2026 IMEI registration feebegan to become clear based on the October 2025 inflation data announced by TUIK. Annual increase in PPI 25.49% was determined as and with this increase, the IMEI registration fee From 45,614.20 TL to approximately 57,241.20 TL It looks like it’s going to rise. But this amount It is not based on a decision yet published in the Official Gazette. It has not been finalized for.
The revaluation rate is automatically calculated every year in accordance with Article 298 bis of the Tax Procedure Law. This rate forms the basis of the increase in all public revenues, from passport and driver’s license fees to traffic fines. But the most obvious impact for mobile device users is the direct IMEI registration fee It is felt. Because this fee covers the registration required for phones brought individually from abroad to be used in Türkiye. If you want to activate a phone abroad, it is not possible to use the device without paying this fee.
IMEI registration fee has been increasing continuously since 2019. Just five years ago 1,500 TL amount in 2020 1.838 TLin 2021 2.732 TLin 2022 6.091 TLin 2023 20,000 TL levels had been reached. If in 2024 45.614,20 TL started to be implemented. This rate of increase means that the IMEI fee will increase approximately in five years. increased thirtyfold reveals. Despite this, since the rates progress in parallel with TÜİK’s data, the expected increase for 2026 is expected to be in a similar line.
In accordance with the Tax Procedure Law, the President’s up to half off or 50% increase has the authority to do so. Therefore, the calculated rate of 25.49% is only a reference for now. However, when we look at the decisions published in recent years, it is seen that the rates generally remain the same as TÜİK data. If this situation does not change, as of January 1, 2026 IMEI registration fee will exceed the limit of 57 thousand TL.
The increase in IMEI fee determines mobile device preferences
IMEI registration fee applies not only to individual users, mobile device market It also affects. Because this fee has become an economic factor that directly determines the decision to bring a phone from abroad. Many users may prefer models with Türkiye warranty instead of paying a registration fee that will reach this level in 2026. While this situation supports the sales of importing companies, it may narrow the options of individual users. Additionally, it seems likely that prices will reshape in the second-hand market due to the high registration fee.
Whatever happens, the notification to be published in the Official Gazette must be waited for the increase to come into force. The current amount will remain valid until the official rate is published. Since the increases in taxes, fees and penalties are applied within the same date range every year, this regulation is also As of January 1, 2026 is expected to come into force.
In addition, the increase in IMEI registration fee directly affects users’ device renewal decisions. Because the total cost of a phone purchased from abroad is very close to the sales price in Türkiye when the registration fee is added. Reducing this difference could almost eliminate individual imports, especially for devices in the middle segment. In other words, bringing a device to the country individually now makes limited economic sense.
The main purpose of the IMEI system is to ensure that every device used in Türkiye is registered. This application serves an important function in terms of communication security. However, with the revaluation increases every year, this fee began to reach a higher amount than the device itself. For this reason, many users prefer to continue using their phones outside Türkiye or keep their devices inactive to avoid expiring the registration period.
Besides all this, the revaluation rate includes not only the IMEI fee, passport, driver’s license and traffic fines It also affects many items such as. However, the level reached by the IMEI registration fee is of particular importance for technology users. Because the increasing registration fee has the potential to change the general balance of the mobile phone market in Türkiye. Therefore, while the decision is expected to become official, users will need to act according to these changes in the coming period.