Moving to Turkey: can you bring your household goods duty-free?
Customs exemption for people relocating their residence to Turkey. After living abroad for at least 24 months, people who permanently move their residence to Turkey may bring in their own used household goods free of customs duty; the exemption is granted per family unit.
Bringing it with you
People who permanently move their residence to Turkey after living abroad for at least 24 months are exempt from customs duty on their own used household goods. The exemption is granted per family unit.
Documents
- Certificate of change of residence / consulate letter
- List of items
- Passport
- End-of-assignment letter for public servants
Good to know
- Staying in Turkey for less than six months in a year does not break the 24-month continuity, but those periods do not count towards the 24 months.
- The goods must be used for the same purpose at the new residence in Turkey.
- Apart from portable tools and devices, materials for trade or professional use cannot enter duty-free under this regime.
- The goods must be used; new products are not covered.
Legal basis: Decision 2009/15481, Art. 48, 49 · Ministry of Trade Household Goods Guide
Sending it by post or courier
Household goods usually arrive by container or a removal company. This is not a post/courier operator declaration; you or your customs broker file the release-for-free-circulation declaration.
Documents
- Certificate of change of residence
- Detailed list of items
- Transport document
Good to know
- The exemption is claimed from the customs office; a courier operator cannot declare this regime.
- The time limit also applies to shipments: they must be declared before or within 6 months after arrival.
- Above 30 kg gross the courier cannot file the declaration; you must file it yourself.
Legal basis: Decision 2009/15481, Art. 48, 49
Frequently asked questions
Can I bring household goods into Turkey as a passenger?
Yes, with conditions. People who permanently move their residence to Turkey after living abroad for at least 24 months are exempt from customs duty on their own used household goods. The exemption is granted per family unit.
Can household goods be sent to Turkey by post or courier?
Yes, with conditions. Household goods usually arrive by container or a removal company. This is not a post/courier operator declaration; you or your customs broker file the release-for-free-circulation declaration.
What documents do I need for household goods?
As a passenger: Certificate of change of residence / consulate letter, List of items, Passport, End-of-assignment letter for public servants. By post or courier: Certificate of change of residence, Detailed list of items, Transport document.
Related topics
Rules as of · for information only, not a substitute for the legislation · official information: Turkish Ministry of Trade, call 175 · Türkçe sürüm