Can Foreigners Without a Residence Permit Buy a Vehicle in Türkiye?

In recent years, Türkiye has seen growing interest from foreign nationals, leading to increased inquiries about vehicle ownership and legal procedures. One frequently asked question is whether a foreigner without a residence permit can legally purchase a vehicle in Türkiye—and if so, under what conditions.

1. Is It Possible to Buy a Vehicle Without a Residence Permit?

Under Turkish law, holding a residence permit is not a mandatory condition for foreigners to purchase a vehicle. However, foreigners without legal residency must follow certain administrative steps to register a vehicle in their name.

Notably, it is possible for a non-resident foreign national to purchase a car and register it with a “guest license plate” (known as "misafir plakası" in Turkish). These special plates are issued to vehicles owned by foreigners who do not have a Turkish residence permit and are typically staying in the country temporarily.

2. Required Documents and Steps

Foreign nationals who wish to buy a vehicle without a residence permit must complete the following procedures:

a. Obtaining a Tax Identification Number (Vergi Numarası)

A foreigner must first obtain a Turkish Tax Identification Number (TIN), which is essential for any legal or financial transaction. This can be easily acquired from the local Tax Office by presenting a valid passport.

b. Registering an E-Notification Address (e-Tebligat)

Turkish regulations require all vehicle owners to be registered in the e-notification (e-tebligat) system for legal and administrative communications. Since the system typically generates an e-tebligat address automatically for residents, non-residents must apply manually at the Tax Office by submitting a written request.

This official address is used for notifications from the traffic department, tax authorities, and other state institutions.

c. Notarized Vehicle Sale Transaction

As with Turkish citizens, the vehicle sale must be carried out at a notary public. The foreign buyer must be present with their passport, tax number, and e-tebligat information. Once the sale is notarized, the vehicle is registered in the buyer’s name.

d. Vehicle Registration and Guest License Plate Issuance

Following the notarial transaction, the buyer applies to the local traffic registration office to finalize the registration and obtain a guest license plate. These plates often begin with "MA" or "MZ" and legally authorize vehicle use within Türkiye.

3. Important Considerations

• The duration the vehicle can stay in Türkiye may be limited, depending on customs and import regulations.

• The vehicle owner must comply with insurance and motor vehicle tax obligations.

• The e-tebligat address must be kept up-to-date to avoid missed notifications, which could lead to administrative penalties.

4. Why Legal Assistance Matters

For non-residents, misunderstandings or missing documentation can cause delays or even cancellation of the registration process. The involvement of an experienced legal advisor is crucial to ensuring compliance with Turkish tax, traffic, and customs regulations.

At Özocak & Altun Law Firm, we offer full legal support for foreign nationals wishing to purchase a vehicle in Türkiye, including tax registration, e-notification setup, and vehicle title procedures. If you're a non-resident planning to own a car in Türkiye legally and securely, our team is here to guide you at every step.