Turkey – Buying or Importing a Car

How do I buy a new car in Turkey as a foreigner?

Foreign nationals are permitted to buy both new and second-hand cars in Turkey, and Turkish citizenship is not a requirement for vehicle ownership. That said, there are specific legal conditions that must be met before any purchase can go ahead.

The fundamental requirement is possessing a valid Turkish residence permit (ikamet). If you do not hold one, you will be unable to buy a vehicle in Turkey. You must also have a Turkish tax identification number, which is needed to register the vehicle in your name. This number is free to obtain and can be acquired either at your nearest tax office or through the online portal at ivd.gib.gov.tr.

A foreign national who is legally resident in Turkey with a valid residence permit may qualify for a tax-exempt vehicle purchase. Under this arrangement, a qualifying foreigner can purchase a new car through an authorised dealership without being liable for the Special Consumption Tax (ÖTV) or Value Added Tax (KDV). This popular concession is widely referred to as the “blue plate” (Mavi Plaka) scheme.

Vehicles acquired under this tax-free arrangement carry an “MA/MZ” registration plate, which identifies the owner as a foreign resident. The vehicle is documented in what is known as the “blue licence,” and its registration remains valid for the duration of the owner’s residency or work permit.

The tax exemption applies to one vehicle per eligible residence permit holder only, with the exception of diplomatic and NATO personnel, who may also obtain a tax-free vehicle for a spouse. Only the holder’s immediate family members may drive the car; Turkish citizens are neither permitted to purchase vehicles under this scheme nor to drive them.

The registration procedure and documentation needed for foreign buyers mirror those required of Turkish nationals. Essential documents include a valid residence permit, passport, proof of insurance, and tax identification number. When purchasing a brand-new vehicle, additional paperwork such as purchase invoices, warranty certificates, and technical inspection records may also be needed.

Vehicle financing through bank loans is available in Turkey, but many expatriates — particularly those who have not yet established a credit profile in the country — find that purchasing outright is more straightforward in practice. Contact individual banks directly to understand their lending criteria for foreign residents. For the most up-to-date documentation requirements, check with the dealership and, where appropriate, with the Turkish Revenue Administration (GİB).

How do I buy a used car in Turkey?

Turkey has a well-established and busy second-hand car market. Platforms such as Sahibinden.com, Letgo, and local dealership networks (galeriler) all assist foreign buyers through the process. Just as with a new car purchase, a valid residence permit and Turkish tax number are mandatory prerequisites.

Whether you are sourcing a vehicle from a dealership or a private seller found online, you should always commission a professional vehicle appraisal report (ekspertiz raporu) before proceeding. This report, prepared by a certified vehicle inspection company, sets out the car’s full history, including prior accident damage and any replaced components.

You can also verify a vehicle’s outstanding debts, penalty fines, and accident record through the e-Devlet (e-Government) portal at turkiye.gov.tr. This functions in a similar way to a vehicle history check in other countries — comparable to an HPI check — and is strongly advisable before committing to any used car transaction.

All vehicle sales in Turkey are completed at notary offices (noter), which are found in every district. It is essential to ensure all required documents are in order before attending, as the transaction cannot proceed if anything is missing.

At the point of sale, the key documents exchanged include the vehicle licence (ruhsat), the traffic certificate, and valid identity documents from both parties. Because all documents are in Turkish, a sworn interpreter must explain the content to a foreign buyer before any signatures are given. The notary draws up the sale contract, the interpreter conveys the terms to the foreign national, and both parties then sign.

When a tax-free blue-plate vehicle is sold by one eligible foreign resident to another, the tax exemption transfers to the new owner. This type of transaction typically takes place at the seller’s consular office. Following the notarised transfer, the incoming owner must update the vehicle registration and arrange the compulsory insurance before taking to the road.

Can I import a vehicle into Turkey, and how does the process work?

Turkey accommodates both temporary and permanent vehicle imports, though the rules and associated costs are very different under each scheme. The temporary import route is most widely used by expatriates who already own a vehicle in their home country and wish to use it in Turkey without incurring the full weight of import taxation.

To qualify as resident abroad — and therefore be eligible for the private-use temporary import scheme — a person must spend more than 185 days outside Turkey in any given year. Under this scheme, the maximum period a vehicle may remain in Turkey is 730 days.

For foreign nationals who are not Turkish citizens, the permitted duration of the vehicle’s stay is tied to the length of their authorised stay — so if someone has permission to remain in Turkey for only 90 days, their vehicle may not stay for longer than that either.

A Green Card insurance policy covering the entire duration of the vehicle’s time in Turkey must be arranged. This can be taken out either in the country where the vehicle is registered or at the border before entry.

Permanent importation is a considerably more complex and costly undertaking. Vehicles must conform to Turkey’s technical, emissions, and safety standards, and those that do not meet the requirements will need modification or may be ineligible for registration. Turkey drives on the right-hand side, and while both right- and left-hand drive vehicles must satisfy local technical standards, right-hand drive vehicles face heightened compliance challenges in practice.

The step-by-step permanent import process is as follows:

1. Confirm eligibility: Verify your residency status and that the vehicle meets Turkish technical and emissions standards. Turkey imposes restrictions on the age of imported vehicles, typically allowing only newer models to ensure compliance with environmental and safety standards.
2. Obtain a Letter of Conformity: Regarding vehicle importation, a Letter of Conformity (Uygunluk Yazısı) regulated by the Ministry of Industry and Technology, or an institution authorised by the Ministry, must be submitted to the competent customs authority during registration of the customs declaration.
3. Engage a licensed customs broker: A Turkish customs broker (gümrük müşaviri) accredited with the relevant customs authority must be appointed and authorised via notary. After preparing all necessary documents to submit the temporary admission transaction, the applicant must authorise and pay for the services of a customs broker; costs for temporary entry via shipping were reported at around £1,000 or more as of 2024.
4. File a customs declaration: The importer must file a customs declaration at the port of entry, providing all necessary vehicle documentation, including proof of purchase, registration, and technical specifications.
5. Pay applicable taxes: Applicable customs duties, VAT, and Special Consumption Tax (ÖTV) must be calculated and paid before the vehicle is released from customs.
6. Compliance inspection: A roadworthiness and emissions compliance test is mandatory before the vehicle can be driven in Turkey.
7. Register the vehicle: Once the vehicle is cleared for importation, registration with the Turkish Traffic Department is mandatory, involving further fees.

The authority responsible for customs procedures in Turkey is the Ministry of Trade (T.C. Ticaret Bakanlığı), which publishes official guidance on vehicle imports. The Turkish Revenue Administration (GİB) handles queries relating to ÖTV and VAT. Always verify the current requirements with these official sources before beginning the process.

What are the costs involved in importing a car to Turkey?

Turkey’s permanent vehicle import tax regime is among the most burdensome in the world. Arriving at an accurate budget requires understanding how multiple taxes are stacked on top of one another in a compounding sequence, each calculated on the total including all prior charges.

Turkey levies a standard 10% customs duty on most passenger vehicles, which constitutes the baseline import charge before consumption taxes and VAT are applied. However, the rate that applies to your specific vehicle will depend on its GTIP/HS code, country of origin, and any preferential trade arrangement in effect. Any generic rate should be treated as illustrative only; the precise customs duty should be confirmed against Turkey’s current tariff schedule or through a licensed Turkish customs broker.

The Special Consumption Tax (SCT/ÖTV) represents the single largest tax component in most vehicle imports. Rates are determined by engine displacement and vehicle value. The combined effect of 10% customs duty, ÖTV rates ranging from 90% to 220%, and 20% VAT creates an extremely high barrier to entry. As of July 2025, ÖTV band rates were clarified by presidential decision — always check the current applicable bands with the Turkish Revenue Administration before making any calculations.

VAT in Turkey is set at 20% and is applied to the cumulative taxable base, which includes the vehicle price, customs duty, and ÖTV combined. This compounding mechanism means that, unlike in many countries where each tax is calculated independently on the base vehicle value, every additional tax layer in Turkey inflates the base on which the next tax is assessed.

To convey the scale of costs involved, the following table presents an illustrative breakdown based on reported figures (as of 2025 — verify all rates with official sources before relying on them):

In total, Turkey’s vehicle import taxation can push the effective cost to 200–300% or more of the original vehicle value — a level of fiscal burden that few other countries match. To put this in perspective, many nations impose a single flat import duty of 5–15% alongside a standard VAT rate, without any equivalent to the ÖTV. For the overwhelming majority of expatriates, purchasing a vehicle locally in Turkey will be significantly more economical than bringing one from abroad.

An additional 50% tariff applies on gasoline and hybrid vehicles from China (increased from 40% in January 2025). Turkey has Free Trade Agreements with over 20 countries, which may reduce or eliminate tariffs on vehicles from certain origins, such as EFTA and UK partners. Consult the Ministry of Trade and a qualified Turkish customs broker for the precise rates applicable to your vehicle’s origin and specifications.

How do I register a vehicle in Turkey?

Vehicles registered in the name of a foreign resident are issued with licence plates from the MA/MZ group, which distinguishes tax-exempt blue-plate vehicles from those on standard Turkish registration. This status is also reflected in the blue licence document.

The registration procedure and documents required of foreign buyers are the same as those required of Turkish nationals. Registration is administered by the Traffic Registration Offices (Trafik Tescil ve Denetleme Büroları), which operate under the Turkish National Police (Emniyet Genel Müdürlüğü). For most transactions, you will deal with the Traffic Department (Trafik Tescil) at your local police directorate.

The documents typically required to register a locally purchased vehicle include:

• Valid passport and residence permit (ikamet)
• Turkish tax identification number
• Notarised sale contract from the notary office
• Vehicle licence (ruhsat) and traffic certificate from the seller
• Proof of mandatory traffic insurance (Zorunlu Trafik Sigortası)
• Proof of payment of applicable taxes and fees

If you are registering an imported vehicle, you will additionally need to present customs clearance documentation, the Letter of Conformity, and evidence that all import duties and taxes have been settled before registration can proceed. A roadworthiness and emissions compliance test is also mandatory prior to the vehicle being driven on Turkish roads; these inspections are conducted at authorised TÜVTÜRK stations (see below). Many vehicle-related administrative tasks can be accessed via the e-Government portal at turkiye.gov.tr. Confirm the current registration fees and exact document requirements with your local Traffic Registration Office before attending.

What insurance do I need to drive legally in Turkey?

All vehicles operating on Turkish roads are legally required to carry a Compulsory Traffic Insurance Policy (Zorunlu Trafik Sigortası), which provides cover for damage or injury caused to third parties. This is the minimum legal threshold and is broadly comparable to the mandatory third-party liability insurance required in most other countries.

This insurance requirement applies equally to foreign-plated vehicles in Turkey. At minimum, every driver must hold compulsory traffic insurance covering third-party damage. Operating a vehicle without this cover can result in substantial fines and, in the event of an accident, potential legal proceedings and vehicle impoundment.

If you are temporarily bringing a foreign-registered vehicle into Turkey, a Green Card insurance policy covering the full duration of the vehicle’s stay in Turkey is required. This can be arranged either in the country where the vehicle is registered or at the border before entry.

Beyond the mandatory minimum, it is sensible to purchase your compulsory insurance through a licensed Turkish insurer and to consider taking out additional comprehensive cover (kasko) for greater protection. Kasko insurance covers damage to your own vehicle as well as third-party liability and is widely available from private insurers. Turkey’s vehicle insurance market is privately operated and regulated by the Insurance and Private Pension Regulation and Supervision Agency (SEDDK).

Turkey’s domestic insurance pricing system does not formally incorporate foreign no-claims history in the way that, for example, the No Claims Discount system operates in some European countries. You should expect to be quoted on standard domestic terms when first arranging cover in Turkey. As a rough guide, compulsory traffic insurance (Zorunlu Trafik Sigortası) costs approximately 2,000–4,000 TRY per year, while optional comprehensive insurance (kasko) ranges from around 4,000–10,000 TRY per year — however, these are indicative 2025 figures and are subject to change given Turkey’s inflationary conditions. Always obtain up-to-date quotes directly from licensed insurers or brokers.

What driving licence do I need in Turkey as an expat?

Foreign nationals may drive in Turkey on a foreign driving licence for a maximum period of six months. Throughout this period, the foreign licence must be carried alongside a certified Turkish translation prepared by a notary public.

An international driving permit covers only those staying in Turkey for up to six months. Anyone whose stay extends beyond six months is required to obtain a valid Turkish driving licence. This distinguishes Turkey from certain other systems — such as those in some EU member states where a licence from another member country remains valid indefinitely — and means all long-term residents must either convert their existing licence or obtain a new Turkish one regardless of where they originally qualified.

Expatriates holding a valid driving licence from their home country may be able to exchange it for a Turkish licence, subject to meeting certain eligibility conditions. The first step is to establish whether your country of origin has a reciprocal licence recognition agreement with Turkey. Depending on nationality and licence type, some applicants may be exempted from the practical driving examination.

Documents typically required for a licence conversion include:

• A translated and notarised driver’s licence, the original licence and a coloured copy, and a valid residence or work permit.
• A certificate of medical examination, signed by an ophthalmologist, or a general certificate from a family health centre (Sağlık Ocağı) if you have already had an eye exam in Turkey, or a special hospital certificate if not.
• Biometric passport-sized photographs and the relevant fee receipts.

Since 2018, driving licences have been issued and replaced by the Nüfus (Civil Registration) directorate, and an online appointment is required. Applications are submitted at your local Nüfus office (Nüfus Müdürlüğü), which falls under the Directorate General of Civil Registration and Nationality (NVI). Translation and notarisation of your foreign licence may also be required when registering a vehicle. Always check current requirements directly with your local Nüfus office, as procedures can vary between provinces.

How do I sell a car in Turkey?

Vehicle sales in Turkey are formalised through notary offices, and this requirement applies regardless of whether you are selling to another foreign resident or — in the case of a standard, non-blue-plate vehicle — to a Turkish national.

Key points for anyone selling a vehicle in Turkey:

• Blue-plate vehicles cannot be sold to Turkish citizens. The tax exemption may only be transferred from one eligible foreign resident to another. If you wish to sell to a Turkish national or are leaving Turkey permanently, the vehicle must either be exported, transferred to another eligible foreigner, or converted to standard registration with applicable taxes paid.
• Outstanding fines, taxes, and debts must be resolved. Check the vehicle’s debt status, fines, and accident record before completing the transfer — this is accessible via the e-Devlet portal. Any unpaid fines remain attached to the vehicle’s registration and can obstruct the sale.
• Notarised transfer is mandatory. Both buyer and seller must be present at the notary office with the required documents. The notary records the change of ownership, and from the date of transfer the new owner assumes responsibility for insurance and registration.
• Seller liability ends at notarised transfer. Once the notarised sale contract is executed and the ownership transfer formally recorded, responsibility for any future fines or incidents passes entirely to the new owner. Retain copies of all notarised documents as evidence of the transaction.
• Annual vehicle tax (bandrol). While blue-plate vehicles are exempt from ÖTV and VAT, the annual road tax (bandrol) is still payable. Ensure all outstanding annual vehicle taxes are settled before completing the sale.

Regarding the tax implications of selling, if you dispose of a vehicle shortly after acquisition and realise a profit on the sale, this may in principle attract capital gains considerations under Turkish income tax law. Seek advice from a qualified Turkish tax adviser or consult the Turkish Revenue Administration (GİB) to understand the rules and thresholds as they apply to your individual circumstances, as these may change over time.

Are there any ongoing costs or obligations for vehicle ownership in Turkey?

Owning a vehicle in Turkey brings with it a range of recurring obligations and costs. It is important to plan for these, particularly given Turkey’s inflationary environment, which means that nominal costs expressed in Turkish lira can shift considerably from one year to the next.

Annual Motor Vehicle Tax (MTV / Bandrol): All vehicle owners in Turkey are required to pay an annual tax known as bandrol. The amount varies according to the engine size, age, and fuel type of the vehicle. Owners of imported vehicles are equally subject to this recurring charge based on their vehicle’s engine size and age. The tax is paid in two instalments — typically in January and July each year. Current rates are published by the Turkish Revenue Administration (GİB) and should be verified there for the figures applicable to the current year.

Roadworthiness Inspection (Egzoz Muayenesi / TÜVTÜRK): Turkey operates a compulsory periodic vehicle inspection scheme through TÜVTÜRK-authorised inspection stations nationwide. Vehicle inspection costs approximately 1,500 TRY as a guide figure from 2025. The scheme is comparable to a mandatory roadworthiness test in other countries, combining safety and emissions checks in a single inspection. The frequency of inspections varies by vehicle type and age — newly registered cars are typically first tested after a few years, then every two years, with older vehicles subject to annual checks. Confirm the applicable schedule with TÜVTÜRK or the Traffic Department.

Emissions testing: Emissions compliance (egzoz muayenesi) in Turkey is incorporated within the TÜVTÜRK inspection process rather than conducted as a separate standalone test as in some other countries. Any vehicle that fails the emissions check must be repaired and retested before a roadworthiness certificate will be granted.

Mandatory insurance renewal: The compulsory traffic insurance policy (Zorunlu Trafik Sigortası) must be kept current throughout the period of vehicle ownership. It must be sourced from a licensed insurance company operating in Turkey, is typically renewed on an annual basis, and must be valid before vehicle registration can be renewed.

Fines and traffic violations: Traffic fines in Turkey can be settled at a tax office or through the e-Devlet portal. A 25% reduction applies if payment is made within the first 15 calendar days of receiving the fine. Anyone intending to leave Turkey by road should be aware that all outstanding traffic fines must be cleared in advance — departure will be prevented until all debts are resolved.

Frequently asked questions

Can I buy a car in Turkey without a residence permit?

Holding a valid residence permit is an essential prerequisite for purchasing a vehicle in Turkey as a foreign national. Without one, you will not be able to complete a vehicle purchase. Short-stay visitors on a tourist visa have no route to registering a vehicle in their own name. If you are planning an extended stay in Turkey, securing a residence permit (ikamet) should be your starting point.

What is the “blue plate” (Mavi Plaka) scheme and who qualifies?

Foreign nationals who are legally resident in Turkey with a valid residence permit may qualify for a tax-exempt vehicle purchase, meaning they can acquire a new car from an authorised dealer without paying the Special Consumption Tax (ÖTV) or Value Added Tax (KDV). The concession is limited to one vehicle per eligible residence permit holder. As eligibility conditions and registration requirements can change, always verify the current criteria with your local Tax Office or the Turkish Revenue Administration.

Is it worth importing my own car to Turkey permanently?

The compounding effect of 10% customs duty, ÖTV rates of 90–220%, and 20% VAT creates an extremely heavy financial burden for permanent vehicle imports. In most cases, the combined tax liability will far exceed the cost of purchasing a comparable vehicle within Turkey. Permanent importation is rarely a financially sensible option except in very specific circumstances. Consult the Ministry of Trade and a qualified Turkish customs broker for the rates applicable to your particular situation before making any decision.

How long can I drive my foreign-registered car in Turkey?

Those who qualify as resident abroad — meaning they spend more than 185 days per year outside Turkey — may bring their vehicle into Turkey for up to 730 days under the temporary import scheme. For other foreign nationals, the permitted duration of the vehicle’s stay is the same as their authorised period of stay in Turkey — for example, someone with 90-day permission may keep the vehicle for no longer than 90 days. Exceeding the permitted period attracts penalties under Turkish Customs Law.

Do I need to convert my driving licence to a Turkish one?

Foreign nationals may drive in Turkey on a valid foreign licence for up to six months. If your stay extends beyond this, you are required to obtain a Turkish driving licence. Conversion applications are handled through your local Nüfus office, and some nationalities may be exempt from the practical driving test subject to reciprocal agreements between their country and Turkey. Check current requirements at your local Nüfus (NVI) office.

What checks should I carry out before buying a used car in Turkey?

Before committing to a used car purchase, check the vehicle’s outstanding debts, penalty fines, and accident history through the e-Devlet portal at turkiye.gov.tr. It is also highly advisable to commission a professional appraisal report (ekspertiz raporu) from a certified vehicle inspection company, which will detail the car’s full history including any prior accident damage. Both checks should be completed before signing anything at the notary.

What is the minimum insurance required to drive in Turkey?

Every vehicle on Turkish roads must be covered by a Compulsory Traffic Insurance Policy (Zorunlu Trafik Sigortası) providing protection against damage or injury to third parties. This requirement extends to all vehicles, including those on foreign plates. Driving without this cover can result in heavy fines and, following an accident, potential legal proceedings and vehicle impoundment. Insurance must be arranged through a private insurer regulated by the SEDDK. Confirm current minimum coverage requirements with a licensed insurer.

How do I pay traffic fines in Turkey, and must they be settled before leaving?

Traffic fines in Turkey can be paid either at a tax office or via the e-Devlet (e-Government) portal. Payment made within the first 15 calendar days of receiving the fine qualifies for a 25% reduction. If you intend to leave Turkey by road, you must ensure all outstanding fines have been paid before reaching the border — you will not be permitted to cross until all debts are cleared.