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Turkey – Buying or Importing a Car

If you’re a foreign national planning to buy or import a vehicle in Turkey, it’s essential to understand the legal procedures involved. In this article, we’ll cover the steps involved in buying or importing a car in Turkey, along with the necessary paperwork and contact details of relevant government departments.

Buying a New or Used Car in Turkey

Buying a new or used car in Turkey follows a similar process to most other countries. The first step is to find a reputable dealership or private seller. You can browse local classifieds websites or visit authorized car dealerships.

Required Documents for Buying a Car in Turkey

Foreign nationals need to provide the following documents to buy a car in Turkey:

  • Passport
  • Tax identification number (Vergi Kimlik Numarasi)
  • Residence Permit (Ikamet Tezkeresi)
  • Driver’s license
  • Vehicle Registration Certificate (for used cars)
  • Proof of Insurance

Registering the Vehicle

Once you’ve purchased the car, you need to register it with the Directorate General of Highway. The registration process involves providing the following documents:


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  • Vehicle Registration Certificate (for used cars)
  • Proof of Insurance
  • Passport
  • Tax identification number (Vergi Kimlik Numarasi)
  • Residence Permit (Ikamet Tezkeresi)
  • License Plate Fees

After submitting the necessary documents, the Directorate General of Highway will issue you with Turkey registration plates and a vehicle registration certificate.

Importing a Vehicle in Turkey

If you’re planning to import a vehicle to Turkey, there are specific procedures and requirements to follow.

Required Documents for Importing a Vehicle

Foreign nationals need to provide the following documents to import a car to Turkey:

  • Passport
  • Work Permit or Residence Permit (Ikamet Tezkeresi)
  • Bill of Lading
  • Certificate of Origin
  • Commercial Invoice
  • Customs Declaration Form
  • Technical Inspection Certificate

Step-by-Step Guide to Importing a Vehicle

  1. Obtain a Certificate of Origin from the manufacturer.

  2. Obtain a Bill of Lading from the shipping company.

  3. Complete a Customs Declaration Form with the Turkish Customs Department.

  4. Obtain a Commercial Invoice from the seller.

  5. Obtain a Technical Inspection Certificate from a licensed inspection center.

  6. Pay any applicable taxes and customs fees at the Customs Department.

  7. Register the Vehicle with the Directorate General of Highway. Provide all the necessary documents, including the Vehicle Purchase Invoice, Certificate of Origin, Bill of Lading, Customs Declaration Form, Proof of Insurance, Technical Inspection Certificate, and proof of payment of taxes and customs fees.

  8. The Directorate General of Highway will issue Turkey registration plates and a Vehicle Registration Certificate.

Contact Details of Relevant Government Departments

If you need assistance with the import process, you can contact the following Turkish government departments:

Selling a Car in Turkey

If you’re planning to sell a car in Turkey, there are specific procedures and paperwork to follow.

Required Documents for Selling a Car in Turkey

When selling a car in Turkey, you need to provide the following documents:

  • Vehicle Registration Certificate
  • Sales Contract
  • Proof of Insurance
  • Transfer Document

Step-by-Step Guide to Selling a Car

  1. Obtain a Sales Contract with the buyer.

  2. Provide the buyer with the Vehicle Registration Certificate and Proof of Insurance.

  3. Complete a Transfer Document with the buyer.

  4. The buyer needs to register the vehicle with the Directorate General of Highway (Karayollarƒi Genel Müdürlüƒü) within 30 days of the purchase.

    1. Submit a Notice of Transfer of Ownership to the Directorate General of Highway within seven days of the sale.

    Contact Details of Relevant Government Departments

    If you need assistance with the selling process, you can contact the following Turkish government departments:

    Buying or importing a vehicle in Turkey involves following specific procedures and providing the necessary paperwork. As a foreign national, it’s essential to have a valid visa or work permit and understand the local regulations. Contacting the relevant government departments can help with any queries or issues during the process. Selling a car in Turkey also involves specific paperwork, and completing the necessary steps can ensure a smooth transaction.