Learn the conditions and procedures for bringing a vehicle from abroad to Turkey. This is essential information for foreign nationals and dual citizens.
Due to increasing expenses, owning a vehicle in Turkey has become more difficult, making it a more cost-effective and comfortable option for foreign citizens to bring their own vehicles from abroad. However, specific conditions and procedures exist for bringing a vehicle from abroad to Turkey. These conditions vary depending on the status of the person bringing the vehicle and the vehicle itself. The person bringing a vehicle from abroad does not have to be a Turkish citizen.
Conditions Required to Bring a Vehicle From Abroad to Turkey
Certain conditions must be met to bring a vehicle from abroad. The vehicle may not pass through the border gate smoothly if these conditions are not met. The conditions are as follows:
1. The Vehicle Must Be Registered and Licensed in the Owner’s Name in The Country of Residence
The vehicle intended to be brought to Turkey must be registered and licensed in the name of the person bringing it to their country of residence. Residents of the European Union or European Free Trade Association countries can also bring vehicles registered and licensed in their name from other EU or EFTA countries, even if not from their address of residence. Bringing someone else’s vehicle with a Power of Attorney (PoA) is also possible.
2. Must Have Been a Resident Abroad For at Least 185 Days in The Last Year
Foreign nationals and dual citizens in Turkey can bring a foreign-plated vehicle to Turkey, provided they have resided abroad for at least 185 days in the last year. Residence day records can be obtained from turkiye.gov.tr.
3. Must Have The Required Documents During Customs Passage
Foreign nationals who meet the conditions of having the vehicle registered and licensed in their name and have been resident abroad for at least 185 days in the last year must have certain documents ready, translated into Turkish, and notarized during customs passage. These documents are:
- Valid vehicle registration and driver’s license,
- Passport,
- Residence permit, if any (the duration of vehicle stay in Turkey changes if there is no residence permit),
- Green insurance or any valid insurance policy in Turkey.
If the driver is not the vehicle owner, they must have the following documents:
- Valid vehicle registration and driver’s license,
- Green insurance or any valid insurance in Turkey,
- A Power of Attorney approved by the embassy, consulate, or notary,
- A document prepared by the person bringing the vehicle and the vehicle owner, approved by the official authorities of the relevant country (customs, municipality, police, court),
- Rental agreement for rental vehicles.
Bringin Vehicles Belonging to Legal Entities to Turkey From abroad
Vehicles belonging to legal entities can also be brought to Turkey if certain conditions are met. The following documents are needed to bring a vehicle belonging to legal entities to Turkey:
- Vehicle registration,
- Driver’s license of the person bringing the vehicle,
- Green insurance or any valid insurance policy in Turkey for the vehicle,
- Passport of the person,
- For retirees from abroad, a retirement document with a Turkish translation approved by the consulate or embassy,
- A document with Turkish translation approved by a notary or consulate showing that the person bringing the vehicle is a company partner or employee.
How Long Can a Vehicle Brought From Abroad to Turkey Be Used?
The duration for which foreign-plated vehicles brought to Turkey from abroad can be used varies depending on whether the person has a residence permit:
- Foreign nationals with a residence permit in Turkey can use the imported vehicle for the duration of their residence permit. This period cannot exceed 730 days.
- Foreign nationals without a residence permit can use their foreign-plated vehicles in Turkey for a total of 90 days within 180 days.
- For vehicles belonging to legal entities brought to Turkey with a Power of Attorney, a period of up to 30 days is given. The duration of use in Turkey for vehicles belonging to legal entities brought with a Power of Attorney is 90 days.
Who Can Use The Vehicle Brought From Abroad to Turkey?
Foreign-plated vehicles can be used by the person whose name they are registered when entering Turkey, as well as by their spouse, parents, and children who are residents abroad.
If you’re going to leave your vehicle in Turkey and go abroad temporarily, you need to make a commitment to the customs administration that no one will use your vehicle. It’s also possible to leave the vehicle under customs administration supervision. A fine is applied if a person leaves the country without notifying the customs administration.
Although the process of bringing a vehicle from abroad may seem complicated when considering the conditions and procedures, the process can be completed smoothly if the correct steps are followed.
