Turkey Phone Registration 2026: Fees & Guide

Bringing Your Phone to Turkey in 2026: A Comprehensive Guide to IMEI Registration

The landscape of bringing mobile phones from abroad into Turkey for use by non-residents and citizens has seen significant shifts. With rising costs and updated regulations, understanding the IMEI registration process is crucial for 2026. Many individuals, especially those looking to purchase premium smartphones like Apple devices, find it more economical to buy them overseas. However, this necessitates a clear understanding of Turkey’s phone activation or passport registration laws.

The Information and Communication Technologies Authority (BTK) sets the annual tariffs for these fees. For 2026, the fee has seen a notable increase, reflecting the government’s revaluation rates.

Understanding the 180-Day Usage Period

Under current regulations, mobile phones imported from abroad can be used in Turkey without immediate registration for an initial period of 120 ਦਿਨ. This period is designed for temporary visitors. Importantly, this duration can be extended. By applying, you can receive two separate extensions, each lasting 30 ਦਿਨ, bringing the total permissible usage period to 180 days. Failure to register your device with your passport’s IMEI number within this 180-day window will result in the phone being blocked from accessing Turkish mobile communication services.

The 2026 IMEI Registration Fee in Turkey

The fee for registering your foreign phone’s IMEI number is a mandatory tariff that is updated annually. For the year 2026, the updated phone (IMEI) registration fee, also known as the usage permit fee, has been set at 54.258 TL. This represents a 18.95% increase from the 2025 fee, aligning with the latest revaluation rates.

Registration Requirements for Foreign Residents and Visitors

It’s a common misconception that only Turkish citizens are subject to these fees. However, foreign residents living in Turkey, as well as tourists and short-term visitors, are also required to pay the registration fee for any mobile phone brought into the country from abroad. This rule applies regardless of your nationality, the duration of your stay, or your residency status. The registration process and the associated fees are identical for both Turkish citizens and foreign nationals.

Key Considerations Before Starting the Registration Process

Before you embark on the IMEI registration process, ensure you meet the following crucial criteria:

• Passport Usage: The passport you intend to use for registration must not have been used for registering any device within the last 3 years. You can verify this through the e-Government system.
• E-Government Check: It is highly recommended to check your eligibility and the status of your passport’s registration rights on the e-Government portal: e-Government IMEI Registration Inquiry.
• Fee Payment: Ensure you have the correct tariff fee ready for payment.
• Timeliness: The registration must be completed before the 180-day period, calculated from your initial entry date into Turkey, expires.

How to Complete Your Phone Registration in Turkey

Registering your foreign phone in Turkey can be a straightforward process if you follow these steps:

Online Registration via E-Government:

If you have a Turkish ID number or a Foreigner ID number and are eligible to use the e-Government system, you can complete the registration online:

1. Visit the official e-Government gateway: www.turkiye.gov.tr.
2. Log in using your credentials.
3. Search for the term “IMEI Kayıt” (IMEI Registration).
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to fill in the necessary details and complete the process.

In-Person Registration:

For individuals who are not eligible for online registration via e-Government, or who prefer in-person assistance, you can apply directly to the Subscriber Registration Centers of the major mobile network operators in Turkey:

• Turkcell: www.turkcell.com.tr
• Türk Telekom Mobil (TT Mobil): www.ttmobil.com.tr
• Vodafone: www.vodafone.com.tr

Always verify the latest procedures and required documents with the chosen operator before your visit.