Attention those buying mobile phones from abroad: IMEI registration fee to burn pockets in 2026

The revaluation rate to be applied to taxes, fees, and penalties in the new year has been announced as 18.95 percent. Within the scope of this rate, the IMEI registration fee that must be paid for smartphones purchased abroad to be used in Turkey has risen to 54,258 TL as of 2026.

With this increase, the IMEI registration fees, which have been rising gradually in recent years, have once again come to the fore. The sharp increases experienced, especially after 2023, have drawn attention.

IMEI REGISTRATION FEES BY YEAR

The change in IMEI registration fees over the years has been as follows:

• 2012: 100 TL
• 2013: 115 TL
• 2014: 119 TL
• 2015: 131 TL
• 2016: 138 TL
• 2017: 149 TL
• 2018: 500 TL
• 2019: 1,500 TL
• 2020: 1,838 TL
• 2021: 1,006 TL
• 2022: 1,732 TL
• 2023: 6,091 TL
• 2023 (second half): 20,000 TL
• 2024: 31,692 TL
• 2025: 45,614 TL
• 2026: 54,258 TL

MANDATORY REGISTRATION WITHIN 120 DAYS

According to the legislation, the IMEI registration of mobile phones brought from abroad must be completed within 120 days at the latest from the date of entry into Turkey. Devices that are not registered within this period are blocked from use on mobile networks in Turkey.

On the other hand, an individual can only register one device under their own name within a two-year period. This regulation continues to be implemented as a significant restriction on bringing phones from abroad and registration procedures.

News Source: 12punto