Moving to Turkmenistan

Moving Guide

Visa & Residence

Navigating the visa and residence permit process for Turkmenistan can vary significantly based on your nationality and the purpose of your stay. Citizens of certain countries, particularly those from the European Union, may have different requirements compared to non-EU citizens. The most common routes for obtaining a residence permit are through employment, family reunification, or study. A work permit is typically sponsored by your employer in Turkmenistan, and this will be the foundation for your residence permit application. If you are moving to join a family member who is already a resident, you would apply for a family reunification visa. Students will need an acceptance letter from a recognized educational institution. It is crucial to verify the most up-to-date requirements and application procedures directly with the Embassy of Turkmenistan in your home country or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, as regulations can change.

Housing & Rental

Finding suitable housing in Turkmenistan, especially in cities like Ashgabat, often involves a combination of online research and local assistance. Many expatriates secure accommodation through their employers, who may have established contacts with real estate agents or property owners. Online portals and social media groups catering to expatriates in Turkmenistan can also be valuable resources for listings and recommendations. The typical rental process usually involves signing a lease agreement, which can be short-term (e.g., 6 months) or long-term (e.g., 1 year or more). A security deposit, usually equivalent to one or two months' rent, is standard. It's advisable to conduct a thorough inventory check before moving in and to document the condition of the property to avoid disputes when moving out. Temporary accommodation, such as serviced apartments or hotels, can be useful for your initial arrival while you finalize a long-term rental.

What Affects the Cost of Your Move

The overall cost of your relocation to Turkmenistan is influenced by several key factors. The volume and weight of your belongings are primary determinants; more items naturally mean higher shipping costs. The distance of your move, whether international air freight or sea freight is used, will also play a significant role. The time of year you choose to move can affect pricing, as peak seasons may lead to higher demand and costs. Access at both origin and destination, including the ease of loading and unloading, can impact labor requirements and therefore the total price. Additionally, any extra services you opt for, such as professional packing, unpacking, furniture assembly, or storage solutions, will add to the final cost. For an accurate estimate tailored to your specific needs, it is always best to request a free quote.

Timeline & Packing Tips

A well-planned relocation typically spans 4-8 weeks. Here's a checklist-style guide:

• 8 Weeks Out: Begin decluttering your home. Decide what to keep, donate, sell, or discard. Start researching reputable international movers and requesting quotes.
• 6 Weeks Out: Confirm your moving company and schedule your move date. Start gathering important documents: passports, visas, birth certificates, marriage certificates, medical records, and school records. Make copies and keep them in a secure, easily accessible bag.
• 4 Weeks Out: Begin packing non-essential items. Label boxes clearly with contents and the room they belong to. Notify your landlord (if renting) and start arranging for utility disconnections (electricity, water, internet) at your current residence and connections at your new home in Turkmenistan.
• 2 Weeks Out: Confirm travel arrangements. Pack a "first-night" box with essentials like toiletries, a change of clothes, medications, and important documents. Notify banks, credit card companies, and subscription services of your change of address.
• 1 Week Out: Finish packing. Confirm final details with your moving company. Empty the refrigerator and freezer.
• Moving Day: Oversee the loading process. Do a final walk-through of your old home.

Request a free quote on relocation123.com for a personalized estimate.

Visas, immigration & documents

Moving to this country often involves visas, residence permits, document translation/legalization and customs paperwork. Our verified partners handle the move itself; for visa or immigration help, send the request below and we'll point you the right way.

• Residence permit / visa (work, study, family)
• Document translation & apostille
• Customs clearance for personal effects
• Travel & goods insurance

Get help with your move →

Customs & Import Rules

Moving to Turkmenistan: Your Essential Customs & Import Guide

Relocating to a new country involves navigating various customs regulations. This guide provides a clear overview of what you need to know when bringing your belongings into Turkmenistan, ensuring a smoother transition for your move.

If you're relocating as a new resident or for business

For individuals arriving in Turkmenistan on business visas or as new residents, specific documentation is required to clear your imported goods. This applies to both local citizens returning and foreign citizens establishing residency.

What you'll need

• Copy of local passport (for local citizens)
• Copy of international passport (for local citizens)
• Letter of Guarantee from the Shipper or Consignee
• Copies of constituent documents (if applicable for legal entities)
• Certificate from your place of work stating you are on a long business trip
• A copy of your work record book or agreement on transfer to another job
• Detailed original invoice for exported or imported goods
• Customs declaration form
• Invoice

Good to know

• These requirements are for non-diplomatic moves by legal entities or individuals arriving for business.

If you're moving as a diplomat

Diplomatic personnel benefit from a streamlined customs process for their belongings when moving to Turkmenistan.

What you'll need

• Power of Attorney from your Embassy
• Diplomatic note detailing the number of pieces and total kilograms of your shipment
• Copy of your Diplomatic passport
• Copy of your Diplomatic card

Good to know

• These specific documents facilitate the customs clearance for diplomatic shipments.

Bringing special items

Vehicles

Importing vehicles into Turkmenistan is subject to strict age and specification restrictions. It is crucial to check these details before shipping any vehicle.

What you'll need

• Commercial Invoice (must include engine number and VIN code)
• Application for response to storage of trademarks (for local citizens)
• Letter of guarantee for response storage and a letter for temporary import (for foreign citizens)
• Customs declaration form

Good to know

• Import of vehicles older than 5 years is prohibited (not counting the year of manufacture).
• High-speed sports cars are restricted.
• Passenger cars with an engine capacity of less than 1,300 cc and over 3,500 cc are restricted.
• There are also brand-specific restrictions that can only be confirmed directly with Customs upon request.
• Customs duty is calculated based on the year of manufacture and engine size, available upon request.
• Vehicles with right-hand drive or those converted from right to left are prohibited, except for special equipment and those in transit.
• Vehicles, buses, small buses, and motorcycles over 12 years old are prohibited (with an exception for those purchased before a specific resolution and imported within 45 days of purchase).

Pets

Bringing pets into Turkmenistan requires thorough preparation and adherence to veterinary and phytosanitary controls.

What you'll need

• Veterinary passport
• Certificate of vaccination
• Appropriate documentation issued by state veterinary institutions for import

Good to know

• Customs clearance for pets is subject to agreement with relevant authorized government bodies.
• To import, you must have documentation from state veterinary institutions.
• For exporting pets from Turkmenistan, an export certificate from a state veterinary clinic is needed no later than 10 days before departure, based on the vaccination record.
• The rabies vaccination must be administered no later than 30 days before departure and be valid for 1 year.
• At Ashgabat International Airport, additional veterinary control is required, including an examination and issuance of further documentation based on the export certificate. A fee is payable in cash at the airport.
• A duty of 300 US dollars per pet applies for the export of ALABAI dogs.

Restricted & prohibited items

Turkmenistan has a comprehensive list of items that are either prohibited from import or export, or require special permissions.

Good to know

• Prohibited for transit through Turkmenistan: Pneumatic guns, revolvers, machine guns, and other devices emitting plastic and other bullets.
• Prohibited for individuals to export from Turkmenistan: Weapons, ammunition, military equipment and components, materials for their production, explosives, nuclear materials, sources of ionizing radiation, technologies and special equipment for creating weapons/military equipment, pyrotechnic products (excluding sparklers, hunting matches, torches), narcotic drugs, psychotropic drugs, precursors, devices/technologies for their use, poisons, toxic agents, cancelled securities, labels, bottle caps, and other packaging materials for alcoholic products.
• Prohibited for import: Second-hand tires (for commercial purposes), pornographic printed, film, video, and audio products.
• Printed and audiovisual materials, or other media containing information that could harm Turkmenistan's political/economic interests, state security, or public health/morality are prohibited.

Dutiable Items

Certain new and used items are subject to customs duties.

Good to know

• New bedding made from 100% cotton yarn is dutiable.
• New and used shoes are subject to a 5% duty.

Wood and Wood Products

Importing wood and wood products requires specific certification.

What you'll need

• Phytosanitary certificate for wood and wood products.

Frequently asked questions

What happens if my baggage arrives after me?
Goods for personal use transported in unaccompanied baggage that arrives after you can be imported without customs duties if the total weight does not exceed 60 kg.

Is there a limit on personal baggage weight?
Yes, personal baggage can be imported without paying customs duties if it does not exceed 60 kg.

What if my baggage exceeds the weight limit?
If your baggage exceeds the 60 kg limit, a fee of 10 US dollars per kilogram will be charged for the excess weight.

Are there restrictions on specific car brands?
Yes, there are restrictions on certain car brands, which can only be confirmed upon direct request with Customs.

Are there any exceptions for older vehicles?
Vehicles, buses, small buses, and motorcycles over 12 years old are generally prohibited, with an exception for those purchased before a specific resolution and imported within 45 days from the date of purchase.

For further assistance with your move to Turkmenistan, please contact relocation123.com.

Get help with your move →