Buy a Yacht in Turkey
Step-by-Step Guide for Foreign Nationals
Buy a Yacht
in Turkey
Turkey is the world's second-largest mega-yacht producer. Prices run 20–40% below Western Mediterranean equivalents. The buying process is fully accessible to foreign nationals, if you know the steps.
✓ Non-residents can buy ✓ Turkish flag or open registry ✓ No ownership restrictions ✓ Escrow-protected closing
💬 Start Your Purchase, WhatsApp View Full Package →
STATS
$2.24B2025 Yacht Export, Record #2Global Mega-Yacht Producer 36,000+Vessels 6m+ in Market €450MAnnual Brokerage Volume
The Buying Process, Step by Step
Foreign nationals, regardless of residency, may purchase a yacht in Turkey. Here is exactly how it works, from first search to title in your name.
1
Define Your Brief
Type, sana, budget, intended use (private vs charter), flag preference, preferred base marina. We help build a realistic specification and market context before you travel.
2
Search & Shortlist
We access listings across Bodrum, Göcek, Marmaris, Istanbul plus international broker networks. You receive a curated shortlist with price analysis, not raw portal exports.
3
Viewing & Sea Trial
Viewings arranged at marina. Sea trial coordinated. We attend on your behalf or provide video walkthroughs for overseas buyers who cannot travel.
4
Offer & Memorandum of Agreement
Written offer submitted. MOA drafted in English and Turkish. Deposit (typically 10%) placed into independent escrow, not handed to the seller or broker directly.
5
Independent Survey (ABYC Professional Member)
Survey conducted. Findings reviewed. Price renegotiation if material defects found. Haul-out for underwater hull inspection arranged where required.
6
Title Check & Maritime Lawyer
Harbour master ownership check. Liens, mortgage, arrest order verification. Lawyer reviews MOA clauses on liability and dispute resolution under Turkish maritime law.
7
Closing, Funds & Title
Funds and title transfer on the same day via escrow. Bill of Sale issued. Deregistration from current flag arranged. New registration begins immediately.
8
Flag, Insurance & Delivery
Turkish flag or open registry (Cayman, Malta, Marshall Islands). Insurance bound before departure. Transitlog issued. Marina berth confirmed. Delivery captain if required.
Key Legal Facts for Foreign Buyers 🌍Foreign OwnershipBoth residents and non-residents may purchase a yacht in Turkey. No ownership percentage restrictions apply to private yachts. Corporate ownership also possible. 🏳️Flag OptionsTurkish flag: harbour master registration, valid 1 year (recreational), 3 years (commercial). Open registry also available. Your choice affects charter rights and tax treatment. 💰VAT & TaxDomestic Turkish sales may attract VAT. If taking the vessel to the EU, sale must complete in the EU to preserve VAT-paid status. A maritime lawyer reviews your specific structure. ⚓Charter LicenceCommercial charter in Turkish waters requires a charter licence (~USD 1,500/year). Turkish-flagged vessels have exclusive rights to operate cabotage charter in Turkey.
We bought a 42-foot sailing yacht in Bodrum without ever visiting Turkey. TekneMerkezi coordinated the purchase remotely: an independent surveyor (ABYC Professional Member) inspected the boat, and we managed the negotiation, escrow and Turkish flag registration. The process took six weeks. The survey flagged a serious keel bolt issue the seller hadn't disclosed, we renegotiated €18,000 off the asking price.
R.H., German buyer · Beneteau Oceanis 42 · Bodrum 2025
Tell Us What You're Looking For Free initial consultation. No obligation. Name Country Yacht Type Budget (EUR) Intended Use Notes
Why use an independent advisor?
Brokers represent the seller. Yards have ongoing relationships with sellers. A marina contact may be friendly, but they are not working for your interests. An independent advisor whose only income is your fixed fee is structurally on your side from day one.
Remote purchase, fully possible
Many of our foreign clients complete the entire process without visiting Turkey until delivery. Video surveys, remote MOA signing, and escrow-protected wires make this routine. We coordinate everything on the ground.
/tm-en-page