A long-distance move between Berlin and Turkey requires careful planning, coordinated processes and clear communication. Lion Umzüge is based in Berlin and organises your move from here — we do not claim any local presence at the destination. In a personal conversation, we determine your needs, clarify any special features and draw up a transparent description of services tailored to your situation.
Professional support for your move Berlin ↔ Turkey
Planning & personal advice
At the start, we talk about your belongings, special items and access at the collection and delivery addresses. Together we set the priorities and clarify any open questions about the delivery. Your ideas form the basis of our plan.
Packing and safe preparation
Secure packaging reduces the risk of damage during transport. We show you suitable types of packaging, explain protective measures for fragile items and offer support with professional packing.
Transport organisation and communication
The transport is coordinated from Berlin. We make sure suitable vehicles are used and the loading dates are logically coordinated. During the journey, we keep you informed about the status of the logistics so that you are always up to date.
How your move works
So that you have a clear schedule, we summarise the typical steps. This sequence is a guideline and can be adapted to your wishes:
- Preliminary consultation and survey to record the scope and special features
- Preparation of a quote with a clear description of services
- Packing, dismantling and loading as agreed
- Transport from Berlin to Turkey or vice versa
- Unloading and, if required, unpacking and assembly at the destination as agreed
Special items and custom solutions
Whether a piano, works of art or very bulky furniture: we develop individual solutions for unusual items. Together we discuss which measures are necessary to transport your belongings gently.
Preparing documents and information
For a smooth process, it is helpful to have the relevant documents and information to hand. We let you know which details are usually required and support you with structured preparation, without replacing legal or customs advice.
Moving Berlin–Turkey: customs, route and planning
For many Berliners with family roots in Turkey, a move there is a return home – sometimes after decades. Others move to the coast for work or retirement. In any case, a move to Turkey is an international move outside the EU, and that has consequences for planning and paperwork.
Customs and import
Because Turkey is not part of the EU, household goods must be declared at customs. Used household effects can be imported duty-free under certain conditions, for example if you move your residence permanently. The rules differ depending on nationality, length of stay abroad and type of goods. You should therefore find out early from the Turkish consulate about the regulations currently in force and the necessary documents. You will need a complete inventory list in any case.
Route
By land, Istanbul is around 2,200 kilometres away, via the Czech Republic, Austria or Hungary and the Balkans. Several borders are crossed along the way, including borders outside the EU. With waiting times at the borders and the drivers’ rest periods, the transport is on the road for several days. For destinations on the south coast such as Antalya, add several hundred more kilometres.
What you should prepare
- Inventory list with all boxes and furniture
- Deregistration at the Bürgeramt (citizens’ office) in Berlin as proof of the change of residence
- Copies of your ID, residence documents and tenancy agreement in Turkey
- Clarification of which items are subject to import restrictions
Part load or dedicated transport?
For large households, a dedicated lorry makes sense. If you are only taking part of your household with you, you can save costs with a part load. Anything that is not coming along can be disposed of in Berlin or put into storage for you – see Storage Berlin.
Costs
In addition to staff and vehicle, a move to Turkey involves fuel, tolls in several countries, overnight stays and, where applicable, customs services. The page Moving Company Berlin Costs gives a general explanation of the cost factors. More on international moves can be found under International Moves Berlin.
Moving to the coast
Many people move to the Turkish Riviera in retirement, to Antalya, Alanya or the Aegean coast. Flats there are often in newer complexes with a lift, pool and security service. Clarify with the management beforehand when furniture may be delivered and whether an access permit is needed for the lorry.
What comes along
New-build flats in Turkey are often handed over with a fitted kitchen and air conditioning. Heavy winter clothing is hardly needed on the south coast. So think carefully about what really needs to travel – every box less saves costs and effort during customs clearance.
Allow enough time
For a move to Turkey, allow several weeks of lead time for documents and coordination. We help with the inventory list and plan the transport as soon as the documents are complete.
Moving to Turkey: customs, İkamet and the long drive south-east
For many Berliners, Turkey is more than a holiday destination. Families return to their parents’ homeland, retirees move to the coast, professionals relocate to Istanbul, Izmir or Antalya. As Turkey is not part of the EU, a move there involves customs formalities. Here we summarise what you should bear in mind.
More than 2,000 kilometres
From Berlin to Istanbul it is around 2,200 kilometres, and considerably more to the Turkish south coast. The route leads through several countries, for example via the Czech Republic, Hungary, Serbia and Bulgaria, with border controls outside the EU. For a lorry, that means several days of driving, plus waiting times at the borders. For many moves to Turkey, a combination of lorry and sea freight or a groupage shipment is the more economical solution. We advise you on which option suits your household.
Customs and household goods
Special rules apply to importing household goods into Turkey. Anyone moving their residence permanently to Turkey can import used household effects duty-free under certain conditions. This usually requires a detailed inventory list, proof of your previous residence abroad and other documents. The requirements differ depending on nationality and residence status. Be sure to find out about the current regulations from the Turkish consulate in Berlin in advance.
Residence permit and registration
In Berlin, you deregister at the Bürgeramt (citizens’ office). German nationals who want to live in Turkey permanently need a residence permit, the İkamet. Turkish nationals register with the competent authority at their new place of residence. Clarify before the move which documents you need.
Living in Turkey
In Turkish cities, many people live in apartment buildings with a lift and a caretaker, the Kapıcı. In Istanbul, the streets in the old quarters are narrow and steep. On the coast, there are holiday complexes with their own access rules. Delivery at the destination is often handled by a local partner who knows the local conditions.
Packing for long distance and customs
For a move to Turkey, careful packing is particularly important, as boxes may be opened at customs. We number all packages and draw up an inventory list that matches the customs documents. You should transport valuables, documents and medication yourself.
Costs
The costs depend on distance, mode of transport, volume, customs handling and delivery. We prepare an individual quote once we know the scope and destination. More information can be found on our page International Moves Berlin.
A note on pets: to enter Turkey with a dog or cat, a microchip, a valid rabies vaccination and a health certificate are required. Clarify the current regulations early so that your pet can travel without any problems.
Planning a move? We are happy to advise you.
Free on-site survey and a binding fixed-price quote – with no hidden costs.
FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
How should I prepare fragile pieces of furniture?
The best way to protect fragile furniture is with padding, sturdy outer packaging and, if necessary, dismantling. Label the components and keep screws separately. We are happy to advise you on the right type of packaging.
Who organises services at the destination in Turkey?
Lion Umzüge is based in Berlin and organises the transport from here. We work out with you which services are needed at the destination; we do not claim to have a local office or service presence in Turkey.
How much does a move from Berlin to Turkey cost?
Istanbul is around 2,200 kilometres away via the Balkans, Izmir or Antalya even further. Diesel, tolls in several countries, border clearance and several overnight stays make up most of the price. For smaller volumes, a part load can be a sensible option. General information on costs can be found under Moving Company Berlin Costs.
How long does a move from Berlin to Turkey take?
Expect about one week from loading in Berlin to delivery in Istanbul, and somewhat longer for destinations on the Aegean or the Mediterranean. How long customs clearance takes can never be predicted exactly.
How much lead time do I need for a move from Berlin to Turkey?
For Turkey, you should enquire eight to twelve weeks in advance. The customs documents, the inventory list and, where applicable, proof of your residence take time before the lorry can set off.
How are my belongings insured during a move from Berlin to Turkey?
On the long route to Turkey, liability under Section 451e of the German Commercial Code (HGB) applies, i.e. 620 euros per cubic metre of required loading space. Because of the many border crossings, we strongly recommend additional transport insurance for valuable items.
Do I need customs documents for a move from Berlin to Turkey?
Yes. Turkey is not part of the EU, so your household goods are declared at customs. Whether your household effects can be imported duty-free depends, among other things, on your nationality and length of stay and is decided by Turkish customs. We will help you with the inventory list.
Planning a long-distance move between Berlin and Turkey? Contact us for a no-obligation consultation. We will draw up a description of services tailored to you and guide you through the move step by step.
Request a move to Turkey
Whether Istanbul, Ankara or Antalya: for your move to Turkey, you can reach us on 030 612 964 73 or via the form, stating your destination and date. After the free on-site survey, you will receive a written quote. For moves within Berlin, Lion Umzüge is your contact as a moving company in Berlin.
