03.09.2026 13:10
There are only a few days left before the usage period expires for millions of mobile phones brought from abroad and used without IMEI registration. Phones that can be used for 4 months with a single IMEI, and up to 8 months on suitable devices with dual SIM or e-SIM support, will be shut off from mobile communication when the period expires. Those who wish to continue using their devices must pay an IMEI registration fee of 54,258 TL.
High smartphone prices in Türkiye are steering consumers toward purchasing phones from abroad. However, the use of devices brought from abroad on Turkish mobile networks without IMEI registration is limited to specific periods.
In addition to prices abroad potentially being more favorable than in Türkiye, the ability to receive a tax refund through the Tax Free system applied in some countries can further increase the price difference for consumers.
For phones brought into Türkiye, the usage period can vary depending on the device's SIM and IMEI structure.
HOW DOES THE UNREGISTERED USAGE PERIOD EXTEND TO 8 MONTHS?
When a phone brought from abroad connects to a Turkish mobile network, the unregistered usage process begins. Informational messages regarding the device's registration status are also sent to users.
The usage period defined for a single IMEI is limited to 120 days. However, on some devices with dual SIM cards having two different IMEIs, or those offering both a physical SIM and e-SIM support, using the second IMEI allows benefiting from a second 120-day period.
Thus, on eligible devices, the unregistered usage period can reach a total of 240 days, or approximately 8 months, within a calendar year.
UNTIL WHEN DOES A PHONE STARTED BEING USED ON MAY 1ST REMAIN ACTIVE?
For example, if the first IMEI of an eligible phone brought from abroad is first used on May 1, 2026, usage via the second IMEI becomes possible after the first 120-day period.
By activating the second usage period, the phone's unregistered access period to Turkish mobile networks can be extended.
Since usage rights are re-evaluated on a calendar year basis, the total usable period can be extended further depending on the date the device was brought into Türkiye and started being used.
WHAT HAPPENS TO A PHONE WHEN ITS PERIOD EXPIRES?
After the unregistered usage right expires, the phone's access to Turkish mobile networks is blocked. This situation does not mean the phone becomes completely unusable.
The device can continue to be used over a Wi-Fi connection, but calling, SMS, and mobile internet services via the SIM card cannot be utilized.
Those who wish to continue using the phone on Turkish mobile networks must register the device in accordance with the legislation.
2026 IMEI REGISTRATION FEE IS 54,258 TL
The IMEI registration fee paid for phones brought from abroad to be used as registered in Türkiye is applied as 54,258 TL in 2026.
To complete the registration process, merely paying the fee is not sufficient. The device must be brought with the passenger, and other registration conditions stipulated in the legislation must also be met.