IMEI Registration (Use of Phones Brought from Abroad in Turkey)

If you plan to stay in Turkey for a long time, you probably won't be able to use your phone after a while. When you travel to Turkey for reasons such as long-term education, work, health, etc., you will not be able to use the phone within 120 days (4 months). So what is the way to use the phone you brought?

The IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) codes of mobile phones brought to Turkey must be recorded. You will either have to buy a new phone or complete a few transactions as soon as possible... You can also perform the registration process when your phone is closed for communication. However, there is an upper limit: You can complete it within 365 days from the date you enter Turkey.

First of all, the amount you have to pay for registration is ₺2732. As of May 4, this amount is equivalent to $185 or €175.

Step 1: Get IMEI Code

First of all, press *#06# on your phone to find out the IMEI code and write it down.

Step 2.1: E-Devlet Password

If you have a Foreigner Identification Number, you must go to a PTT office and obtain an e-Devlet password. That's ₺2, $0.14 or €0.13 as of now. 

Step 2.2: Other Conditions (After 3rd and 4th Steps)

If you do not have a Foreigner Identification Number; however, registration is possible if you are a diplomat (passport or identity document), military personnel (passport or identity document), student (student document) and resident (residence document). You need to go to one of the telecommunications offices (Turkcell, Türk Telekom or Vodafone) with the relevant documents.

Step 3: Fee Payment

There are some things to consider on the receipt when making your payment: If there is more than one IMEI code, write the 15-digit one. In addition, the payer and the device owner must be the same person.

You can pay the payment at the tax offices. You can also easily complete the payment from banks.

Step 4: Registration

Visit https://www.turkiye.gov.tr/btk-imei-kaydet 

Done! When all processes are completed, remember that the phone can only work with SIM cards issued in your name for three years. During this period, the phone will not work if a SIM card bought on behalf of someone else is inserted.

By the way, let me remind you:
The regulation in question does not apply only to mobile phones. 

The same is true for any product with an IMEI code, such as tablets and laptops.