Obtaining a residency permit is important for anybody who chooses to stay in Turkey long-term. If you intend to move your belongings to your new home, you must ensure you have a residency permit first. When you arrive at the border control be aware that you may have to pay Turkish customs and excise import duties if you are importing electrical goods into the country.
When bringing your belongings you will be required to have an invoice stating the value of items you are carrying and an inventory. It would also help reduce time at customs if your documents were translated into Turkish. Hiring a translator, who will be able to help with possible problems that may be encountered at the Turkish border could prove to be especially benefiicial.
Get prepared
However much homework you have done in preparing for your move to Turkey, it may depend on who you meet at the border on the day. For instance, things may go perfectly well on the day with a friendly or busy customs officer. Alternatively you may have an officer with his superior watching and has to do a thorough job, meaning everything is checked like using a fine tooth comb! This may turn out to be very time consuming and expensive for you.
Documents
Be prepared and have the following documents when arriving at customs border control in Turkey. The list is constructed to suit removals for permanent residence, or if you are moving because you have employment in Turkey.
1. Your passport
2. Residence Visa or Permit
3. Work permit
4. Application letter (if applying for residence or employment visas)
5. Inventory (stating all brand names and serial numbers for electrical appliances you are shipping).
6. A letter guaranteeing work from your employer in Turkey
7. A letter authorizing your removal company agent to clear shipment at Turkish customs if you are not accompanying them.
e.g. (Obviously if you are not working in Turkey you do not need the documents to do with work, the list is a complete list for both removals and work).
Further to this list of documents, there are also some items that are restricted, so ensure none of the following are amongst your removals when shipping to Turkey:
1, Alcohol
2. Food
3. Tobbacco
4. Perfume
5. Fax machines, telecommunications and satellite equipment
The following items have a complete ban in Turkey:
1. Any kind of weapons or ammunition
2. Drugs and narcotics
3. Explosives
Remember when shipping electrical items to Turkey, make sure they are not in their original packaging, because customs may charge tax for being brand new! Be realistic about the amount of electronic items to each person moving as customs may think you are importing to sell products.
It is a good idea before moving lock, stock and barrel to look at the advantages and disadvantages of taking your entire life’s possessions. Could you reduce your load by selling some of the goods and buying new again? There may be not much difference in price when taking into consideration import duties, removal costs and time.
If you are intending to do the move yourself or choose to use a removal company make sure you have the correct insurances and travel documents. Get several quotes if you decide to use a removal company. A reputable company will advise you with what necessary information you require for your move to Turkey.
Whichever option you choose in your relocation to Turkey, just do as much homework as possible. Read information on forums from expats that have already relocated, ask any questions you may have. Also research other websites such as the Turkish government websites and the Turkish Embassy in London for other sources.
