"Closed Neighborhood and District" Restrictions for Foreigners in Istanbul Fully Lifted!

Following a recent review by the Turkish Directorate of Migration Management, all districts and neighborhoods in Istanbul that had previously been restricted for new residence permit applications and address registrations due to high foreign population density have officially reopened as of June 10, 2026.

What Has Changed?

For the past few years, foreigners were banned from obtaining a residence permit for the first time in 10 fully closed districts of Istanbul - such as Fatih, Esenyurt, Bağcılar, and Bahçelievler - as well as specific neighborhoods in many prestigious districts like Beşiktaş, Şişli, Sarıyer, and Beyoğlu (spanning hundreds of areas in total). These limitations created significant challenges for foreign property owners who could not reside in the homes they purchased and contributed to reduced activity in both the sales and rental markets.

With the latest decision, all location-based restrictions have been officially lifted. Foreign nationals can now register their address and apply for legal residence permits in any district or neighborhood across Istanbul without being affected by former closed-area regulations.

Residence Types Included in the Scope

The lifting of restrictions does not only apply to a specific group but covers all application types:

• Residence Based on Real Estate (Tapu Residence) Ownership: Investors can now buy houses according to their budget from anywhere they choose and gain residency rights without worrying, "Is this a closed zone?"

• Residence for Tourism Purposes (Rental): Foreigners renting apartments will be able to register their new residence at the rented address, provided they meet the relevant legal conditions.

• Other Residence Categories: All other legal statuses, such as education, family reunification, or work permits, will also benefit from this newfound freedom.

Legal Requirements and Document Processes Remain in Force

Experts emphasize that the lifting of the closed neighborhood restriction does not mean a loosening of legal procedures; it merely clears geographic barriers. All other strict rules required for applications remain valid:

• For applications made through rentals, the requirement for a notarized lease agreement and the presentation of an address-based utility bill (natural gas, etc.) continues.

• For address registration and census enrollment, the online appointment system through e-Devlet or Population Directorates, as well as the complete legal document chain (passport, tax number, etc.), will be maintained exactly as before.

Impact on the Property and Real Estate Market

According to real estate analysts, this decision represents a historic turning point that will break the stagnation recently experienced in the sales and rental markets to foreigners. With the lifting of restrictions, it is predicted that properties will regain ease of sale and rental, location analysis processes will ease, and legal stability will return to the market. A noticeable increase in the portfolio activity of investors and agencies is expected starting this month.