When relocating to Turkey, one of the most practical questions is whether to ship your household belongings or buy everything new on arrival. The answer depends on customs rules, the duty exemption you may qualify for, and the real cost of international shipping. This guide covers the 2026 position for foreign nationals moving to Turkey.

81a. The household goods duty exemption

Under Article 167 of Customs Law No. 4458, personal effects and household goods are exempt from import duties when they belong to an individual transferring their residence to Turkey. This is the single most important rule for anyone moving their home to the country. The exemption is designed for genuine relocations, not for importing new commercial goods.

To qualify for the duty-free exemption, you must meet two conditions:

• You must have resided outside Turkey for at least 12 consecutive months before the move
• The goods must have been in your possession and used for at least 6 months before arriving in Turkey

The distinction the law draws is between personal belongings (clothing, jewellery, portable electronics, medical devices) and household goods (furniture, home appliances, kitchenware). Both categories can qualify for the exemption when the conditions are met.

81b. Documentation required

To claim the exemption, you will need to provide proof of your prior residence abroad and a detailed inventory. The required documents typically include:

• Proof of prior residence abroad – A utility bill, rental contract, or work permit from your previous country
• A detailed inventory list of all items being imported, with estimated values
• Your passport and Turkish residence permit or visa
• The customs declaration form
• Proof of your move to Turkey (residence permit application or property title deed)

The inventory must be detailed and accurate. Customs officials use it to confirm the goods are genuine personal effects rather than commercial imports. Undervaluation or vague descriptions can trigger inspection, delays, and penalties.

81c. Temporary vs permanent import

Turkish customs distinguishes between temporary and permanent import regimes. Temporary import allows goods to enter without duty payment for a limited period, on the condition they will be re-exported – relevant for those on short assignments. Permanent import requires either qualifying for the household goods exemption or paying full duties. Choosing the correct regime at the outset matters, because reclassifying later is difficult and costly.

81d. What you cannot bring duty-free

The exemption does not cover everything. Items that fall outside the personal effects definition attract full duty and tax:

• New, unused items still in commercial packaging
• Quantities suggesting commercial intent (multiple identical items)
• Vehicles – these have a separate regime (covered in the article on bringing your car)
• Restricted goods: certain electronics above allowance, weapons, and controlled substances

For dutiable goods in 2026, import duty plus VAT applies. The standard VAT (KDV) rate is 20%, calculated on the sum of the item value and any customs duty. This can make shipping high-value new items significantly more expensive than buying them locally.

81e. Choosing an international removals company

For a full household move, an international removals company that specialises in Turkey is strongly recommended. They handle the customs paperwork, which is the most error-prone part of the process. When selecting a company:

• Confirm they have direct experience with Turkish customs clearance, not just shipping
• Get an itemised quote covering shipping, insurance, customs clearance, and delivery to your address
• Confirm whether the quote is door-to-door or port-to-port (port-to-port leaves you to handle customs)
• Verify their insurance covers the full replacement value of your goods in transit
• Ask whether they handle the duty exemption application or whether that is your responsibility

81f. Cost vs buying locally – The real calculation

The decision to ship or buy new depends on volume, sentimental value, and the cost difference. A full container shipment from Western Europe to Turkey typically costs EUR 3,000-8,000 depending on volume and distance. For high-quality furniture and appliances you already own and value, shipping under the duty exemption can be worthwhile. For standard furniture that would cost less to replace than to ship, buying locally in Turkey – where furniture is relatively affordable – often makes more financial sense.

EXPERT ADVICE: The household goods duty exemption under Article 167 is generous but strictly conditional – you must prove 12 months of prior residence abroad and 6 months of ownership of the goods. Prepare a detailed, accurate inventory; this is where most claims succeed or fail. Use an international removals company with genuine Turkish customs experience, and get the duty exemption responsibility clarified in writing before shipping. For standard furniture, compare the shipping cost against buying locally – Turkish furniture is often cheaper to replace than to transport. Sources: Gumruk Kanunu No. 4458 – https://www.mevzuat.gov.tr | T.C. Ticaret Bakanligi Gumrukler Genel Mudurlugu – https://www.ticaret.gov.tr | Resmi Gazete – https://www.resmigazete.gov.tr

P.S. International removal costs are significant and often underestimated. My honest advice: before shipping anything, calculate the full cost of bringing it versus buying new in Turkey. For furniture and white goods especially, research prices online first The brands own Turkish website gives you the real reference price. In many cases, buying locally works out cheaper than the shipping alone. Bring what is irreplaceable. Everything else is available here.