Vehicle Transport in Turkey: Import Steps

Published on October 4, 2025 and written by Cyril Jarnias

Transporting a vehicle to Turkey may seem like a daunting task, but a solid understanding of import procedures can turn this challenge into a smooth and efficient operation.

Whether you’re an individual wanting to bring your car to this fascinating country, or an automotive professional looking to expand your market, knowing the administrative procedures, customs duties, and specific regulations is essential to avoid pitfalls.

From obtaining necessary permits to managing border checks, this article guides you through each step, emphasizing crucial tips and information for navigating the complex yet rewarding process of importing vehicles to Turkey.

Customs Formalities for Vehicle Import to Turkey

Types of Vehicles Allowed for Import

• Allowed for import: passenger cars, motorcycles, buses, and minibuses.
• Commercial vehicles, heavy trucks, and certain specialized vehicles may be subject to restrictions or special procedures depending on their type, usage, or compliance with Turkish standards.

Required Documents for Import

• Title or foreign registration certificate in the importer’s name
• Original purchase invoice for the vehicle
• COC Certificate (Certificate of Conformity) or homologation document proving the vehicle meets European/Turkish standards
• Proof of valid technical inspection
• International Green Card insurance
• Customs declaration filled at the border or pre-declared via the e-Devlet portal (possible two weeks before entry)
• Residence permit for persons wishing to settle permanently in Turkey
• Customs forms submitted and stamped when crossing the border

Applicable Customs Duties and Their Calculation

Customs duties: variable rates depending on country of origin, engine size, age, and vehicle value

VAT (KDV): generally 18% on the vehicle’s value

Special Consumption Tax (ÖTV): very high rates, potentially exceeding 60% or even 100% for certain vehicles, calculated on the value including customs duties and VAT

Taxes are calculated on the vehicle’s customs value (purchase invoice + transport and insurance costs to the Turkish border)

Tax	Calculation Basis	Indicative Rate
Customs Duties	Vehicle Value	10-30%
VAT (KDV)	Vehicle Value + Customs Duties	18%
ÖTV Tax	Previous Total Amount	60-200% depending on case

Specific Procedures: New vs Used Vehicles

New Vehicles

• Subject to strict technical and compliance inspection upon arrival
• Requirement for valid homologation certificate
• Higher taxes for high-displacement or high-emission vehicles

Used Vehicles

• Must not exceed a certain age (generally 3 to 5 years)
• Mandatory technical inspection in country of origin before import
• Stricter restrictions based on age and emission standards

Timeframes for Completing Formalities

• Border declaration: immediate or online pre-declaration up to 2 weeks before import
• Technical and administrative inspection: generally within 1-5 business days after arrival
• Customs clearance and registration: the complete process can take from a few days to several weeks depending on document compliance and administrative speed

Potential Restrictions by Vehicle Type or Country of Origin

• Prohibition on importing vehicles that are too old, too polluting, or non-compliant with Turkish standards
• Enhanced restrictions for vehicles from non-EU countries or countries without bilateral agreements with Turkey
• Turkish residents can only import vehicles with foreign plates under very strict conditions (185-day residence outside Turkey rule)

Practical Tips to Facilitate Import

• Hire a customs broker or local agent to manage the procedure and avoid administrative errors
• Prepare all documents in advance and ensure their compliance (certified translations, apostilles if necessary)
• Check current Turkish legislation on vehicle import, particularly regarding taxes and environmental standards
• Anticipate total costs, often very high due to ÖTV and VAT, and compare with local vehicle purchase prices
• Obtain valid insurance for Turkey before customs clearance
• Use the e-Devlet portal to simplify certain procedures online if you have a residence permit

Understanding Traffic Taxes in Turkey

Traffic taxes in Turkey mainly refer to taxes and duties required when importing and using a foreign vehicle on Turkish territory. They play a crucial role in the import process, as their payment conditions the administrative regularization of the vehicle and its registration.

Types of Taxes Applicable to Import:

Tax	Description	Calculation Method
Special Consumption Tax (ÖTV)	Indirect tax applied to certain goods, including motor vehicles.	High percentage based on vehicle value, particularly depending on engine displacement: – ≤1600 cm³: ~61.6% – 1600–2000 cm³: ~88.8% – >2000 cm³: ~177.1%
Value Added Tax (VAT/KDV)	Applies additionally to all imports.	Standard national rate: generally 18%.
Customs Duties	Additional fees sometimes required for non-EU origin.	Variable; for specific cases up to 10%.
Annual Road Tax (bandrol)	Recurring tax for all holders of vehicles registered in Turkey.	Fixed or progressive amount depending on vehicle type/age.

Note: Legally residing foreigners may qualify under conditions for full or partial exemption from ÖTV and VAT taxes for a single imported or newly purchased tax-free car; this does not apply to Turkish citizens or vehicles used by non-direct household members.

Administrative Procedure for Paying These Taxes:

• Complete preparation of customs file with original documents.
• Possible prior declaration via the e-Devlet portal (to speed up processing).
• Payment of due amounts to customs services before vehicle release.
• Obtaining essential proof after payment for final registration.

Payment Conditions:

• All taxes must be paid before the vehicle is put into circulation.
• Non-payment or delay results in:
  • Increased administrative fines
  • Temporary or even permanent vehicle blocking or confiscation
  • Inability to legally register or resell

Recent Illustrative Example:

For a newly imported gasoline car with displacement over 2,000 cm³ whose CIF value is estimated at €30,000:

• ÖTV calculation (~177%) = 30,000 × 1.77 = €53,100
• Provisional total = €83,100
• VAT (~18%) = 83,100 × 0.18 ≈ €14,958
• Total tax + VAT cost ≈ €68,058

The tax impact can therefore significantly exceed the vehicle’s initial value—making some imports economically unattractive.

Practical Tips to Facilitate and Optimize:

• Check eligibility for partial/full exemption (especially if holding a valid residence permit).
• If possible, prefer a less powerful/luxury model to significantly reduce ÖTV.
• Anticipate all procedures via e-devlet to avoid administrative delays/duplications.
• Get accompanied by an accredited broker during complex/maritime procedures.

In summary, precisely understanding these tax mechanisms is essential before any import decision to Turkey as they directly determine the final overall cost and strictly condition any legal procedure related to the future owner/importer’s administrative status as well as the specific technical profile of the chosen vehicle.

!!! Important Note !!!
Tax rules change regularly; always verify with updated official Turkish or consular sources before any operation.

Driving in Turkey: Permits for Expatriates

Regulations for Expatriates in Turkey Regarding Driver’s License

Recognition of Foreign License:

• A foreign driver’s license is valid for driving in Turkey for a maximum period of six months after entry into the territory.
• It’s advisable to have an international license accompanied by the national license if it’s not written in Latin alphabet or not understandable by Turkish authorities.

Exchange Requirement:

• Beyond six months, foreign residents must exchange their license for a Turkish license. The foreign license alone is no longer recognized for daily driving.
• This procedure concerns all expatriates who have obtained legal resident status (holder of an “ikamet”).

Conditions to Fulfill:

• Hold a valid residence permit (“ikamet”).
• Legally reside in Turkey.
• Not have had driving privileges suspended or revoked in home country.

Procedures and Timeframes for Exchange:

Steps	Details and Timeframes
File Submission	At the provincial civil affairs directorate (Nüfus ve Vatandaşlık İşleri) in your city of residence
Average Time	Processing generally within a few weeks after complete submission

Documents Required for Exchange:

• Original and photocopy of foreign license
• Sworn and notarized translation of license
• Passport + photocopy
• Residence permit (ikamet) + photocopy
• Medical report certifying fitness to drive
• Recent biometric photos (generally two)
• Recent proof of local address

Lack of a compliant document may result in temporary or permanent refusal of the application

Some offices may request additional documents depending on nationality.

Allowed Categories & Specific Restrictions

Category	Allowed Vehicles	Remarks
B	Passenger Cars	Standard Category
A	Motorcycles	According to minimum age required
Others	Heavy Trucks, Buses…	Requires equivalence on original license

Some nationalities may face additional restrictions:

• Nationals from countries without bilateral agreements with Turkey may sometimes have to partially or fully retake local theoretical/practical exams.

Practical Tips & Useful Resources

• Main addresses:
  • Provincial Directorate Nüfus ve Vatandaşlık İşleri (in each major city)
  • For Istanbul: , …
  • Complete list available at https://randevu.nvi.gov.tr/ (official appointment booking site)
• Additional information:
  • The official site https://www.e-devlet.gov.tr/ allows administrative tracking and certain preliminary procedures online.
  • Possibly contact foreign consulates to validate certain translated/notarized documents.

Anticipate your procedures before legal deadline expiration to avoid any penalties

When in doubt, always prioritize direct contact with competent local authorities.