When moving to another country, it is not necessary to start everything from scratch. It is possible to take part of your belongings with you. You can transport things to Turkey in various ways, but you need to take into account the existing restrictions in advance. What can be imported into Turkey and how to avoid duties?
Foreigners arriving in Turkey for work or permanent residence may bring personal belongings and household items into the country. To transport property without paying customs duty, the following documents are required:
- a document of ownership (or a lease agreement for a period of at least 12 months, certified by a notary)
- TIN in Turkey (TIN)
- a complete list of items being shipped
- work permit and a letter from a Turkish employer (for those who move for work)
What can you take with you?
Money
You can bring into the country any cash currency without limit. But you can take out no more than $ 5,000. Therefore, if there is even a small chance that you will have to travel back with a large amount, it is worth declaring it.
Houseware
The norms for the import of things into the country are controlled by the Turkish Customs Code (No. 4458) and the Decision of the Council of Ministers of Turkey (Karar Sayısı 2009/15481).
Those who move to the country under the right of ownership of real estate or a lease agreement have the right to bring (art. 57 of Decision 2009/15481):
- furniture
– technique
– dishes
– textiles
– other household items
But there is one condition: these things must be used.
Gifts
It is possible to bring new items in original packaging to Turkey under the guise of gifts and souvenirs (Art. 61 of Decision 2009/15481). Each adult can carry new items in their luggage with a total value of up to €430, and children under 15 can carry up to €150. If the value of goods exceeds these amounts, then you will have to pay a customs duty of 20% of their price. It is better to have checks with you, otherwise it will be difficult to prove to customs officers that things do not cost much more.
Naturally, “gifts” do not have to give. You can use them as you wish.
Gadgets and technical devices
Residents of Turkey, as well as tourists, can take with them any devices allowed for air transportation. But the main rule is that there should not be more than 1 piece per person.
You can take a laptop, tablet, smart watch, video camera, VR glasses, electric guitar, gyro scooter, electric scooter, fitness bracelet, etc. with you. Customs officers are especially strict now with the import of mobile phones. A foreigner has the right to bring only one model every three years.
Drones and quadrocopters are not allowed to be imported into Turkey.
Food
You can take any food with you, the main thing is that its amount does not exceed 1 kg per person. That is, customs should not get the impression that you are carrying products for sale. For example, you can bring 1 kg of chocolates, but not per kg of each type, but in total.
Meat and dairy products cannot be brought into Turkey.
Alcohol
It is allowed to take with you no more than 1 liter with a strength of more than 22% or 2 liters with a strength of up to 22%. Larger quantities will be subject to duty.
Alcoholic products can only be imported by adults.
Cigarettes
You can bring 400 cigarettes (2 blocks) + 50 cigars into the country. One block from the Duty Free store can be added to this amount.
In addition, passengers can take with them one modern reusable smoking device (electronic cigarette or vape) and refills for it: 30 ml of liquid or 200 cartridges.
Medicaments
If you are transporting strong medicines, it is better to have a doctor’s prescription with you, translated and notarized.
A large number of drugs can also alert customs. Before the trip, it is worth making inquiries about the analogues of the drugs that you constantly take. Most likely, you will find the medicine you need in Turkey. Take with you the amount that you need for the first time.
Jewelry
Jewelry made of precious stones and metals can be imported into the country for an amount not exceeding $ 15,000. If jewelry is more expensive, you need to declare it. Otherwise, problems may arise when crossing the border back.
If you are planning to move to Turkey, Mayalanya will find accommodation for you. In addition, our employees will tell you exactly what and in what quantities you can import into Turkey. We will make your move comfortable and adaptation easy!
