Yacht Brokerage in Turkey

1. How does the buying process work in Turkey?

You start by shortlisting yachts that match your brief, then we schedule viewings in Bodrum, Göcek, Marmaris or Istanbul. If you want to move forward we submit a written offer, sign an MOA, place the deposit into independent escrow, and book a survey with a sea trial. Most buyers also request a haul out, engine oil analysis, and a rig or electronics check so there are no surprises later.

After survey we agree any remedial items or price adjustments, then move to closing with a clean Bill of Sale, deregistration from the current flag, and your new registration arranged. We confirm VAT or KDV status in the paperwork, check CE or RCD compliance if needed, bind insurance, and plan delivery to your preferred marina. Funds and title exchange through escrow on the same day so you take possession with confidence and a clear path to cruise.

2. Can I buy a Turkish yacht as a foreigner and keep it outside Turkey?

Yes. You can purchase a Turkish yacht for sale through our yacht brokerage in Turkey, close through independent escrow, then export the boat or sail it to the EU, the Med or the Gulf. We plan flagging and registration that fits your use case, arrange insurance, book a professional yacht delivery crew if needed and line up berths on your route. Closing includes a clean Bill of Sale, deregistration from the current flag, notarised ownership docs and a handover pack so you can depart with confidence.

Be mindful of tax and compliance. If you take the yacht straight out of Turkey you may avoid KDV depending on status and structure, but entering EU waters can trigger EU VAT on import unless the boat is already VAT paid. If you plan to import into the EU you will need CE or RCD compliance checked and documented. While in Turkey you cruise on a Transit Log, then we handle customs export, clearance and delivery routing via ports like Rhodes, Kos or Cyprus with marina bookings along the way.

3. Is VAT/KDV included in the price?

Sometimes yes, sometimes no. Listings in Turkey should clearly state VAT paid, VAT not paid, or KDV status for Turkish registered boats. VAT paid is valuable if you plan to cruise or import into the EU since it usually means you can enter EU waters without paying import VAT again. If the yacht is VAT not paid we will map the smartest route for your plans so you are not surprised later.

We verify tax status with documents, invoices, and registry extracts before you sign. If you are buying for export we can structure the closing to support a zero rated sale where applicable. If you want to operate the yacht commercially we will explain how VAT or KDV interacts with coding, charter licensing, and the flag you choose. The goal is simple: no hidden tax risk and a clean paper trail that matches how you intend to use the boat.

4. What inspections should I do before I commit?

Always hire an independent marine surveyor and schedule a sea trial. A good survey covers hull, structure, engines, generators, electrics, plumbing, steering, safety gear, and moisture readings on GRP. For sailing yachts add a rig check and sail condition report. For larger motor yachts consider engine oil analysis, gearbox analysis, bore scope checks, and thermal imaging of switchboards to catch heat issues early.

We book a haul out so the surveyor can inspect the running gear, thrusters, anodes, through hulls, rudders, and hull condition. You get a written report with photos and a punch list that we use to negotiate either remedial works or a fair price adjustment. If the yacht will charter we can arrange a pre coding check so you know what it will take to meet commercial standards in Turkey or the EU. Proper due diligence saves money and protects resale later.

5. Can I finance a yacht purchase in Turkey?

Marine finance exists in Turkey but options for foreign buyers are more limited. Many international clients use private bank lending secured on other assets or pay cash to keep the process fast. If you want financing we can introduce lenders who work with non resident buyers and we make sure the MOA and closing timeline fit the bank’s requirements. Be ready to provide proof of funds for serious viewings and for the escrow deposit when your offer is accepted.

If you plan to place the yacht into charter a lender may ask for a proper business plan, projected earnings, and insurance confirmations. Some registries and flags also have rules around mortgages and preferred liens which we coordinate with the maritime lawyer and the bank. We keep the paperwork tight so funds, title, and registration line up on closing day without delays.

6. How do I register (flag) the yacht?

Start by choosing how you will use the boat since private and commercial flags have different rules. We help you compare the Turkish flag with popular international registries so you understand manning requirements, safety codes, survey cycles, and where you want to cruise. If the yacht will operate privately the process is lighter. If you plan to charter in Turkey you generally need a Turkish flag and a local charter license.

On closing we handle deregistration from the current flag, issue a clean Bill of Sale, then file the new registration with the registry you choose. That includes owner company setup if needed, radio licensing, and carving or marking notes. If the boat will enter the EU we check CE or RCD compliance and prepare documents for customs. You get a clear timeline and a single folder with all flag and registry papers ready for insurance and marina check in.

7. What are the ongoing costs?

Budget for mooring or marina fees, insurance, routine service, and winter works. A simple private program without crew can be modest, while a 25 to 35 meter yacht with crew will feel more like a small business. As a rough guide many owners plan 8 to 12 percent of the yacht’s value per year for running costs, though exact numbers depend on size, age, and how much you cruise.

We build a running budget for your specific yacht with line items for engine service, antifoul, anodes, generator hours, teak care, electronics, and safety gear. Add crew salaries if applicable, refit reserve, and contingency for unexpected fixes. With our yacht management in Turkey you get monthly reports, approved vendor rates, and scheduled yard time in Bodrum, Göcek, Marmaris, or Istanbul so costs stay predictable.

8. Can I charter the yacht to offset costs?

Often yes, but the rules matter. Commercial charter in Turkish waters usually requires a Turkish flag, commercial coding, and a local charter license. Some foreign flags can charter outside Turkey or in specific regions, but not inside Turkey as a private foreign flagged yacht. We look at your cruising plans and build a charter strategy that fits the flag and the law.

If charter makes sense we produce a professional listing, set rates that match the market, and manage inquiries, APA, and turnaround checklists. Crew training and guest experience are key since repeat clients drive the numbers. We also map maintenance windows around charter weeks so the boat stays in top shape. A smart yacht charter management program can offset costs without hurting resale, and it can create a pipeline of future buyers when you decide to sell.

9. How quickly can I take delivery after we agree on price?

Most buyers take delivery in 2 to 6 weeks depending on survey slots, haul out availability and how fast documents move. We lock dates early, coordinate the surveyor, book the yard, open escrow and collect registry extracts so there are no last minute surprises. If the yacht is turnkey and the paper trail is clean we can often close at the faster end of that range.

If the survey reveals items that need attention we negotiate repairs or a price adjustment and keep the timeline realistic. While that work happens we prepare the Bill of Sale, deregistration, new flag registration, insurance bind and delivery plan. On closing day funds and title exchange through escrow, you receive the keys and we sail or ship the yacht to your chosen marina.

10. What about cruising paperwork—Transit Log, insurance, and local rules?

When you enter Turkey you clear at a port of entry, get your Transit Log and keep it updated for crew changes and major movements. Carry boat papers, radio license and insurance, and call ahead to marinas in Bodrum, Göcek, Marmaris or Istanbul during high season. In the Straits follow VTS instructions, respect traffic separation and keep a listening watch on VHF 16.

Environmental rules are taken seriously. Use pump out stations, keep receipts and avoid black water discharge in bays that are protected. Many marinas ask for third party liability insurance before they assign a berth. We brief you on local speed limits, anchoring restrictions in conservation zones and simple habits that keep sailing in Turkey smooth from day one.