Foreigners residing in Turkey have the right to purchase both new and second-hand vehicles. The buying process must follow legal registration procedures overseen by a Notary Public (Noter).


1. The Purchase Procedure at the Notary

For second-hand cars, the transfer of ownership is executed entirely at a Notary Office. The buyer and seller must present:

  • Valid Passport & Residence Permit: A valid residence permit (İkamet) is required.
  • Notarized Translation: A certified translation of the passport.
  • Sworn Translator: If the buyer does not speak Turkish, a licensed sworn translator must be present at the Notary to translate the contract.

2. Tax and Insurance Requirements

After buying a car, the owner must obtain Compulsory Traffic Insurance (Zorunlu Trafik Sigortası) before driving. Foreigners must also pay the Motor Vehicle Tax (MTV) twice a year, which is calculated based on the engine size and age of the vehicle.



Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can a Foreigner Buy a Car in Turkey?

  1. Residence Permit: Foreigners must hold a valid Turkish residence permit to buy a car.
  2. Notary Transfer: Complete the transaction at a Notary Office.
  3. Translator: A sworn translator is required if you do not speak Turkish.
  4. Insurance & Tax: Obtain mandatory traffic insurance and pay vehicle tax.