Residence Demand of Foreigners in Istanbul and Antalya: Neighborhood Quota Lifted in June 2026

The Closed Neighborhood Quota: Applied from 2022, Lifted on 10 June 2026

Between 2022 and 2025, Turkey ran a closed-neighborhood (kapalı mahalle) quota to spread the foreign population across the country. At its peak, 1,169 neighborhoods in 62 provinces were closed to new foreign residents, because the foreign population in those areas had hit 20% of the total. During that period you could still buy a house in a closed area, but you could not use it to get a residence permit.

On 10 June 2026, the Presidency of Migration Management (Göç İdaresi Başkanlığı) lifted the closed-neighborhood quota across Turkey, including Istanbul. e-ikamet now accepts residence applications at any address. The old figures — 1,169 neighborhoods, Fatih 13, Beyoğlu 10, Esenyurt 8 — are history.

The restriction can be reinstated if foreign density rises again in a neighborhood, so check the e-ikamet portal before committing to an address.

If you need a closer look here, see 27 neighborhoods of Izmir closed to foreigners — as the list applied until the lift.

Bayram Tekçe, Chairman of Tekçe Overseas, said at the time that the rule stopped too many foreigners from living in one spot. It matched laws that limit foreign land ownership to 10% of a district. The government wanted people to spread out across different cities. This helped keep local communities stable and ensured services could keep up with growth.

How the Closed Neighborhood Quota Affected Istanbul

Istanbul saw the biggest impact while the quota was in force. Many popular districts had closed neighborhoods. Fatih had 13 closed areas. Beyoğlu had 10, and Esenyurt had 8. Other spots like Beşiktaş, Şişli, and Sarıyer also had restrictions. These figures applied between 2022 and 2025 — since 10 June 2026, e-ikamet accepts applications at any Istanbul address.

Where Was the Demand Shifting in Istanbul?

While many European-side areas were closed during the quota period, demand moved to the Asian side. Experts saw a big jump in demand for Kadıköy, Kartal, and Maltepe. These areas have modern buildings and great sea views, and they stayed open for residency applications. They remain popular hubs today, now that every address is accepted again.

Antalya and Alanya: Finding New Places by the Sea

In Antalya, the closed-neighborhood rules hit famous beach spots. Between 2022 and 2025, you could not get a permit in Liman, Hurma, or Sarısu. Alanya was also affected: areas like Mahmutlar and Kargıcak were off-limits for new residents. These used to be the top choices for international buyers who wanted to live near the water — and they are open to new applications again since the June 2026 lift.

Emerging Hotspots in Antalya

While the old favorites were closed, new areas grew fast. In Antalya, Altıntaş, Lara, and Döşemealtı became the new stars. Altıntaş is very close to the airport and the beach. In Alanya, neighborhoods like Payallar, Konaklı, Okurcalar, and Oba drew strong interest from foreign buyers. With the quota lifted, buyers are now free to compare every option.

Who Was Affected by These Rules?

It was vital to know if the rules touched you. They mostly affected people who wanted to live in Turkey through renting or buying property. Here is how it broke down for different groups:

• Existing Title Deed Holders: Already had a permit and a house in a closed area? You could still renew your permit without issues — and renewals remain unaffected today.
• Holiday Home Buyers: If you only visit for a few weeks, you do not need a permit. Most people can stay 90 days on a tourist visa. These rules never changed vacations.
• Citizenship Seekers: The citizenship by investment program is a different legal path, and the neighborhood quota never applied to it. You should talk to a lawyer to see how your specific case works.

Why the Government Introduced the Rules

Part of the reason was to control irregular migration. Many closed areas were near the borders, like Hatay or Kilis. In big cities, the government also stopped giving permits for rental contracts. It wanted to make sure people stayed legally through formal property investment. This keeps the housing market steady for everyone and helps the local economy — the same logic could return if the quota is reinstated.

Tips for Property Investors Today

Before you buy, check that your address is accepted on the official e-ikamet portal. The closed-neighborhood list no longer applies, but the restriction can be reinstated if density rises — so confirm on e-ikamet before committing to an address. It is also smart to work with a professional who follows the latest rules. Turkey still has many great spots with a high quality of life, and by following the current residence permit rules you can secure your future here safely.

The historical guide — neighborhood quotas for foreigners — still explains how the system worked until the lift.

Related Articles

• residency demand in Turkey
• settlement restrictions for foreigners
• neighborhood quotas for foreigners

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