Istanbul Districts Restricted for Residency 2025

The Turkish Immigration Department has announced an increase in the number of neighborhoods restricted for residence in Istanbul, reaching 54 neighborhoods distributed across different areas of the city. The acceptance of residence permit applications in these neighborhoods will be suspended for foreigners of all nationalities. These neighborhoods include areas such as Avcılar, Bahçelievler, Başakşehir, Beşiktaş, Beylikdüzü, Beyoğlu, Esenyurt, Fatih, Küçükçekmece, Sarıyer, Şile, Şişli, Tuzla, Ümraniye, and Zeytinburnu.

Restricted Neighborhoods in Istanbul:

• Avcılar District:

1. MERKEZ MAHALLESİ
2. GÜMÜŞPALA MAHALLESİ
3. DENİZKÖŞKLER MAHALLESİ

• Bahçelievler District:

1. ŞİRİNEVLER MAHALLESİ

• Başakşehir District:

1. İKİTELLİ OSB MAHALLESİ
2. ZİYA GÖKALP MAHALLESİ

• Beşiktaş District:

1. YILDIZ MAHALLESİ
2. Beylikdüzü District:
3. BEYLİKDÜZÜOSB MAHALLESİ

• Beyoğlu District:

1. KOCATEPE MAHALLESİ
2. ŞEHİT MUHTAR MAHALLESİ
3. BÜLBÜL MAHALLESİ
4. ÇUKUR MAHALLESİ
5. KAMER HATUN MAHALLESİ
6. KALYONCU KULLUĞU MAHALLESİ
7. YENİŞEHİR MAHALLESİ
8. KATİPMUSTAFA ÇELEBİ MAHALLESİ
9. BOSTAN MAHALLESİ
10. ASMALI MESCİT MAHALLESİ

• Esenyurt District:

1. KOZA MAHALLESİ
2. YEŞİLKENT MAHALLESİ
3. ZAFER MAHALLESİ
4. PİRİ REİS MAHALLESİ
5. GÖKEVLER MAHALLESİ
6. AKEVLER MAHALLESİ
7. SULTANİYE MAHALLESİ
8. BAĞLARÇEŞME MAHALLESİ

• Fatih District:

1. MİMAR KEMALETTİN MAHALLESİ
2. MESİHPAŞA MAHALLESİ
3. SARAÇ İSHAK MAHALLESİ
4. MUHSİNE HATUN MAHALLESİ
5. BALABANAĞA MAHALLESİ
6. MİMAR HAYRETTİN MAHALLESİ
7. NİŞANCA MAHALLESİ
8. KEMALPAŞA MAHALLESİ
9. KATİP KASIM MAHALLESİ
10. İSKENDERPAŞA MAHALLESİ
11. MOLLA GÜRANİ MAHALLESİ
12. MOLLA HÜSREV MAHALLESİ
13. AKŞEMSETTİN MAHALLESİ

• Küçükçekmece District:

1. BEŞYOL MAHALLESİ
2. KÜÇÜKÇEKMECE İKİTELLİOSB MAHALLESİ
3. MEHMET AKİF MAHALLESİ

• Sarıyer District:

1. MASLAK MAHALLESİ

• Şile District:

1. MEŞRUTİYET MAHALLESİ

• Şişli District:

1. İNÖNÜ MAHALLESİ
2. ERGENEKON MAHALLESİ
3. MECİDİYEKÖY MAHALLESİ
4. CUMHURİYET MAHALLESİ

• Tuzla District:

1. AYDINLI-KOSB MAHALLESİ

• Ümraniye District:

1. DUDULLU OSB MAHALLESİ

• Zeytinburnu District:

1. MALATEPE MAHALLESİ
2. YENİDOĞAN MAHALLESİ
3. NURİPAŞA MAHALLESİ
4. YEŞİLTEPE MAHALLESİ

Is Turkey Closing its Doors to Foreigners?

Currently, the Turkish government is pursuing policies aimed at regulating the presence of foreigners in certain designated neighborhoods, but this does not mean that Turkey is closing its doors to foreigners. On the contrary, the Turkish government provides many facilities for foreign investors, such as renewing residence permits, health insurance, and other services. The percentage of restricted neighborhoods in Istanbul is small compared to the large number of available neighborhoods, meaning there are many options available for foreigners who wish to buy property in Istanbul, whether for residential purposes, real estate investment, or obtaining Turkish citizenship.

The announcement of these restrictions raises questions about whether Turkey is moving towards closing its doors to foreigners, including investors who are considered a key driver of the Turkish economy. To answer this question, a distinction must be made between narrowing options and regulating presence. While these restrictions limit the possibility of residing in specific areas, they do not mean preventing foreigners from entering Turkey or investing in it.

Analyzing the Reasons Behind This Policy:

There are likely several factors contributing to the adoption of this policy. First, the goal may be to alleviate population pressure on some areas that are experiencing overcrowding with foreigners, leading to rising rents and service provision. Second, this policy may aim to regulate the geographical distribution of foreigners in the city and encourage them to settle in less densely populated areas. Third, security and social considerations may play a role in making these decisions.

Impact on Foreign Investors:

While these restrictions may seem concerning to foreign investors, they do not necessarily represent an obstacle to investing in Turkey. The Turkish government continues to offer many facilities for foreign investors, including the renewal of residence permits and health insurance. Also, the percentage of restricted areas in Istanbul is small compared to the total area of the city, leaving many other options available for real estate investment.

Alternative and Available Options:

For investors wishing to buy property in Istanbul, whether for residential purposes, real estate investment, or obtaining Turkish citizenship, there are still many available areas that offer promising opportunities. Investors can focus on areas that are not subject to the new restrictions or look for properties in other regions of Turkey. They can also benefit from the expertise of specialized real estate companies, such as "Mbany Real Estate," which can provide assistance in discovering the best available properties in Istanbul's districts, with specifications that meet needs and in strategic locations.

A Message of Reassurance from "Mbany Real Estate":

We at "Mbany Real Estate" emphasize that these restrictions do not represent the end for foreign investors in Turkey. We are fully aware of the changes and updates to the laws and regulations related to residence and real estate investment in Turkey, and we are committed to providing accurate and reliable information to our clients. We also provide them with full support in choosing suitable properties that meet their needs and investment goals, and we assist them in completing all the necessary legal and administrative procedures.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, it can be said that the policy of restricted neighborhoods for residence in Istanbul represents a step towards regulating the foreign presence in the city, and does not necessarily mean closing the doors to foreigners, especially investors. While these restrictions may limit available options, they do not eliminate them. Foreign investors must adapt to these changes and look for alternative opportunities in other areas of the city or in other regions of Turkey. With the help of specialized expertise, they can achieve their investment goals successfully.

Contact us for a personalized real estate consultation and to facilitate the process of buying property in Turkey.