Erdal Nuhbasa – Law and Consulting Firm – Legal Services
ERDAL NUHBASA
LAW AND CONSULTING FIRM
Erdal Nuhbasa – Law and Consulting Firm – Legal Services
ERDAL NUHBASA
LAW AND CONSULTING FIRM
As a lawyer, I am frequently asked about the rules for bringing vehicles into Turkey through temporary importation: “Can I bring my car from abroad?” “What is the procedure?” “Which documents are required?” This process is regulated by Turkish customs law and is subject to specific conditions. Understanding these requirements is essential for eligible foreign nationals wishing to use their vehicles in Türkiye without permanent import. So, to reiterate briefly the post will be about: How foreigners bring foreign-plated cars into Turkey and register them with Turkish plates.
The legal basis for this regime is found in Articles 130 and 131 of the Turkish Customs Law No. 4458 (dated 27 October 1999) and Article 376/j of the Customs Regulation, published in the Official Gazette No. 27369 on 7 October 2009. Under this framework, foreign-registered vehicles may be admitted into Türkiye on a temporary basis through the Temporary Entry Permit for Foreign Vehicles (Y.T.G.G.K.), also known as the Blue Booklet (Mavi Karne), issued by the Turkish Touring and Automobile Association.
The Y.T.G.G.K. serves as a guarantee document under the customs procedure of temporary admission. Instead of paying customs duties and taxes at the border, the Mavi Karne serves as a binding commitment that the vehicle will be re-exported from Türkiye within the permitted timeframe. If this obligation is not fulfilled, the guarantee is forfeited and penalties may be imposed.
In practice, the system offers a structured and legally secure way for eligible individuals to bring their own vehicles into Türkiye for temporary use, provided that all conditions of customs law are respected.
When you visit Turkey as a tourist, you can enter the country with your foreign-plated vehicle and you must exit within the legal time limit. Therefore, for touristic or temporary visits, you don’t need a Mavi Karne. However, if you are one of the people listed below, you can bring your vehicle from abroad into Turkey and you can get a new Turkish license plate for your car and use it as you would a local vehicle for the duration of your stay.
The Temporary Entry Permit for Foreign Vehicles (Y.T.G.G.K.) is granted only to individuals who meet the specific residency and legal conditions set out in the Customs Law and Regulation. In practice, eligibility extends to:
Not every foreigner can take advantage of this opportunity. Turkish law excludes certain categories from applying for a YTGGK. These categories are:
The applicant must demonstrate they have been resident abroad for the relevant period. Practically this is checked as having been physically abroad for at least 185 days in the last 12 months (counted backward from the date of entry). You can verify your status via the e-Devlet “Yurt Dışında Yerleşiklik Sorgulama” service. Authorities check this condition at every entry.
The process can take about 4-7 days and involves several key steps.
To complete this process, you will need to prepare a comprehensive set of documents:
Passport (no translation needed if it uses the Latin alphabet).
Work Permit Card (original and a copy).
Driver’s License (a copy).
Proof of Residency (Yerleşim Yeri Belgesi).
Vehicle Registration (Ruhsat).
Letter of Undertaking (Taahhütname) from the Customs Directorate.
Company Letters from your employer addressed to the relevant authorities, stating your position and employment duration.
Insurance Policies, including your Green Card insurance and mandatory Turkish traffic insurance.
Social Security Service Breakdown (SGK Hizmet Dökümü).
Warehouse Receipt (Ambar Makbuzu).
Temporary vehicle importation is also subject to official fees. Payments can be made directly at the Turkish Touring and Automobile Association offices, and credit card payments are accepted. As of the latest schedule:
Below are the cost items you listed; we present them as approximate current costs to give clients a clear idea of expected outlay. These amounts may vary by vehicle model, age, customs decisions and Turing’s guarantee policy.
These figures reflect the example cost list you provided and are used in practice by many applicants; they should be treated as estimates — the customs office, Turing and insurers set the final numbers.
For extensions, additional fees apply:
For foreigners wishing to temporarily import their vehicles into Türkiye, understanding the legal framework and preparing the correct documentation is essential. The process involves strict eligibility rules, specific paperwork, financial guarantees, and ongoing compliance with Turkish customs law. Applying within deadlines and keeping all documents in order will help avoid unnecessary penalties and ensure a smooth experience.
While it’s not legally required to have a lawyer, the complexity and time commitment often make professional assistance a smart choice. Getting help from a legal or consulting professional can help ensure a smooth and efficient process. Contact us for more details.
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If you’re a foreign resident in Turkey and are interested in buying a tax-free vehicle, don’t take chances with guesswork or misinformation. Let our legal team guide you from start to finish.
📞 Erdal Nuhbasa Law and Consulting Firm
📍 Kartaltepe Mah. Bahçesaray Sok. No:19/3 Bakırköy, Istanbul, Turkey
📧 erdalnuhbasa@hotmail.com
🌐 www.erdalnuhbasa.com
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