Major Update for Foreign Residents and Property Investors
Türkiye has introduced one of the most significant changes to its residence permit system in recent years. Following several years of restrictions on address registration and residence permit applications in designated neighborhoods, foreign nationals can now once again register addresses and apply for residence permits in most previously restricted areas.
The development is expected to benefit thousands of foreign property owners, investors, families, and long-term residents who have faced administrative barriers since the restrictions were first introduced in 2022.
From Closed Neighborhoods to Reopened Opportunities
In 2022, Türkiye’s migration authorities implemented a policy restricting residence permit registrations in hundreds of neighborhoods across the country due to high concentrations of foreign residents.
The number of restricted neighborhoods increased throughout 2022 and 2023, creating challenges for foreigners seeking to obtain or renew residence permits, even when they owned property or held valid work permits.
However, as of 2026, the system has undergone a substantial shift. Most previously restricted districts have been reopened, allowing foreign nationals to register their addresses and proceed with residence permit applications through the e-Ikamet system.
Address Registration Reopens in Most Restricted Areas
According to the latest update from the Directorate General of Migration Management, foreigners are once again permitted to register their addresses in previously restricted areas across Türkiye.
This represents a major improvement for:
- Foreign property owners
- Real estate investors
- Families relocating to Türkiye
- Individuals renewing residence permits
- Work permit holders transitioning to residence permit categories
The reopening of address registration significantly reduces the obstacles that many applicants experienced over the past several years.
Areas That Remain Restricted
While most neighborhoods have reopened, several locations remain subject to restrictions for foreign address registration and residence permit applications.
The currently restricted neighborhoods include:
Esenyurt – Istanbul
- Koza Mahallesi
- Zafer Mahallesi
Avcılar – Istanbul
- Üniversite Mahallesi
Küçükçekmece – Istanbul
- Beşyol Mahallesi
Fatih – Istanbul
- Molla Hüsrev Mahallesi
Foreign nationals considering property purchases or residence applications in these areas should seek updated legal guidance before proceeding.
Positive News for Property Investors
The reopening of previously restricted areas provides greater certainty for international investors.
Many foreign buyers previously encountered situations where they legally purchased property but were unable to use their address for residence permit purposes due to neighborhood restrictions.
In some cases, investors who owned real estate worth more than USD 200,000 still faced administrative limitations simply because their property was located within a restricted district.
The latest changes largely eliminate these barriers and create a more accessible pathway for residence permit applications.
What About Residence Permit Renewals?
One of the key questions now concerns investors who already hold residence permits and are approaching renewal.
For most applicants, residence permit extensions continue to depend on:
- Maintaining legal ownership of the property
- Keeping address registration up to date
- Maintaining valid health insurance
- Meeting the requirements of the residence permit category
The reopening of address registration in most districts is expected to make the renewal process considerably smoother for many foreign residents.
The Next Challenge: Property Value Thresholds
Although the district restrictions have been relaxed, attention is now turning toward property valuation requirements.
Many foreign investors purchased homes under previous regulations when minimum investment thresholds were significantly lower than current requirements.
As Turkish immigration policies continue to evolve, investors are seeking clarity regarding whether properties acquired under earlier rules will continue to qualify under the same conditions for future residence permit renewals.
This issue is particularly important for individuals who have built their long-term plans in Türkiye based on existing investments and previous legal frameworks.
Looking Ahead
The reopening of most restricted neighborhoods marks a positive step toward a more investor-friendly residence permit system in Türkiye.
For foreign nationals looking to live, invest, or retire in Türkiye, the latest changes provide greater flexibility and renewed confidence in the country’s immigration framework.
While certain neighborhoods remain restricted, the vast majority of previously closed areas are now accessible again, creating new opportunities for property owners and future investors alike.
At SelectTurkey, we closely monitor immigration and real estate regulations to help international clients make informed decisions and navigate the Turkish property market with confidence.
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