02.07.2026 08:40
The Information and Communication Technologies Authority (BTK) has amended the regulation regarding the registration procedures for mobile phones brought from abroad. With the new regulation, the single application address for IMEI registration procedures has become e-Government, while special practices for diplomats and the IMEI replacement process for malfunctioning devices have been reorganized. Meanwhile, the IMEI registration fee for 2026 will continue to be applied as 54,258 lira.
The Information Technologies and Communication Authority (BTK) made changes to the "Regulation on the Registration of Devices Possessing Electronic Identity Information."
With the new regulation, expressions related to short message (SMS) in mobile phone registration procedures were removed from the regulation. The new application clearly states that the only official application address for IMEI registration procedures is e-Government.
SPECIAL IMEI REGULATION FOR DIPLOMATS
The new regulation also introduced a special IMEI application for embassy and consulate employees working in Turkey. Accordingly, as long as the foreign mission identity card remains valid, these individuals can apply for phone registration. For devices whose identity card has expired, an additional 120-day usage right will be granted.
WILL BE BLACKLISTED AFTER 120 DAYS
After the 120-day period ends, the IMEI numbers of the relevant devices will be deactivated and blacklisted. If blacklisted devices are used again, mobile operators will be obliged to notify the Information Technologies and Communication Authority.
NEW APPLICATION FOR MALFUNCTIONING PHONES
If a phone brought from abroad as passenger baggage malfunctions and the device or its mainboard is replaced, an IMEI change can be made. For this, the first registration applicant or the importer or manufacturer carrying out the replacement will need to apply to the BTK.
The first registration applicant can apply via e-Government within three calendar years after completing the device registration, as long as the relevant IMEI number is on the whitelist.
The following information must be included in the replacement document for the application to be accepted:
- Letterhead paper or company stamp,
- Name, title, address, or phone information of the company performing the replacement,
- A statement indicating that the replacement was made due to a malfunction,
- Old and new IMEI numbers.
HOW ARE PHONES FROM ABROAD USED?
Users who purchase phones from abroad, as they are more affordable compared to prices in Turkey, can use their devices without registration for four months within a calendar year.
For phones with dual SIM cards or support for one physical SIM and e-SIM, this period can extend up to eight months.
After the first four months of use, the other SIM slot or e-SIM is activated, starting the second four-month usage period.
HOW IS THE 4-MONTH PERIOD CALCULATED?
The usage period starts the moment a SIM card from Turkish GSM operators is inserted into the phone brought from abroad.
The four-month usage period is calculated based on the registration warning SMS sent to the user. At the end of the period, the device is disconnected from communication via the first IMEI, and usage can be extended for another four months using the second SIM slot or e-SIM.
THOSE WHO PURCHASE IN MAY CAN USE LONGER
Assuming the phone starts being used on May 1, the first four-month usage period ends on August 31.
Then, using the e-SIM or second SIM slot, the second four-month usage is completed between September 1 and December 31.
With the start of the new calendar year, users can also benefit from the rights of the following year, allowing them to use the phone without registration for approximately 16 months.
UNREGISTERED PHONES CAN BE SOLD
After approximately 16 months of use, users can sell the device as second-hand abroad or as spare parts in Turkey. Users who wish can continue using the device by paying the IMEI registration fee.
ILLEGAL IMEI CHANGES ON ANDROID DEVICES
It is reported that on some phones with the Android operating system, IMEI changes can be made illegally.
The IMEI number of another device that can connect to the internet can be assigned to the phone brought from abroad, allowing usage.
It is stated that IMEI numbers of second-hand or scrap Android phones that have not been disconnected from communication are written onto new devices, and this process is done for fees ranging from approximately 1,000 to 2,000 lira.
This method cannot be applied on devices with the iOS operating system.
BACKUP PHONE RECOMMENDATION
When the new calendar year begins, it may take a few days for blacklisted phones to become active again.
Therefore, it is stated that it may be beneficial for users to have a backup phone during the transition period.
2026 IMEI REGISTRATION FEE
As of 2026, the IMEI registration fee applicable for mobile phones brought from abroad is 54,258 lira.