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. Now comes the exciting part: making it your own. As you look around your home in Dubai, you eye your favorite Marina Home sofa, the Crate & Barrel dining set you love, and the high-end electronics that define your lifestyle. The immediate question is, "How do I get my favorite Dubai furniture there?"

While it seems logical to ship your belongings, this is a path 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, focusing specifically on the unique challenges of furnishing a secondary residence in Turkey.

The Big Debate: Ship from Dubai or Buy in Turkey?

This is the first strategic decision you need to make.

The Case for Shipping from the UAE:

Style & Quality: You own luxury brand furniture in Dubai that may be unavailable or significantly more expensive in Turkey due to luxury import taxes.
Sentimental Value: Pieces that define your home’s identity.
Turnkey Solution: Filling a 20ft container allows you to furnish your entire holiday home in one go, rather than shopping for weeks upon arrival.

The Case for Buying Locally in Turkey:

No Customs Headaches: You eliminate the risk of unexpected tax bills.
Local Design Hubs: Istanbul is home to massive furniture cities like Masko (Europe's largest furniture city) and Modoko, where you can find incredible craftsmanship often cheaper than Dubai prices.
Voltage Compatibility: While UAE and Turkey both use 220V, plugs differ, and local warranty support is invaluable for white goods.

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 for citizens returning permanently or expats with a long-term work permit moving their primary residence.

When you ship to a holiday home, Turkish Customs views it as a standard import. You will pay duties.

Navigating Turkish Customs: The "Real Cost" Calculation

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":
1. Customs Duty: ~30% for non-EU origin goods.
2. VAT (KDV): 20% (calculated on the total of CIF + Duty).
3. 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. Ensure your UAE mover uses certified wood.

2. The Mobile Phone Trap

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 2025 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.

Choosing Your Shipping Method: FCL vs. LCL

FCL (Full Container Load): You rent your own exclusive 20ft container. Best for furnishing a 2+ bedroom villa. It is more secure and clears customs faster as it is not mixed with other shipments.
LCL (Less than Container Load): You share space in a container. Cost-effective for sending just a few key pieces (e.g., a master bed set and a sofa). Note: LCL takes longer due to consolidation delays.

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.

Realistic Timelines: How Long Does it Take?

Packing (UAE): 1-2 days
Sea Transit (Jebel Ali to Ambarli/Mersin): 15-22 days
Customs Clearance: 7-14 working days (allow buffer for bureaucratic delays)
Total Window: Plan for 5 to 7 weeks door-to-door.

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 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!

The Ultimate Guide to Moving Furniture from UAE to Turkey (Holiday Home Edition)