No-Go Areas in Istanbul 2025: Complete Neighborhood List

Turkish law does not allow you to rent or buy a house anywhere in the beautiful city of Istanbul and simply obtain a residency permit card (Kimlik). New policies of the Turkish government, aimed at "balanced population distribution," have led to many of the most popular neighborhoods being declared "forbidden" for foreigners. In this comprehensive article, based on the latest updates and official statistics from the Presidency of Migration Management, we have prepared a full list of closed areas to help you avoid application rejections and heavy financial losses.

Full List of Forbidden Areas in Istanbul for Residency (January 2025 Update + Neighborhood Names)

Accurately understanding the concept of "forbidden areas" or closed neighborhoods (Kapalı Mahalleler) is the most vital step before taking any financial or legal action in Turkey. These restrictions are not merely simple administrative decisions but part of a grand strategy to manage demographic structure and prevent the formation of immigrant ghettos in the heart of Istanbul. Unawareness of this list can not only lead to the rejection of your residency application but also jeopardize the capital you have invested in renting or purchasing property.

What is the Main Reason for Closing Istanbul Neighborhoods to Foreigners?

The answer lies in a concept called the "population saturation law" or the "20% rule."

Dilution of the Foreign Population

In some areas of Turkey, the density of the foreign population reached a point where the cultural, linguistic, and economic fabric of those neighborhoods was completely altered. To address this, a plan called the "Dilution Project" (Seyreltme Projesi) was implemented.

The Shift from 25% to 20%

Initially, the allowed quota for foreign population in each neighborhood was 25%. However, with the increase in migration waves in 2022, the Ministry of Interior tightened this quota to 20%. This means that if in a neighborhood of 10,000 people, there are 2,000 registered foreigners with residency, that neighborhood immediately turns "red" in the central system, and no new foreigners can register their address there.

List of Forbidden Districts in Istanbul for Obtaining Residency

According to the latest circulars, the following 10 districts are generally facing very strict restrictions or complete bans on issuing new residency permits, especially through rental agreements:

• Fatih
• Esenyurt
• Avcılar
• Bağcılar
• Bahçelievler
• Başakşehir
• Esenler
• Küçükçekmece
• Sultangazi
• Zeytinburnu

Fatih District: A Dead End

Fatih is the historical and beating heart of Istanbul. Due to its traditional fabric and excellent accessibility, it was the first destination for migrants. However, since January 2021, the Turkish government has designated the entire district as a pilot forbidden zone.

• Notable Forbidden Neighborhoods: Akşemsettin, Molla Gürani, İskenderpaşa, and Kemalpaşa.
• All 57 neighborhoods in Fatih are closed.
• Buying property in Fatih for residency purposes is a major mistake; it should only be considered if your goal is purely commercial investment.

Esenyurt District:

Esenyurt is currently in a full "red" status. The infrastructure of this district cannot keep up with this volume of population; therefore, police inspections to identify irregular migrants are very intense here.

• Critical Neighborhoods: Koza neighborhood (where the famous Koza Park complexes are located), Yeşilkent neighborhood, and the neighborhoods of Zafer, Piri Reis, and Sultaniye.
• WARNING: Do not believe real estate agents who claim they have "connections" to obtain residency in Esenyurt. The Address Registration System (MERNIS) is fully digital and cannot be bypassed through personal relationships.

Detailed Table of Forbidden Neighborhoods in Other European and Asian Side Districts

Even if an entire district is not closed, certain neighborhoods within it are forbidden because they have reached the 20% ceiling:

Does Buying Property in Forbidden Areas Grant Residency?

The answer depends on the type of your application:

1. If You Intend to Obtain Residency through Real Estate: According to new regulations, the value of your property on the title deed (tapu) must be at least $200,000. However, even if you buy a $200,000 property, if that property is located in a closed neighborhood, the Migration Management may reject your application due to the ban on address registration. In fact, the "open neighborhood" condition takes priority over "ownership."
2. If You Intend to Obtain Turkish Citizenship: If you purchase property worth at least $400,000 and enter the Turkish passport application process, the neighborhood restrictions usually do not apply to you. This is because after obtaining citizenship, you are no longer registered as a "foreign national" in the population system, and the 20% quota does not apply to Turkish citizens.

How to Check if a Neighborhood is Forbidden Before Signing a Contract?

Use these 3 methods for inquiry:

• Inquiry at the Population Registry Office (Nüfus Müdürlüğü): Go to the local Population Office with the landlord or a copy of the title deed and ask if this address is open for foreign registration. This is the most definitive method.
• E-Devlet System: If you have a residency card (Kimlik), try to enter the address in the "Address Change" (Adres Değişikliği) section. If the system gives a warning, it means the neighborhood is closed.
• Migration Management Website: Check the forbidden zone lists on goc.gov.tr, but ensure the list is for the year 2025, as these lists change frequently.

Fraud Scams in Property Sales within Forbidden Areas

Scammers often exploit the lack of knowledge of immigrants and deceive them with the following phrases:

• "We have a notarized rental contract, so it is legal": A notary only confirms your signature and has nothing to do with whether the neighborhood is open or closed at the Migration Management.
• "We can buy a dormitory address or a fake address": Turkish police have significantly increased unannounced field inspections (Tahkikat) in 2025. If you are not present at the registered address, your residency will be canceled, you will be deported, and you may face up to a 5-year entry ban.
• "This project has a special government permit": No project is an exception to the 20% law.

Safe Neighborhoods with Growth Potential for Residency

Now that we know the forbidden areas, where should we buy or rent property? In recent years, investor focus has shifted from the center and west toward the east and newly developed areas.

1. Pendik: The Star of the Asian Side
Due to its proximity to Sabiha Gökçen Airport, advanced metro lines, and family-oriented environment, Pendik is one of the best options. All neighborhoods in Pendik are open, and social security is very high.

2. Kartal: Coastal Living
If you are looking for sea views and modern towers, Kartal is an excellent alternative to districts like Şişli. Prices in Kartal have steady growth and are very suitable for obtaining residency with a $200,000 property purchase.

3. Kağıthane: Neighborhood to the City Center
For those who want to be close to Taksim and Şişli but do not want to get stuck in a closed neighborhood, Kağıthane is the best choice. Excellent access to the new airport metro and the modern nature of the properties are major advantages.

Final Comparison Table of Key Districts in Istanbul

Summary and Final Advice

Turkish government policy is explicitly moving toward attracting quality investors and distributing migrants into less crowded areas.

To ensure your migration experience does not turn into major legal problems:

• Shift your priority from saturated neighborhoods to "white" areas like the Asian side.
• Do not forget to perform a personal inquiry at the Population Office (Nüfus) before making any payments.
• Do not be tempted by low prices in forbidden areas; the cost of deportation and residency cancellation is much higher than the difference in property prices.