Short-Term Rental Regulations in Turkey

A Complete Guide to Short-Term Rental Regulations in Turkey

Renting your property short-term — through platforms like Airbnb, Booking.com, or VRBO — can be a great source of income in Turkey’s coastal cities such as Alanya, Antalya, and Istanbul. However, since January 2024, the Turkish government has introduced strict new regulations for short-term rentals to ensure safety, transparency, and fair taxation.

If you plan to rent your apartment to tourists, it’s essential to understand the new law, the license procedure, and the tax system.

The New Law on Short-Term Rentals (Law No. 7464)

Law No. 7464, published in the Official Gazette in November 2023, introduced mandatory licensing for short-term rentals across Turkey.

Its main goals are to:

Protect tenants’ rights and ensure building security.
Prevent illegal subletting and unregistered tourism activities.
Ensure taxation and reporting transparency.

Key Provisions:

Rentals for less than 100 days now require an official Tourism Rental License.
Only the property owner can apply — not tenants or intermediaries.
Properties must comply with building and fire-safety standards.
Advertising or renting without a valid license is illegal.

What Qualifies as a Short-Term Rental

Any rental contract for under 100 consecutive days is classified as short-term under Turkish law. This includes:

Airbnb-style holiday stays
Daily or weekly villa rentals
Short-term serviced apartments

Important Note: Even if the guest later extends their stay, the initial contract duration determines whether it counts as a short-term rental.

How to Obtain a Short-Term Rental License in Turkey

To rent your property legally, you must obtain an official Tourism Rental Permit (Turizm Konutu İzin Belgesi).

Required Documents

Management Plan of the building (showing that short-term rentals are permitted).
TAPU — Title Deed (Certificate of Ownership).
Owner’s Passport and Tax Number (Vergi Numarası).
Power of Attorney if the application is submitted on behalf of the owner.
E-Mimar — digital architectural plan obtained from the municipality system.
(If available) Documents proving the high quality category of the complex.
Written approval from the building management or site administration confirming that the property can legally be rented short-term.

Step-by-Step Process

Application via E-Devlet: Submit your digital application through the E-Devlet portal to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. All supporting documents are uploaded online.
Review and Approval: Authorities verify your submission. Once approved, you’ll receive an official confirmation notice.
On-Site Inspection: An inspector visits the property to ensure compliance with safety and accommodation standards.
Prepare the Apartment for Inspection:
- Install fire-alarm sensors and smoke detectors.
- Provide a fire extinguisher and visible evacuation plan.
- Fully equip the unit with essentials — bedding, towels, tableware, and household items.
Police Registration: After approval, you’ll receive login credentials for the Kimlik Bildirim System, where all guest information must be reported to the police within 24 hours of check-in.
License Issuance: Once the license is issued, your property is officially registered as a Tourism Accommodation Unit. The license number must be displayed on all online listings, advertisements, and printed materials.

Building Regulations for Licensed Short-Term Rentals

In residential complexes and apartment buildings:

Management board approval is mandatory.
If the majority of residents object, the municipality can reject the license application.
No more than 25% of units in one building can operate as short-term rentals.
A visible license plate with the official permit number must be placed at the entrance.
Guests must comply with building rules — noise limits, visitor hours, and registration policies.

Taxes on Short-Term Rental Income

Income from short-term rentals in Turkey is subject to progressive income tax. Property owners are required to:

Submit an annual income declaration,
Pay 15% to 40% tax on net profit (depending on total income),
Keep official records of rental contracts and guest registrations.

Critical Rule: All payments must be made via bank transfer — cash rentals are strictly prohibited. Failure to declare income can lead to audits, fines, and suspension of the license.

Fines and Penalties

Operating without a valid license or failing to meet reporting obligations may result in heavy penalties:

Violation: Renting without a license
Fine: up to 1,000,000 ₺

Violation: Advertising an unlicensed property
Fine: 100,000 – 500,000 ₺

Violation: Failure to report guests (Kimlik Bildirim)
Fine: up to 500,000 ₺

Violation: Repeated violations
Consequence: License suspension or permanent revocation

Warning: Municipalities and law-enforcement agencies actively monitor online listings, so full compliance is essential.

Why Work with a Licensed Agency

Obtaining and maintaining a tourism rental license involves detailed paperwork, tax filing, and police reporting — which can be complicated, especially for foreign owners. A licensed property management agency handles these procedures professionally, ensuring your rental operates legally and profitably.

⚖️ RestProperty — Your Legal Partner in Turkey

Founded in 2003, RestProperty is officially registered with TÜRSAB and GİGDER, recognized for transparent operations and government accreditation.

Why owners choose RestProperty:

Licensed under TÜRSAB for tourism rentals
Full legal support for license applications
Guest reporting via Kimlik Bildirim System
Verified tenants and secure contracts
Tax declaration and income management
24/7 support in English, Russian, and Turkish

With over 20 years of experience, RestProperty turns your apartment into a safe and legal source of passive income.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

🚫 Renting without a valid license

🚫 Failing to register guests in Kimlik Bildirim

🚫 Accepting cash payments

🚫 Advertising without the official permit number

🚫 Ignoring building management restrictions

Remember: Even minor violations can result in serious fines and legal issues — always verify that your property meets all requirements before listing it online.

Key Takeaways

✅ A short-term rental license is mandatory for rentals under 100 days.

✅ All properties must meet fire safety and guest registration standards.

✅ Rental income is taxable (15–40% progressive rate).

✅ RestProperty provides turn-key support for legal and profitable short-term rentals.

Conclusion

Short-term rentals in Turkey remain a profitable and secure investment — if done legally. By obtaining the proper license, ensuring compliance, and declaring income correctly, you can enjoy stable revenue and full legal protection.

With RestProperty, your investment works for you — legally, transparently, and worry-free.