Closed Neighborhoods for Foreign Residents in Türkiye: What You Need to Know

In recent years, Türkiye has introduced stricter regulations regarding the residence of foreigners in certain neighborhoods due to high concentrations of foreign populations. The Ministry of Interior has announced that in several provinces, a significant number of neighborhoods are now closed to new registrations for temporary protection, international protection, and residence permits. As of July 1, 2022, the total number of closed neighborhoods has increased to 1,169. Among the most notable areas are districts in Istanbul such as Avcılar, Bahçelievler, Başakşehir, Beşiktaş, Beylikdüzü, Beyoğlu, Esenyurt, Fatih, Küçükçekmece, Sarıyer, Şile, Şişli, Tuzla, Ümraniye, and Zeytinburnu. These neighborhoods are fully closed to new foreign registrations except for special circumstances.

Why Were These Neighborhoods Closed?

The decision was made under the authority of the Ministry of Interior with the aim of ensuring balanced population distribution and avoiding over-concentration of foreigners in certain districts. High density of foreign nationals in some regions was creating pressure on public services, housing markets, and social harmony. The new restrictions are intended to promote a healthier integration process for foreigners while protecting the interests of both locals and newcomers.

Who is Affected by the Restrictions?

The closure applies to new applications for:

• Temporary protection registration

• International protection registration

• Residence permits

• Change of residence province for foreigners under temporary or international protection

However, existing foreign residents in these areas are not forced to leave. The restriction only affects new registrations. Exceptions are made for newborn babies of foreign residents and core family reunification, ensuring that family unity is preserved.

Special Note for Foreign Students

For students, the closed neighborhoods rule does not automatically apply. If your university is located in the same district as a closed neighborhood, you may still be allowed to register your residence there. However, if your university is in a different district, the decision will depend on the evaluation of the immigration officer. Officers have wide discretionary authority in these cases, and although exceptions are possible, approval is not guaranteed. This means students should prepare alternative housing options and consult with their immigration lawyer or university’s international office for guidance before making rental agreements.

What Should Foreigners Do?

If you are considering moving to Türkiye or changing your residence, you should first check whether your chosen neighborhood is listed as closed. Applying for a residence permit in one of these areas without checking may lead to your application being rejected. It is highly recommended to seek legal guidance before signing a rental agreement in Istanbul or other major cities, as even popular districts like Fatih, Esenyurt, and Beyoğlu are affected by this restriction.

At Bayraktar Attorneys, we advise our clients to plan carefully and confirm the eligibility of their chosen residence area with the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management. We can assist you in identifying eligible neighborhoods, preparing your residence permit application, and guiding you through any exceptions that may apply, especially for students and families.

Conclusion

The closed neighborhoods regulation in Türkiye is a significant policy change that affects many foreigners seeking to live in Istanbul and other major cities. While exceptions exist for students and family reunifications, immigration officers retain broad discretion. This makes it essential to obtain professional legal advice before making commitments related to housing.

If you are planning to move to Türkiye or relocate within the country, our law firm is here to help you avoid costly mistakes and ensure your application is compliant with the latest regulations.

The Excel file listing the closed neighborhoods is ready for download below.