Moving to Turkey

Decide on your pathway — a short-term residence permit (ikamet), a work permit tied to an employer, or the property-for-citizenship route (currently a USD 400,000 real-estate purchase). Apply for your foreigner ID number and open a Turkish bank account early, as both are needed for most official paperwork.

• Most sea shipments arrive at the ports of Istanbul (Ambarlı), Izmir or Mersin.
• LCL (Less than Container Load) suits smaller moves; FCL (Full Container Load) is used for full households.
• New residents can usually import used personal effects duty-free if owned and used before the move — within set time limits of obtaining residency.
• Wooden packing materials must comply with ISPM-15 treatment and stamping rules.

• Passport and your Turkish residence permit (ikamet) or work permit.
• Foreigner identification number (Yabancı Kimlik Numarası).
• Detailed, valued inventory / packing list (Turkish or English).
• Bill of Lading and a customs declaration for personal effects.
• Proof of prior ownership for goods claimed duty-free.

Turkish Customs (Gümrük) processes all imports. Personal effects for new residents are generally exempt from duty within the permitted window, but the inventory must match the shipment exactly. Vehicles are heavily regulated and usually not eligible for duty-free import; check current rules before shipping a car. Certain electronics may require registration to stay usable long-term.

• Shipping before your residence permit is in progress — duty-free relief depends on your status and timing.
• Submitting an incomplete or inaccurate inventory, which causes customs delays and inspections.
• Assuming a car can be imported duty-free — vehicle rules are strict and costly.
• Underestimating timelines around Turkish public holidays, which can slow port clearance.