In recent years, Istanbul has become a major destination for foreigners seeking residency, investment, or work in Turkey. With the increasing number of residents of various nationalities, the Turkish government has taken steps to regulate the distribution of the foreign population within the city by identifying areas open for population registration in Istanbul, meaning the neighborhoods where foreigners can officially register their residential address with the Population Directorates (Nüfus Müdürlüğü).
In this comprehensive guide on open areas for population registration in Istanbul for foreigners, we will explain which areas allow foreigners to register their population, and what the difference is between them and the areas closed to population registration in Istanbul.
In addition, we provide a list of Istanbul's areas open for population registration, registration conditions, official procedures, and how to use this information for real estate investment in Istanbul.
We will also provide a detailed overview of the neighborhoods open for foreigners for population registration in both the European and Asian sides, with practical tips for choosing the best areas in Istanbul for population registration for foreigners.
You will also learn about the role of Mbany Real Estate in helping investors and new residents identify suitable properties within the permitted areas.
Population registration is considered one of the most important legal procedures that Turkish authorities require of every foreign resident after obtaining residency or purchasing a property.
It is simply registering the actual residential address at the Population Directorate (Nüfus Müdürlüğü) of the district where the resident lives. This procedure allows foreigners to obtain many rights and services, such as:
Population registration is a prerequisite for renewing real estate or humanitarian residency in Turkey, so knowing the areas open for population registration in Istanbul is vital for anyone living or intending to live in the city.
In recent years, Turkish authorities have noticed that some areas in Istanbul have a large number of foreigners, exceeding 20% of the local population, which has put significant pressure on infrastructure and services. Therefore, the Turkish government decided to divide neighborhoods into:
This decision directly affected real estate investors, as it became necessary to ensure that the property is located within the list of Istanbul's areas open for population registration, because buying a property in a closed area does not give the owner the right to register their address or obtain real estate residency.
For this reason, investors are advised to rely on reputable companies such as Mbany Real Estate, which has extensive experience in identifying neighborhoods open for population registration for foreigners in Istanbul, on either the European or Asian side.
One of the most frequently asked questions by foreigners is: How do I know the areas open for population registration in Istanbul? The answer lies in following the official updates issued by the Turkish Directorate General of Migration Management (Göç İdaresi), where an updated list of open and closed neighborhoods is published periodically.
However, since these lists may change several times a year, it is always advisable to check the latest update before applying for population registration or purchasing a property.
Legal advisors or accredited intermediaries such as Mbany Real Estate can also be consulted to ensure that the property is within the areas open for population registration in Istanbul.
According to the latest updates for 2025, the neighborhoods open for foreigners for population registration in Istanbul include a number of prominent areas such as:
These neighborhoods combine developed infrastructure and easy access to government services, making them among the best areas in Istanbul for population registration for foreigners.
The Asian side of Istanbul is characterized by tranquility and urban organization, making it an ideal choice for families and foreigners looking for a comfortable environment to live in. The most important areas open for population registration on the Asian side of Istanbul are:
These areas offer unique opportunities for foreigners and population registration in Istanbul, in areas that are open within a safe and well-serviced residential environment.
The European side of Istanbul is the most vibrant and diverse, with a large number of areas open for population registration such as:
These areas are among the most prominent destinations for investors looking for real estate for foreigners in areas open for population registration in Istanbul, given the high real estate growth opportunities and their proximity to service facilities and major projects.
Some neighborhoods in Istanbul are closed to foreigners if the percentage of foreign residents exceeds 20% of the total population.
This decision is made to maintain the population balance and ensure the continued quality of public services such as education, health, and transportation. Other reasons include:
According to official updates, the areas closed to population registration in Istanbul include neighborhoods such as:
Foreigners are advised to avoid buying properties in these areas if their intention is to register their population or obtain real estate residency.
On the other hand, there are many open alternatives in the city such as Beylikdüzü, Bahçeşehir, and Kartal, which offer an excellent environment for housing and investment, and are officially open areas for foreigners to register their population.
To register their population in Istanbul, a foreigner must prepare the following documents:
The process usually takes one to three business days and is a prerequisite for any subsequent legal procedure in Turkey.
Investing in Istanbul's areas open for population registration for foreigners offers significant advantages, including:
When choosing an area for investment or housing, it is advisable to:
Forecasts indicate that 2026 may see the reopening of some neighborhoods closed to foreigners, especially after the completion of major infrastructure projects.
The Turkish government is working to strike a balance between allowing foreigners to reside and maintaining the local social fabric. The areas open for population registration in Istanbul are expected to gradually expand.
Mbany Real Estate plays a pivotal role in helping foreigners choose the right property within the areas open for population registration in Istanbul. It provides:
In conclusion to this comprehensive article entitled "Open Areas for Population Registration in Istanbul for Foreigners", it can be said that choosing the right area for population registration is an essential step for anyone seeking to settle or invest in Turkey.
Make sure that the property you choose is located within the areas open for population registration in Istanbul, and stay away from the areas closed to population registration in Istanbul and the open alternatives to avoid any future legal obstacles.
Cooperate with reliable companies such as Mbany Real Estate to secure your property within the best areas in Istanbul for population registration for foreigners, and take advantage of real estate investment opportunities in Istanbul in areas open for population registration that guarantee you a stable residence and a successful investment future in one of the most beautiful cities in the world.