Open Districts in Turkey for Residence Permit in 2026
Why district status became a key issue in 2026
In 2026, Turkey has fully the address-based principle for residence permit (RP) applications. This means that not the city or district matters, but the specific neighborhood (mahalle). Even when purchasing property or renting long-term, an RP will be rejected if the address is located in a closed neighborhood.
What “open” and “closed” districts mean in 2026
Open district
New residence permits can be registered in the neighborhood:
- based on property ownership,
- based on rental,
- family residence permits,
- tourist residence permits.
Closed district
The foreigner quota in the neighborhood has been exceeded. Registration of new residence permits is prohibited, regardless of property value.
Important: district status may change. The check is carried out on the document submission date, not the purchase date.❌ Closed districts of Turkey for residence permits in 2026
❌ Istanbul
| District | Closed neighborhoods |
|---|---|
| Avcılar | 3 |
| Bahçelievler | 1 |
| Başakşehir | 2 |
| Beşiktaş | 1 |
| Beylikdüzü | 1 |
| Beyoğlu | 10 |
| Esenyurt | 8 |
| Fatih | 13 |
| Küçükçekmece | 3 |
| Sarıyer | 1 |
| Şile | 1 |
| Şişli | 4 |
| Tuzla | 1 |
| Ümraniye | 1 |
| Zeytinburnu | 4 |
2026 Commentary: Istanbul remains the most difficult city for obtaining a residence permit. Most central and investment-attractive districts are fully or partially closed.
❌ Antalya
| District | Closed neighborhoods |
|---|---|
| Döşemealtı | AOSB-2, AOSB-3 |
| Konyaaltı | Sarısu, Liman, Hurma |
| Muratpaşa | Topçular |
❌ Alanya
| District | Status |
|---|---|
| Mahmutlar | ❌ closed |
| Kestel | ❌ closed |
| Avsallar | ❌ closed |
| Kargıcak | ❌ closed |
❌ Mersin
| District | Closed neighborhoods |
|---|---|
| Akdeniz | 27 |
| Erdemli | 1 |
| Gülnar | 1 |
| Mezitli | 5 |
| Silifke | 6 |
| Tarsus | 18 |
| Toroslar | 3 |
| Yenişehir | 2 |
✅ Open districts of Turkey for residence permits in 2026
✅ Istanbul
| District | Status |
|---|---|
| Adalar | open |
| Arnavutköy | open |
| Ataşehir | open |
| Bağcılar | open |
| Başakşehir | 5 neighborhoods |
| Beykoz | open |
| Beyoğlu | 2 neighborhoods |
✅ Antalya
| District | Open neighborhoods |
|---|---|
| Muratpaşa | 6 |
| Konyaaltı | 4 |
| Lara | 4 |
| Kaş | open |
| Belek | open |
| Side | open |
✅ Alanya
| District | RP status 2026 |
|---|---|
| Center | ✅ |
| Oba | ✅ |
| Cikcilli | ✅ |
| Tosmur | ✅ |
| Türkler | ✅ |
| Payallar | ✅ |
| Konaklı | ✅ |
| İncekum | ✅ |
| Demirtaş | ✅ |
| Gazipaşa | ✅ |
| Okurcalar | ✅ |
📌 Alanya in 2026 is considered one of the most stable cities for residence permits with the right district selection.
✅ Mersin
| District | Status |
|---|---|
| Anamur | open |
| Yenişehir | partially open |
Residence permits by property ownership in 2026 and districts
Tourist residence permit based on property ownership
- the district must be open;
- any cadastral value;
- term: 6–12 months;
- does not count toward citizenship.
Residence permit by property from $200,000
- only open districts;
- counts toward citizenship;
- annual renewal.
Main mistakes foreigners make in 2026
- Buying property in a closed neighborhood.
- Choosing a district without checking the mahalle.
- Lack of ISKAN.
- Rental contract without actual residence.
- No residence permit renewal strategy.
How to avoid these mistakes – check a real estate agency in Turkey
Why clients obtain residence permits through RestProperty
RestProperty has been operating in the Turkish real estate market since 2003 and supports clients until the result, not just until the deal.
What matters in 2026:
- checking the neighborhood before purchase,
- selecting property for a specific residence permit type,
- support at the migration office,
- up-to-date data on closed zones.
👉 Why it is safer with large agencies
Brief conclusion
In 2026, residence permits in Turkey depend on the neighborhood. Even within one district, some addresses may be closed. Checking the address before purchase or rent is mandatory.
The article is current for 2026. Information is based on official data from the Turkish Migration Service. We recommend checking the district status at the time of document submission.
