Moving Furniture from UAE to Turkey (2026): Holiday Home Customs, Taxes & Real Costs
MoveConnector Customs Compliance Team
Relocation Expert
Introduction: The Dream and the Reality of Furnishing Your Turkish Home
You've done it. You’ve invested in the dream—a beautiful villa overlooking the Aegean in Bodrum, a chic apartment in Istanbul, or a sun-drenched holiday home in Antalya, Fethiye, or Cesme. Now comes the exciting part: making it your own. As you look around your home in Dubai or Abu Dhabi, you eye your favorite furniture, the dining set you love, and the high-end electronics that define your lifestyle. The immediate question is, "How do I get my favorite furniture there?"
While it seems logical to ship your belongings, the route from the UAE to Turkey is filled with logistical hurdles and significant tax implications. As specialists in UAE-to-Turkey relocations, we have seen the costly mistakes that result from bad advice. This guide provides the hard-won, expert knowledge you need to navigate this process in 2026.
Why This Guide Exists
This guide is based on real UAE-to-Turkey shipments handled by MoveConnector partners, including holiday villas in Bodrum & Cesme, apartments in Istanbul & Izmir, and partial LCL shipments to Antalya.
We created this guide because most online advice incorrectly assumes permanent relocation rules apply to holiday homes — a mistake which often leads to unexpected tax bills and shipment rejections.
The Big Debate: Ship from Dubai or Buy in Turkey?
This is the first strategic decision you need to make. Whether you are moving from Dubai Marina or Khalifa City, the logic remains the same.
Shipping vs Buying Locally: Cost Reality Check
| Item Type | Ship from UAE | Buy in Turkey | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| IKEA / Standard Furniture | ❌ Not worth it (High Duty) | ✅ Cheaper & Easier | Buy Local |
| Designer / Luxury Sofas | ✅ Yes | ❌ Very expensive in TR | Ship It |
| White Goods (Appliances) | ❌ Heavy ÖTV Tax | ✅ Warranty & Service | Buy Local |
| Antiques & Art | ✅ Yes | ❌ Hard to source | Ship It |
| Electronics (TVs/PCs) | ❌ Special Tax applies | ✅ Plug/Voltage compliant | Buy Local |
The Expert Verdict: Shipping is generally only financially viable for high-value designer pieces, antiques, or sentimental items. For standard furniture, the cost of shipping + duties often exceeds the value of buying new in Turkey.
The Critical Difference: Holiday Home vs. Permanent Move
This is the most important piece of information in this guide. Many inexperienced movers will tell you that shipping "used household goods" is tax-free. For a holiday home, this is FALSE.
The "Transfer of Residence" (ToR) exemption, which allows for duty-free import, is reserved strictly for:
- Turkish citizens returning permanently.
- Expats with a long-term work permit moving their primary residence to Turkey.
When you ship to a holiday home in Bodrum, Izmir, or Antalya, Turkish Customs views it as a standard import. You will pay duties.
Navigating Turkish Customs: The "Real Cost" Calculation (2026 Update)
Be prepared for the costs. Since the UAE is not in the EU Customs Union, your goods attract higher "Third Country" duty rates.
- CIF Valuation: Taxes are calculated on the CIF Value (Cost of Goods + Insurance + Freight).
- The "Tax Stack":
- Customs Duty: ~30% for non-EU origin goods.
- VAT (KDV): 20% (calculated on the total of CIF + Duty).
- Special Consumption Tax (ÖTV): Applies to electronics and white goods (can be 20%+).
Real World Example: You ship furniture worth $10,000. Shipping & Insurance costs $3,000.
- CIF Value: $13,000
- Duty (~30%): $3,900
- VAT (20% on $16,900): $3,380
- Total Tax Bill: ~$7,280
This is why we recommend shipping only items you truly love.
The "Hidden Traps": Wood & Electronics
1. The ISPM-15 Wood Rule
Turkey is incredibly strict about wooden packaging. Any wooden crates, pallets, or bracing used in your shipment MUST carry the ISPM-15 "Wheat Stamp" (indicating it has been heat-treated).
- The Risk: If your movers use untreated wood, Turkish Port Health authorities will reject the entire shipment or charge you thousands of dollars to destroy the crates. MoveConnector partners strictly adhere to ISPM-15 standards for all Turkey-bound cargo.
2. The Mobile Phone Trap (2026 Fee Update)
Do not ship mobile phones to Turkey.
- The Fee: To use a foreign phone in Turkey for more than 120 days, you must register its IMEI. The fee for 2026 has skyrocketed to approx. 45,600 TL ($1,300+).
- The Advice: Carry your personal phone in your pocket. Do not ship spare phones in your cargo; it is simply not worth the tax.
Buying Property in Turkey? Read This First
If you are still in the buying phase, understand this:
- Budgeting: Furnishing taxes can sometimes equal one year of rental income.
- Logistics: Many developers underestimate the complexity of importing goods.
- Timing: Customs clearance takes longer than in Dubai. Don't schedule your move-in date for the same day your ship arrives.
This guide is frequently shared with Turkish real estate agents, property lawyers, and UAE-based investment consultants to help buyers plan accurately.
The Essential Document Checklist
Precise documentation is your best tool for a smooth customs process.
- Copy of your Passport.
- Turkish Tax Number (Vergi Numarası): Essential for clearance.
- Title Deed (Tapu): Proof of your Turkish property ownership.
- Detailed Packing List: Must include item descriptions and realistic used values for customs.
- Notarized Power of Attorney: Authorizing our Turkish agent to handle clearance.
Pro Tip: Obtain your Vergi Numarası (Tax Number) online from the Turkish Revenue Administration website before your goods arrive. It’s free and takes minutes, but it's mandatory for customs clearance.
FAQ Section
Q: Can I take furniture to Turkey tax-free for my summer house? A: No. Duty-free import is strictly for primary residence moves (Transfer of Residence). Holiday home shipments are subject to full import duties and VAT.
Q: What is the biggest mistake people make when shipping to Turkey? A: Shipping uncertified wooden crates. If your crate does not have the ISPM-15 stamp, the shipment can be blocked at the port. Always verify this with your mover.
Q: Which ports handle furniture shipments in Turkey? A: For Istanbul and the Marmara region, we use Ambarli Port. For Antalya, Alanya, and the south, we use Mersin Port. For Bodrum and Izmir, we use Izmir (Alsancak) Port.
Q: Should I ship my appliances (White Goods)? A: Generally, no. White goods attract extra "Special Consumption Tax" (ÖTV) and warranty service may not cover UAE models in Turkey. It is usually cheaper and safer to buy brands like Bosch, Siemens, or Arçelik locally in Turkey.
Conclusion
Furnishing your Turkish holiday home from the UAE is a luxury service that delivers comfort and style, provided you are prepared for the investment. By understanding the tax reality and avoiding pitfalls like the ISPM-15 rule, you can ensure your transition is smooth.
Don't navigate Turkish Customs alone. Get a quote from a specialist who understands the holiday home market.
Request Your Free, No-Obligation Moving Quote from a UAE-to-Turkey Specialist Today!