Moving to Turkey
Turkey tempts people with its climate, lower living costs and a well-developed job market in Istanbul. Although it lies partly in Europe, it is not a member of the European Union, so household goods go through customs clearance just as they would for a move overseas. We prepare moves to Turkey in Wrocław: packing, inventory, loading and export documents. Transport, clearance and delivery to your new address are handled together with a partner from the FEDEMAC network operating in Turkey.
By sea or by road
Sea container
From Hamburg, Bremerhaven or Mediterranean ports to Istanbul (Ambarlı), Izmir or Mersin. The voyage usually takes two to four weeks. A good choice for the full contents of a house and for deliveries to the south of the country.
| Region | Nearest port |
|---|---|
| Istanbul, Kocaeli, Bursa | Ambarlı and the Sea of Marmara ports |
| Izmir, Bodrum, Kuşadası | Izmir |
| Antalya, Alanya, Mersin, Adana | Mersin |
| Ankara and Central Anatolia | Mersin or Istanbul, then overland |
Ikamet and conditions for duty-free clearance
A foreign national moving to Turkey can bring in used household goods duty-free if they hold a residence permit (ikamet) for a sufficiently long period. Turkish authorities usually also require a Turkish tax number, a lease or title deed and an inventory. Items cleared on this basis should not be sold for a set period after import. Turkish citizens returning after a long period of work abroad are subject to separate rules.
- Passport and ikamet residence permit.
- Turkish tax number.
- Lease or proof of ownership of the property.
- Inventory in English and, if our partner asks, also in Turkish.
- Power of attorney for the customs agent.
Phones, alcohol, medicines
Mobile phones brought in from abroad must be registered in the Turkish IMEI system after a certain time and a fee paid, otherwise they will stop connecting to Turkish networks. So do not put old smartphones in the container intending to use them there. Alcohol in household goods is restricted and may be subject to duty, and prescription medicines are best carried in your luggage with medical documentation.
Delivery in Istanbul and on the coast
Istanbul means hills, steep and narrow streets in the historic districts, and high-rises on new estates on the Asian side. External lifts are standard here – furniture goes in through the balcony because the stairwells are too tight. In resorts such as Alanya or Bodrum there are also gated communities and narrow access roads. Our partner matches the truck size to the street, and during the hot months starts deliveries early in the morning.
If you are moving on a trial basis for a few months, consider a smaller shipment and leave your furniture in our storage. We write about documents for shipments outside the EU under customs clearance.
Moving to Turkey – questions
Can I ship my belongings before I get my ikamet?
You can ship them, but duty-free clearance usually requires a valid residence permit. Until then your belongings sit in a bonded warehouse and charges accrue.
How long does a move from Wrocław to Antalya take?
With a container to Mersin and overland delivery, usually four to seven weeks, including clearance.
Can I bring my car?
Importing a car into Turkey involves high charges, and the rules on temporary import for foreigners are separate. Before shipping a car, it is worth calculating the costs with an adviser.
Is there customs clearance with road transport too?
Yes. Turkey is outside the EU, so household goods go through customs clearance regardless of the means of transport.
From Wrocław to the Bosphorus or the Mediterranean
We will compare sea and road shipping and prepare a free quote.
Free quote