Introduction

Buying a car is one of the most practical decisions a foreign national living in Turkey may make.

Foreign employees, international students, investors, company executives, retirees and families residing in cities such as Istanbul, Ankara, Antalya, Izmir or Bodrum may prefer owning a vehicle instead of relying on public transport or long-term car rental.

The first question is usually:

Can a foreigner buy a car in Turkey?

Generally, yes.

Foreign natural persons can acquire vehicles in Turkey, but the legal and tax structure of the acquisition must be correctly identified.

This is important because several completely different vehicle regimes are often incorrectly described online as simply a “foreigners’ car.”

A foreigner may potentially encounter:

an ordinary Turkish-registered and fully taxed vehicle purchased in Turkey;

a vehicle held under a special foreign-owner or temporary importation structure;

or

a foreign-plated vehicle temporarily brought into Turkey from another country.

These categories should not be confused.

A foreign national buying an ordinary Turkish vehicle does not automatically receive exemption from Turkish taxes merely because they hold a foreign passport.

Similarly, the fact that a person owns a vehicle abroad does not mean that they can permanently import and use that vehicle in Turkey without complying with customs rules.

Special arrangements involving MA–MZ plates, Foreign Vehicles Temporary Entry Carnets and temporary importation have their own conditions and should be analyzed separately from an ordinary vehicle purchase.

The Turkish Ministry of Trade confirms that MA–MZ registration is associated with vehicles temporarily imported under specific Foreign Vehicles Temporary Entry Carnet/Form procedures. It also confirms that foreigners coming to Turkey for qualifying work or education purposes may, where the statutory conditions are satisfied, use the temporary importation framework.

For an ordinary buyer, however, the more important legal questions are usually:

Who legally owns the vehicle?

Does the car have a mortgage, attachment or another restriction?

Has the vehicle suffered major accident damage?

Is there outstanding Motor Vehicle Tax or a traffic-related restriction?

How will payment be made safely?

What taxes are included in the purchase price?

When does Motor Vehicle Tax liability pass to the new owner?

Does the foreign buyer have a valid driving licence in Turkey?

Can the vehicle later be sold or exported?

This article explains the main legal issues foreigners should consider before buying a car in Turkey in 2026.

Can Foreigners Own Cars in Turkey?

Foreign nationals can own motor vehicles in Turkey subject to the applicable registration and administrative procedures.

Unlike acquisition of Turkish real estate, where nationality, location and land-area restrictions can become major legal questions, ordinary personal vehicle ownership is primarily governed by traffic-registration, tax, insurance and notarial transfer rules.

Foreign buyers may purchase:

new vehicles from authorized dealers;

second-hand vehicles from individuals;

second-hand vehicles from licensed motor vehicle traders;

and, in qualifying cases, vehicles governed by special foreign-owner or customs regimes.

However, the buyer’s identification and registration status must be compatible with the Turkish registration system.

A foreign buyer may therefore need to provide, depending on their status, documentation such as a passport, foreign identity number, Turkish tax identification information, residence-related address information or other records required by the notary and registration systems.

Turkey’s Digital Tax Office expressly provides a Potential Tax Identification Number Application service, including for persons who need Turkish tax identification before completing transactions.

The exact documentation should be confirmed before the scheduled vehicle transfer, particularly where the buyer has recently arrived in Turkey and does not yet have a Turkish foreigner identity number.

Buying a Car Does Not Automatically Give a Foreigner Residence Rights

Car ownership and immigration status are separate matters.

Purchasing a vehicle in Turkey does not itself create:

a residence permit;

a work permit;

Turkish citizenship;

or any independent right to remain in Turkey.

A foreign national should therefore not purchase a vehicle on the assumption that ownership will legalize an expired visa or create a new immigration category.

Conversely, a foreigner does not need to become a Turkish citizen merely to own a vehicle.

The purchaser’s immigration situation and vehicle ownership should be considered separately.

Ordinary Turkish Cars and Special Foreign-Owner Vehicles Must Be Distinguished

One of the most common misunderstandings concerns so-called “tax-free cars for foreigners.”

There is no general rule stating:

“Every foreigner can buy any car in Turkey without ÖTV and VAT.”

That is incorrect.

An ordinary car sold in the Turkish domestic market is subject to the ordinary Turkish tax framework.

Special customs or tax advantages exist only where specific statutory conditions are met.

A foreign national should therefore distinguish between:

ordinary domestic vehicle ownership, where Turkish taxes have been paid in the normal way;

and

special temporary-import or foreign-owner arrangements, where customs and use restrictions can apply.

This distinction can affect:

registration;

licence plates;

who is allowed to drive the vehicle;

transferability;

sale;

customs obligations;

and what happens when the foreign owner leaves Turkey.

What Are MA–MZ Plates?

Foreign residents frequently hear the expressions:

MA plate,

MZ plate,

blue plate,

or

foreign-to-foreign vehicle.

These terms should be used carefully.

The Ministry of Trade explains that MA–MZ letter-series plates are assigned by the Ministry of Interior to vehicles temporarily imported and registered within the Foreign Vehicles Temporary Entry Carnet or Foreign Vehicles Temporary Entry Form framework.

Therefore, an MA–MZ vehicle may be connected to a special customs status.

It should not automatically be treated as an ordinary unrestricted Turkish vehicle.

Before buying such a vehicle, the purchaser should determine:

who is legally eligible to acquire it;

whether the buyer qualifies for the relevant customs regime;

whether taxes remain suspended or exempt;

what documents created the temporary-import status;

how long the vehicle may remain in Turkey;

who is legally entitled to use it;

and whether customs permission is necessary for transfer.

Purchasing such a vehicle without verifying its customs status can create far more serious consequences than an ordinary second-hand car dispute.

Who May Use Special Temporary Importation Arrangements?

The Ministry of Trade’s current guidance recognizes specific temporary importation mechanisms for qualifying foreign nationals.

For example, its July 2026 guidance expressly addresses foreigners who come to Turkey for work or education and vehicles registered through the Foreign Vehicles Temporary Entry Carnet/Form system.

Eligibility should be examined individually.

Employment status, educational status, residence, customs status and documentary requirements can affect the result.

Foreigners should therefore reject sales statements such as:

“You are foreign, so you automatically qualify for the tax-free vehicle.”

A foreign passport alone is not sufficient proof of eligibility.

A Foreign-Plated Car Brought From Abroad Is Another Legal Category

A foreigner may already own a vehicle outside Turkey and wish to use it temporarily in Turkey.

That is not the same transaction as buying a Turkish-registered car.

Temporary admission of foreign-plated vehicles is governed by customs legislation.

The Ministry of Trade’s current guidance requires, as a basic principle, that the person bringing the vehicle benefit from the applicable status of residence abroad. Special rules determine the period for which the foreign-plated vehicle may remain in Turkey.

For foreign nationals holding a Turkish residence permit, the Ministry states that the vehicle may be given a period corresponding to the residence permit, subject to a maximum of 730 days under the applicable temporary-admission rules. Foreigners without residence permission are generally subject to the period connected with their lawful stay, including the ordinary 90-in-180-day framework where applicable.

These rules concern foreign-plated temporary vehicles.

They should not be confused with buying a normal Turkish vehicle from a dealer or Turkish owner.

How Is a Second-Hand Car Legally Purchased in Turkey?

Registered vehicle transfers in Turkey are completed through the notarial vehicle sale system.

A private written contract between buyer and seller is not an adequate substitute for the statutory vehicle transfer.

Turkish traffic legislation provides that registered motor vehicle sales and transfers are completed through the legally designated registration/notarial system and that the new ownership information is transmitted electronically to the vehicle registry.

This is extremely important for foreign buyers.

Giving money to the seller and receiving:

the keys;

the registration certificate;

and possession of the car

does not by itself provide the same legal protection as a completed statutory transfer.

The transaction should be finalized through the official system.

Secure Payment System for Second-Hand Vehicle Sales

Turkey introduced an important anti-fraud protection for second-hand vehicle purchases.

The Secure Payment System — Güvenli Ödeme Sistemi, established through cooperation between the Ministry of Trade and the Turkish Notaries Union, became mandatory for second-hand motor vehicle sales involving covered cash, transfer, EFT or FAST payments from 27 September 2024.

The system links transfer of the purchase money with completion of the notarial sale so that payment is held within the secure mechanism until the vehicle transfer is completed.

This is particularly useful for foreign buyers.

It reduces scenarios such as:

the buyer transfers EUR 50,000 and the seller disappears before the notary appointment;

the seller transfers ownership but payment never arrives;

or forged payment documents are used.

A foreign purchaser should follow the official Secure Payment System procedure rather than sending substantial money informally before the notarial transfer.

Never Pay the Entire Purchase Price Before Verifying the Vehicle

Foreigners are attractive targets for vehicle fraud because they may not be familiar with Turkish records.

Before making a substantial payment, the buyer should verify:

the seller’s identity;

registration status;

vehicle identification number;

chassis number;

actual mileage where possible;

accident history;

insurance history;

inspection status;

attachments;

pledges;

court restrictions;

tax and traffic liabilities affecting transfer;

and whether the vehicle is subject to a special customs status.

A seller should not be trusted simply because they possess the vehicle registration certificate.

The central question is whether the vehicle can legally be transferred free of undisclosed problems.

Check for Pledges, Attachments and Sale Restrictions

A vehicle may be subject to legal encumbrances.

Possible restrictions can include:

a pledge;

enforcement attachment;

precautionary attachment;

court injunction;

sale prohibition;

or another right affecting transfer.

The notarial registration system performs important electronic checks during transfer.

Nevertheless, the buyer should also understand what is being purchased.

A suspiciously cheap vehicle may be cheap because there is a legal, tax, insurance or technical problem.

Particularly where a company vehicle or financed vehicle is involved, the transaction should be reviewed carefully.

Vehicle Inspection and Technical Due Diligence

Legal title is only half of the risk.

The buyer should also investigate the actual condition of the vehicle.

An independent pre-purchase inspection — commonly called expertise in Turkey — can examine matters including:

paint;

replaced body panels;

structural damage;

engine;

transmission;

electronics;

airbags;

chassis;

brakes;

suspension;

and mechanical condition.

The technical report should not be treated as infallible.

The purchaser should also examine available accident and insurance records.

Particular attention should be given to vehicles previously classified as seriously damaged, repaired after major accidents or sold after insurance total-loss procedures.

For an expensive or luxury vehicle, legal and technical due diligence should ideally be completed before the buyer becomes financially committed.

Mileage Fraud

Odometer manipulation can substantially change the economic value of a used vehicle.

A car advertised as having travelled 60,000 kilometres may actually have travelled 180,000 kilometres.

A purchaser should compare mileage with available records such as:

periodic inspections;

maintenance records;

dealer service records;

insurance information;

and historical vehicle documentation.

If a professional seller intentionally conceals manipulated mileage, the issue can potentially create:

contractual liability;

consumer-law remedies;

and, depending upon the circumstances and intent, criminal-law concerns.

The buyer should preserve the advertisement because statements about mileage, accident history and condition can later become evidence.

Buying From a Dealer vs Buying From a Private Seller

The seller’s legal status matters.

A sale between two private individuals is not necessarily governed in exactly the same manner as a consumer purchasing from a professional second-hand vehicle dealer.

Professional traders operate under the Ministry of Trade’s motor vehicle commerce framework and are subject to additional regulatory requirements. The Ministry’s current 2026 materials continue to administer the authorization system for businesses engaged in second-hand motor vehicle trading.

Where the buyer purchases as a consumer from a commercial dealer, Turkish consumer protection legislation can provide important additional remedies in the event of a defective vehicle.

The contractual description of the car, inspection documentation and seller’s representations become especially important.

Hidden Defects in a Second-Hand Car

A used vehicle can have a hidden defect that was not reasonably apparent when the buyer inspected it.

Examples may include:

serious undisclosed engine damage;

flood history;

structural accident damage;

airbags removed or not replaced;

hidden transmission failure;

incorrect mileage;

undisclosed replacement of major components;

or deliberate concealment of a serious technical problem.

The buyer’s legal remedies depend upon:

the nature of the defect;

seller’s status;

what was promised;

whether the defect existed at transfer;

whether the buyer knew or should have known of it;

and whether statutory notification and limitation requirements were satisfied.

Possible remedies can include, depending on the circumstances:

repair;

price reduction;

replacement where legally available;

termination/rescission;

or damages.

Foreign buyers should therefore notify serious defects promptly and preserve expert evidence before having major repairs performed.

New Car Purchases in Turkey

A foreigner may also buy a new car from an authorized Turkish dealer.

The transaction is generally simpler from a title and hidden-ownership perspective because the car is entering ordinary registration through the dealer process.

However, tax becomes a major component of the purchase price.

The principal vehicle-related taxes can include:

Special Consumption Tax — Özel Tüketim Vergisi (ÖTV);

Value Added Tax — Katma Değer Vergisi (KDV);

and

annual Motor Vehicle Tax — Motorlu Taşıtlar Vergisi (MTV).

The fact that the buyer is foreign does not by itself create a general exemption from these taxes.

Special Consumption Tax — ÖTV

ÖTV is especially significant because it can represent a substantial portion of the final retail price of a new car in Turkey.

Under Special Consumption Tax Law No. 4760, registered vehicles included in List II are generally taxed within the ÖTV framework upon the taxable event associated with first acquisition/importation.

The rate is not a single fixed percentage for all cars.

It can depend upon factors including:

vehicle classification;

engine characteristics;

electric motor characteristics;

tax base;

and current presidential/statutory tariff rules.

Accordingly, a foreign buyer should not rely on an old internet table showing a particular ÖTV percentage.

The rate applicable to the exact vehicle at the time of first acquisition should be checked.

A second-hand domestic sale does not ordinarily create a new ordinary ÖTV charge merely because the already-registered car changes ownership; ÖTV is fundamentally associated with the relevant first acquisition/importation framework for registrable List II goods.

Value Added Tax — KDV

A dealer sale can also involve Turkish Value Added Tax.

The general Turkish KDV rate is currently 20% for transactions that do not fall within a reduced or exempt category.

For a new vehicle sold through an authorized dealer, the advertised or invoiced final price will normally reflect the applicable Turkish tax structure.

Importantly, the calculation of Turkish vehicle taxation is not simply:

“factory price + one tax.”

ÖTV can materially affect the tax base and therefore the overall consumer price.

This is one reason new-car prices in Turkey may differ substantially from prices for superficially similar vehicles in European markets.

Foreign Citizenship Does Not Mean Automatic ÖTV or KDV Exemption

A common sales claim is:

“Foreigners do not pay Turkish vehicle tax.”

That statement is dangerously broad.

There are special tax and customs arrangements for specifically qualifying people and vehicles.

But an ordinary foreign resident buying an ordinary fully taxed domestic vehicle should not assume that the transaction is exempt from ÖTV or KDV merely because the buyer is not Turkish.

Tax exemption must have a specific legal basis.

The buyer should verify the legal provision before relying on any promised tax-free price.

Annual Motor Vehicle Tax — MTV

Vehicle owners in Turkey may also be liable for Motor Vehicle Tax — MTV.

The amount depends upon statutory criteria that can include:

vehicle type;

age;

engine size;

vehicle value;

and other classification factors.

The Revenue Administration publishes the current tariffs and provides an online MTV calculation facility. The 2026 MTV amounts were adjusted under the applicable annual rules.

MTV is generally paid in annual instalments.

Foreign ownership does not automatically eliminate ordinary MTV liability unless a specific exemption applies.

Who Pays MTV When a Car Is Sold During the Year?

This issue is frequently misunderstood in second-hand sales.

The Revenue Administration explains that MTV liability changes according to the relevant six-month tax period.

For example, where a vehicle is sold during the first six months of the year, the purchaser’s MTV liability begins from the beginning of the second six-month period, 1 July.

Where the relevant registration change occurs during the second six-month period, the statutory rules determine liability with reference to the following tax period/year.

In practical terms, outstanding taxes affecting the vehicle should be checked before the notarial sale.

The buyer should not make assumptions based solely on a private agreement saying “all taxes belong to the old owner.”

Compulsory Traffic Insurance

A vehicle used in Turkish traffic must have the required Compulsory Motor Third Party Liability Insurance — Zorunlu Mali Sorumluluk Sigortası, commonly called traffic insurance.

This insurance primarily covers the vehicle operator’s statutory liability for qualifying damage caused to third parties.

The foreign buyer should arrange insurance in connection with the registration and use of the vehicle.

Driving an uninsured vehicle can produce serious administrative and financial consequences.

Moreover, if the owner causes a major accident, personal liability can be far more significant than the price of the insurance policy.

Comprehensive Insurance — Kasko

Compulsory traffic insurance should not be confused with kasko.

Kasko is optional comprehensive motor insurance designed principally to protect the insured vehicle according to the policy.

Depending upon the policy, it may cover risks such as:

collision;

theft;

fire;

natural events;

vandalism;

glass damage;

and additional assistance services.

Foreign owners of expensive vehicles should consider kasko carefully.

A major accident can cause losses far above what the compulsory liability system is designed to protect for the owner’s own car.

Vehicle Registration and Licence Plates

Once the statutory sale and registration transaction is completed, ownership information is entered into the Turkish vehicle registration system.

Turkey’s ARTES infrastructure connects the notarial transfer with vehicle registration records. Turkish Notaries Union procedures include specific mechanisms for vehicles registered to foreign natural and legal persons.

The precise registration category and plate treatment can depend on:

the buyer’s status;

the vehicle’s existing registration;

whether it is an ordinary domestic vehicle;

and whether a special temporary-import/customs regime applies.

This is why the expression “foreign plate” should not be used casually.

A Turkish-registered vehicle owned by a foreigner and a foreign-plated vehicle temporarily admitted through customs are not legally the same thing.

Can Anyone Drive a Foreign-Owned Vehicle?

For an ordinary fully taxed Turkish vehicle, the normal road-traffic and insurance rules should be reviewed.

However, vehicles admitted under special temporary importation/customs privileges can have important restrictions concerning who may use them.

The Ministry of Trade specifically warns that foreign-plated vehicles admitted under temporary-use facilities cannot simply be used by any person in Turkey. Use is tied to the person benefiting from the customs permission and specified qualifying persons under the rules.

Allowing an unauthorized person to use a customs-privileged vehicle can therefore create serious customs consequences.

This is one of the reasons a purchaser should determine the car’s legal status before purchase.

Can a Foreigner Use Their Foreign Driving Licence in Turkey?

Yes, for a limited period.

The Directorate General of Population and Citizenship Affairs states that foreigners may drive in Turkey using a driving licence issued abroad for six months.

After that period, a foreign national who wishes to continue driving in Turkey must obtain the appropriate Turkish driving licence or complete the applicable exchange/recognition procedure where available.

This point is independent of vehicle ownership.

A person may legally own a Turkish car but no longer be legally entitled to drive it using the original foreign licence after the permitted period expires.

Can Every Foreign Driving Licence Be Exchanged for a Turkish Licence?

Not necessarily.

Türkiye has international and bilateral arrangements concerning recognition or exchange of foreign driving licences.

NVI maintains information concerning bilateral recognition agreements and the procedures applicable to foreign licences.

The result can depend upon the country issuing the licence.

A foreign resident should therefore check the specific position for their nationality/licence country before the six-month driving period expires.

Buying a Car Through a Company

A foreign investor may consider registering the vehicle in the name of a Turkish company rather than personally.

This can be legally possible where the company purchases and owns the vehicle.

However, personal ownership and corporate ownership have different consequences.

A company-owned vehicle becomes a company asset.

Issues can arise concerning:

accounting;

tax treatment;

deductible expenses;

depreciation;

employee use;

sale;

company debts;

and enforcement against company assets.

The Revenue Administration imposes special income/corporate tax rules concerning passenger-car expenses and depreciation. For 2026, statutory monetary limits apply to deductions concerning passenger cars used in businesses.

A foreign company shareholder should therefore not put a private vehicle in a company name merely because someone says it will “save tax” without first obtaining accounting advice.

Can a Company Creditor Seize the Vehicle?

If the vehicle is legally owned by the company, it forms part of the company’s property.

Company creditors may potentially enforce against company assets subject to the applicable enforcement rules.

This should be considered where a shareholder personally pays for an expensive vehicle but registers ownership to the company.

The question:

“Who paid for the car?”

is not necessarily the same as:

“Who legally owns the car?”

Registration and contractual records matter.

Can a Foreign Buyer Purchase Through a Power of Attorney?

Vehicle transactions can potentially be handled through an appropriately prepared power of attorney where Turkish law permits representation for the relevant act.

However, the authority must be sufficiently clear.

For a foreign buyer or seller, an overseas power of attorney may need:

notarization;

apostille or consular legalization;

and certified Turkish translation.

The power should expressly contain the authority necessary for vehicle purchase, sale, registration, payment and related transactions as appropriate.

A generic foreign-language authorization should not be assumed to satisfy the Turkish notary.

What Happens When the Foreigner Wants to Sell the Car?

An ordinary Turkish-registered vehicle can generally be transferred through the same official notarial system, subject to:

tax;

traffic;

registration;

encumbrance;

and insurance requirements.

The Secure Payment System also applies to covered second-hand vehicle sale payments.

However, a vehicle under a special foreign-owner or customs arrangement may require additional procedures.

The owner should determine whether:

customs authorization is necessary;

the purchaser qualifies for the same regime;

taxes become payable;

the vehicle must be sold to an eligible foreigner;

or the vehicle must otherwise be exported or converted into ordinary status.

A normal vehicle sale and a customs-privileged vehicle transfer should never be treated as identical.

Can a Foreigner Take a Turkish-Registered Car Abroad?

Potentially, yes, but the destination country’s entry, insurance and registration rules must also be considered.

From the Turkish side, the vehicle should have legally valid:

registration;

ownership;

insurance;

inspection where required;

and border documentation.

If the owner intends to move permanently abroad and permanently export or deregister the vehicle, customs and registration procedures can become different from an ordinary temporary international trip.

The destination country may impose:

import duties;

VAT;

local registration;

technical conformity requirements;

or temporary-use restrictions.

A Turkish registration certificate does not guarantee that the vehicle can permanently remain in another country without local registration.

What If the Foreigner Leaves Turkey Permanently?

An ordinary fully taxed Turkish vehicle does not necessarily cease to exist legally merely because the owner moves abroad.

The owner may decide to:

sell it;

export it;

transfer it;

or maintain ownership subject to applicable Turkish obligations.

However, special temporary-import vehicles can be directly connected to the foreign owner’s status and permitted stay.

For foreign-plated temporary vehicles, the Ministry of Trade expressly links the permitted stay of the vehicle to the person’s legal status and the customs period.

Expiry of immigration or customs permission should therefore be reviewed before permanently departing Turkey.

Traffic Fines, Tolls and Vehicle Debts

Foreign owners are subject to Turkish road-traffic obligations.

A car can incur:

traffic fines;

motorway tolls;

bridge tolls;

tunnel fees;

MTV;

and other vehicle-related liabilities.

The Revenue Administration provides digital payment functions for MTV and traffic fines, including functions involving foreign plates and passport numbers where relevant.

Foreigners should not assume that unpaid road charges disappear when they leave Turkey.

Depending upon the vehicle regime, unpaid amounts can create future sale, border or administrative problems.

Second-Hand Car Purchase: Legal Due Diligence Checklist

Before completing an expensive vehicle purchase, a foreign buyer should ideally verify the following:

• seller identity and authority;
• vehicle registration and VIN/chassis number;
• whether the vehicle is an ordinary Turkish vehicle or subject to a special customs regime;
• attachments, pledges, injunctions and sale restrictions;
• MTV and transaction-related liabilities;
• insurance and inspection status;
• accident and insurance history;
• odometer/mileage history;
• independent technical expertise;
• structural damage and airbags;
• service history;
• whether the seller is a private person or professional dealer;
• Secure Payment System procedure;
• applicable compulsory insurance;
• buyer’s tax/foreign identity information;
• buyer’s valid driving licence status; and
• consequences of future resale or export.

A high-value vehicle should be treated as a significant asset purchase rather than an ordinary consumer purchase.

Common Mistakes Foreign Buyers Make

Believing All Foreigners Get Tax-Free Cars

They do not.

A specific legal basis is required for tax or customs privileges.

Confusing MA–MZ With Ordinary Car Ownership

MA–MZ and temporary-import arrangements can involve special customs restrictions.

Paying Before the Notary Sale

Second-hand vehicle payments should follow the mandatory Secure Payment System where applicable.

Relying Only on a Seller’s Expertise Report

An independent inspection is safer.

Ignoring Accident History

A professionally repaired vehicle can still have major structural history and lower market value.

Not Checking Mileage

Odometer manipulation can materially affect price and safety expectations.

Thinking Ownership Means Permission to Drive

A foreigner can own a vehicle while their foreign driving licence is no longer valid for driving in Turkey.

Foreign licences can generally be used by foreigners for six months.

Assuming the Vehicle Can Be Exported Anywhere Without Tax

Permanent importation into another country is governed by that country’s law.

Buying a Customs-Privileged Vehicle From Another Foreigner Without Checking Eligibility

This is especially risky.

The buyer may not qualify to take over the special customs status.

Frequently Asked Questions About Buying a Car in Turkey as a Foreigner

Can foreigners buy cars in Turkey?

Yes. Foreign nationals can purchase and own vehicles in Turkey subject to the applicable identification, notarial, registration, tax and insurance procedures.

Do I need Turkish citizenship?

No.

Turkish citizenship is not a general condition for vehicle ownership.

Do I need a Turkish tax number?

Foreigners completing Turkish financial and administrative transactions may need Turkish tax identification. The Revenue Administration currently provides an online Potential Tax Identification Number Application service.

Where is a used car legally transferred?

Registered second-hand vehicle sales are completed through the official notarial/registration system.

Can I buy a car simply with a private written agreement?

The statutory vehicle transfer should be completed officially. Informal possession and payment should not be treated as a substitute for registered transfer.

How should I pay for a second-hand car?

The mandatory Secure Payment System applies to covered second-hand vehicle payments and links payment with completion of the notarial transfer.

Are foreigners exempt from ÖTV?

Not merely because they are foreigners.

Special statutory exemptions and customs regimes exist, but ordinary foreign purchasers do not obtain a blanket exemption.

Do I pay ÖTV again when buying a normal second-hand Turkish car?

Ordinary ÖTV on registrable List II vehicles is fundamentally linked to the statutory first-acquisition/importation tax event. A normal resale of an already-taxed domestic used vehicle does not ordinarily impose a fresh standard ÖTV merely because ownership changes.

What is KDV?

KDV is Turkish Value Added Tax. The current general rate is 20% for transactions not subject to a reduced or exempt rate.

What is MTV?

MTV is the annual Motor Vehicle Tax. It varies according to statutory vehicle characteristics, including classification, age, engine characteristics and value criteria.

What are MA–MZ plates?

The Ministry of Trade describes MA–MZ series plates as plates used for vehicles registered under specific temporary-importation arrangements involving Foreign Vehicles Temporary Entry Carnets/Forms.

Does every foreigner qualify for an MA–MZ tax-free vehicle?

No. Eligibility depends on the specific customs and legal regime.

Can foreign students or foreign employees use the temporary vehicle system?

The Ministry of Trade recognizes a temporary registration framework for qualifying foreigners coming to Turkey for work or education, subject to the statutory conditions.

Can I bring my own foreign-plated car to Turkey?

Potentially, if the temporary-importation conditions are satisfied.

How long can my foreign-plated vehicle remain in Turkey?

The answer depends upon your status. The Ministry’s 2026 guidance provides that qualifying foreign residence-permit holders may receive a period corresponding to their residence permission, subject to a maximum of 730 days.

Can my Turkish friend drive my temporarily imported foreign-plated car?

Do not assume so. Special customs use restrictions apply to temporarily admitted vehicles.

How long can I drive using my foreign driving licence?

Foreign nationals can generally use a foreign driving licence in Turkey for six months.

What happens after six months?

You must obtain the appropriate Turkish driving licence or use an available licence-exchange procedure if your foreign licence qualifies.

Do I need traffic insurance?

Yes. A vehicle used in Turkish traffic must comply with compulsory motor liability insurance requirements.

Should I also buy kasko?

It is optional but can be highly advisable, especially for valuable vehicles.

Should I obtain an expertise report before buying?

For a used vehicle, an independent technical inspection is strongly advisable.

Can a foreigner buy a car through a Turkish company?

Yes, where the company is the buyer. But the car then belongs to the company rather than personally to the shareholder.

Can I later sell my vehicle?

Ordinary Turkish vehicles can generally be resold through the official notarial transfer system. Special customs-status vehicles require separate analysis.

Conclusion

Buying a car in Turkey as a foreigner is legally possible, but the buyer should first determine exactly what type of vehicle is being purchased.

The most important distinction is between:

an ordinary Turkish-registered, fully taxed vehicle

and

a vehicle benefiting from a special foreign-owner or temporary-importation customs regime.

These two categories can look similar physically but produce very different legal consequences.

An ordinary Turkish vehicle is generally purchased through the Turkish notarial and registration system.

For second-hand purchases, the official transfer mechanism provides an important protection because ownership changes within the registered vehicle system.

Turkey also requires use of the Secure Payment System for covered second-hand vehicle transactions. The system has been mandatory since 27 September 2024 and is designed to connect payment with completion of the official sale.

Foreign buyers should make full use of these protections.

The safest transaction is not:

“I transferred the money and the seller gave me the keys.”

It is:

“The vehicle was legally verified, the secure-payment process was used and registered ownership transferred through the official system.”

Tax is the second major issue.

A normal foreign buyer should not assume that foreign nationality creates a tax exemption.

New vehicles may involve substantial ÖTV and KDV, with the exact ÖTV treatment depending upon vehicle classification and the current statutory tariff. KDV is currently generally 20% where no special reduced or exempt treatment applies.

Vehicle ownership also creates ongoing MTV obligations.

The Revenue Administration publishes annual MTV tariffs and provides digital calculation and payment systems.

The third issue is the vehicle itself.

Before buying a second-hand car, a foreign purchaser should investigate both:

legal title

and

technical history.

A technically perfect car with a legal attachment is a problem.

A legally transferable car with hidden structural damage is also a problem.

Proper due diligence should therefore include registration restrictions, accident history, chassis/VIN verification, mileage, independent technical expertise, airbag status and major repair records.

The fourth issue is the much-discussed MA–MZ or foreign vehicle regime.

The Ministry of Trade specifically associates MA–MZ series registration with vehicles temporarily imported under Foreign Vehicles Temporary Entry Carnet/Form procedures.

Foreign employees and students may qualify for particular temporary vehicle procedures where statutory requirements are satisfied.

However, this does not create a universal foreigner tax exemption.

Before purchasing a vehicle advertised as:

“tax free,”
“blue plate,”
“foreign-to-foreign,” or
“MA/MZ,”

the buyer should establish the complete customs history and determine whether they personally qualify to acquire and use the vehicle.

Failure to do so can create:

customs assessments;

tax liability;

administrative penalties;

vehicle seizure;

or an obligation to export or dispose of the vehicle.

The fifth issue is temporary importation of a foreign-plated car.

This is completely separate from buying a Turkish car.

The Ministry of Trade regulates how persons resident abroad may temporarily bring vehicles into Turkey. For qualifying foreign residence-permit holders, the permitted period may correspond to their lawful residence period up to the applicable 730-day maximum.

These vehicles remain subject to customs restrictions, including rules concerning who may legally use them.

A foreign-plated temporary vehicle should therefore never be lent casually without checking the customs rules.

Finally, car ownership should be distinguished from driving entitlement.

The Directorate General of Population and Citizenship Affairs currently states that foreigners can use driving licences issued abroad in Turkey for six months. After that period, the foreign resident must obtain the appropriate Turkish driving licence or complete an available exchange procedure.

A foreigner can therefore be the lawful owner of a Turkish vehicle but still be legally unable to drive it with an expired foreign-licence entitlement.

For international buyers, a properly structured vehicle purchase should therefore answer five questions before money changes hands:

Who legally owns the vehicle now?

Can the vehicle legally be transferred to this particular foreign buyer?

Are there tax or customs restrictions?

Is the vehicle technically and legally clean?

Can the buyer legally drive, insure and later sell or export it?

If these questions are answered before the notarial sale, purchasing a car in Turkey can be a straightforward transaction.

If they are ignored—particularly in a high-value second-hand or customs-privileged vehicle purchase—the buyer may acquire significantly more legal risk than transportation.

Legal Disclaimer

This article provides general legal information concerning buying and owning a car in Turkey as a foreign national as of August 2026.

It does not constitute legal, customs, tax or insurance advice for any specific purchaser or vehicle.

The legal position may vary according to the buyer’s:

nationality;

immigration status;

residence status;

tax status;

employment or student status;

and the vehicle’s registration and customs history.

Special rules may also apply to vehicles with MA–MZ registration, foreign-plated vehicles, temporary imports, tax exemptions, company-owned vehicles and vehicles transferred under special customs procedures.

ÖTV rates, MTV tariffs, customs practices and administrative procedures can change.

Foreign nationals considering a high-value vehicle purchase, particularly a tax-exempt, foreign-to-foreign or MA–MZ vehicle, should verify the vehicle’s registration, tax and customs status before transferring the purchase price.