and permit. Providing they are the only drivers of the vehicle and that they pay a touring tax (warranty to ensure that the car is returned to its country of origin when its touring visa has expired). These cars are often referred to as ‘blue plate cars. If you fall into this category, do keep in mind that you may face difficulties when selling your blue-plate car in Turkey as these cars can only be brought by others meeting the strict criteria.

Buying a car in Turkey

• It’s easy to buy a car in Turkey. It would be best if you traveled to the larger towns and cities to find the best car prices. Parts for fancy cars and those made outside Turkey can be expensive and hard to find. Most ex-pats choose Fiats, Fords, Dacias, and Renaults to keep running costs down.
• After you find your car, you need to register it legally. A dealership should guide you through the purchase process if you buy from them. The paperwork must be legally transferred and notarized if you are purchasing privately. The vehicle should be checked to ensure that there is no outstanding debt against it and that all mandatory government taxes and insurance have been paid.

We would be happy to assist you with your inquiries.