Discover the complete list of neighborhoods in Turkey where the 25% foreigner quota has been reached and new residence permit applications are currently restricted.
Understanding the Foreigner Quota in Turkish Neighborhoods
The Turkish Ministry of Interior manages where foreign residents live. They use a quota system to keep a balanced mix of people in every district. If the number of foreigners in a neighborhood hits 20%, that area closes. This means you can't get a new residency permit there. It's a key rule to know if you're looking at closed neighborhoods in Istanbul.
If you need a closer look here, see Attention to Foreigners Who Will Apply for Residence Permit!!!!.
If you need a closer look here, see The 20% Population Quota for Foreign Residents.
List of Closed Neighborhoods in Istanbul
Many areas in the city have already hit their limit. If you move to these spots, you likely won't get your ikamet. Here is the current list of closed neighborhoods in Istanbul where new permits are restricted.
Avcılar
- Denizköşkler Mahallesi
Başakşehir
- İkitelli OSB Mahallesi
- Ziya Gökalp Mahallesi
Beylikdüzü
- Beylikdüzü OSB Mahallesi
Beşiktaş
- Yıldız Mahallesi
Esenyurt
- Alevler Mahallesi
- Gökevler Mahallesi
- Koza Mahallesi
- Piri Reis Mahallesi
- Yeşilkent Mahallesi
- Zafer Mahallesi
Fatih
- Balabanağa Mahallesi
- İskenderpaşa Mahallesi
- Katip Kasım Mahallesi
- Kemalpaşa Mahallesi
- Mesihpaşa Mahallesi
- Mimar Hayrettin Mahallesi
- Mimar Kemalettin Mahallesi
- Molla Gürani Mahallesi
- Muhsine Hatun Mahallesi
- Nişanca Mahallesi
- Saraç İshak Mahallesi
Beyoğlu
- Bülbül Mahallesi
- Çukur Mahallesi
- Kamer Hatun Mahallesi
- Kocatepe Mahallesi
- Şehit Muhtar Mahallesi
Küçükçekmece
- Beşyol Mahallesi
Sarıyer
- Maslak Mahallesi
Şişli
- Ergenekon Mahallesi
- İnönü Mahallesi
- Mecidiyeköy Mahallesi
Other Districts
- Şile: Meşrutiyet Mahallesi
- Ümraniye: Dudullu OSB Mahallesi
- Zeytinburnu: Maltepe Mahallesi
- Tuzla: Aydınlı-KOSB Mahallesi
How the Quota Affects Residency Permits
Migration offices will reject your application if your address is on this list. It doesn't matter if you rent or buy. If the area is closed, your application stops there. But don't worry yet. There are a few ways you might still qualify for a permit.
Exceptions to the Ban
You might still get a permit in these specific cases:
- Residency Renewals: If you already live there and have a valid permit, you can usually renew it.
- Family Reunification: New babies or certain family members might be allowed to join you under the law.
- Property Ownership: Did you buy your home before the area closed? Then you're usually safe to apply.
Important Considerations for Renters and Buyers
Don't sign a lease or buy a flat until you check the neighborhood status. You can find the latest updates on the Göç İdaresi website. Moving into a closed area without the right permit is risky. You could face legal trouble or even deportation. It's better to be safe and check the list of closed neighborhoods in Istanbul before you pay any money.
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About Hamit Ekşi
Expert real estate consultant specializing in Turkish Citizenship by Investment programs. Helping international investors find their dream properties in Turkey.
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