Best Areas in Istanbul for Residency: Open vs Restricted (2026)
Which are the best areas in Istanbul to get a residence permit? A full look at open and restricted districts in 2026, plus key tips for buying property.
If you plan to buy property in Istanbul to obtain a residence permit, the most important thing to know is that not every district of Istanbul is suitable for getting a residence permit. In recent years, the Turkish government has imposed restrictions on some areas.
That is why choosing the right district is the most important step toward a successful Turkish residence permit application.
Which areas of Istanbul are restricted for residency?
Restricted areas are districts where the Turkish government has limited new residence permits because of the high density of foreign nationals.
In these areas, even if you buy a property, you may not be able to get a residence permit.
Why have some areas been closed?
To maintain a demographic balance and control migration, the Turkish government closes an area to new residence permits once the number of foreigners there exceeds a set limit.
Examples of restricted areas
Esenyurt (in some neighborhoods)
Fatih
Aksaray
Parts of Başakşehir
⚠️ Note: The status of these areas may change from time to time, so always check before you buy.
Best areas of Istanbul for getting a residence permit
If your goal is a Turkish residence permit, you should buy in areas that are still open to foreigners.
Beylikdüzü
One of the best options for families, with reasonable prices and modern projects.
Büyükçekmece
Suited to buying a villa and enjoying a quiet life, with plenty of green space.
Kadıköy
On the Asian side, with a high quality of life and excellent connections.
Maltepe
A growing district, well suited to long-term investment.
Kartal
A modern district with luxury projects and sea views.
How can you make sure an area is open for residency?
Before buying a property, you need to check the district's residency status. This is usually done by professional advisors.
Failing to check this is one of the biggest mistakes foreign buyers make.
Key tips for buying property for residency
Choose an eligible area
Buy from reputable projects
Record all payments officially
Check the title deed and the condition of the property
To visit several different districts of Istanbul, having a vehicle is very important. For convenience, many buyers use car rental services in Istanbul through aloautos.com so they can see different areas in a short time.
Is it worth buying property in restricted areas?
Yes, but only as an investment, not for residency. Some of these areas are still profitable in terms of price and rental income, but they are not suitable for immigration goals.
Residence permit vs. property purchase and citizenship
A Turkish residence permit allows you to live in the country, but citizenship (a passport) offers more benefits. The choice between the two depends on your goal.
Frequently asked questions
Do you get a residence permit by buying property in any district?
No, some areas are closed to residence permits.
Is the list of restricted areas fixed?
No, this list may change.
What is the best area for families?
Beylikdüzü and Büyükçekmece are among the best options.
✅ Conclusion
Choosing the best Istanbul areas for residency is one of the most important decisions on the path to buying property in Turkey. Buying in the wrong area can mean losing the chance of a residence permit.
So before taking any step, make sure of the area's status and work with professional advisors.
For expert advice and recommendations on suitable areas for residency, you can contact the specialists at aloturkey.org.