Neighborhoods Closed and Open to Foreigners 2025 (Official List)

2025 List of Neighborhoods Closed to Foreigners

According to the decision updated by the Directorate of Migration Management as of 2025, the number of neighborhoods where foreigners cannot apply for residence has reached 1,169.

Gated neighborhoods are especially concentrated in big cities such as Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, Antalya and Bursa. This decision was taken to stabilize the foreign population density and protect the social structure.

For the official updated list, see the Migration Management’s neighborhood closure announcement (2025).

Neighborhoods Open to Foreigners 2025

The neighborhoods where foreigners can apply for residence are defined as all areas outside the closed list. In other words, applications can be made in neighborhoods that are not closed to residence.

⚠️ However, it is important to check the current status of the region on the official lists of the Directorate of Migration Management before making investment or residence plans.

Districts Closed to Foreigners in Istanbul – 54 Neighborhoods / 10 Districts Completely Closed

As of 2025, the following 10 districts in Istanbul are completely closed to foreigners:

• Fatih
• Esenyurt
• Hunters
• Bağcılar
• Bahcelievler
• Basaksehir
• Esenler
• Kucukcekmece
• Sultangazi
• Zeytinburnu

Partially closed districts are as follows:

• Besiktas: Star
• Beylikduzu Beylikduzu OSB
• Beyoglu Katip Mustafa Çelebi, Asmalı Mescit, Bostan, Kocatepe, Yenişehir etc.
• Sisli Ergenekon, Inonu, Cumhuriyet
• Sarıyer: Maslak
• Tuzla Aydinli KOSB
• Umraniye Dudullu OSB
• Shile Meşrutiyet

The decision to close these districts was confirmed in the official press release of the Migration Management Authority for Istanbul.

Ankara: 24 Neighborhoods

• Altindag Önder, Ulubey, Solfasol, Hacı Bayram
• Mamak: Demirlibahçe, Köstence, Şafaktepe, Bostancık
• Beypazari, Çankaya, Sincan, Polatli, Yenimahalle: Specific neighborhoods

Izmir: 27 Neighborhood

• Konak Kadifekale, Pazaryeri, Bozkurt, Tan, Yeni etc.
• Bornova: Işıklar, Yunus Emre, Zafer
• Buca: Seyhan
• Karabaglar Aşık Veysel
• Torbali Karsiyaka, May 19

Antalya: 10 Neighborhoods

• Alanya: Mahmutlar, Kargicak, Kestel, Avsallar
• Konyaalti Liman, Hurma, Sarısu
• Döşemealtı AOSB 2nd Section, AOSB 3rd Section
• Muratpaşa: Topçular

Bursa: 19 Neighborhood

• Osmangazi Altıparmak, Alacamescit, Kiremitçi etc. (13 neighborhoods)
• Yildirim Duaçınarı, Beyazıt
• Nilüfer, Karacabey, Yenişehir: Specific neighborhoods

What Does the Migration Management’s Closed Neighborhood Decision Mean?

The purpose of this application:

• Prevent excessive concentration of foreigners in big cities,
• Preserving social structure,
• It is explained as ensuring the sustainability of public services.

Exception for Gulf States

By 2025, citizens of Gulf countries (except Iraq) will be able to apply for residency even in gated neighborhoods. These countries are

• Bahrain
• United Arab Emirates
• Qatar
• Kuwait
• Oman
• Saudi Arabia

Recommendation for Investors and Foreigners

Before applying for residency or investing in real estate, always check whether the neighborhood is closed.

⚠️ Failure to obtain residence in closed areas may cause problems in subscription transactions such as electricity, water and natural gas.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which neighborhoods are open to foreigners in 2025?

All neighborhoods not on the closed list are open to foreigners. However, official announcements of the Migration Management should be checked before the actual application.

In which provinces are neighborhoods closed to foreigners?

A total of 1,169 neighborhoods were closed in many cities, including Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, Antalya and Bursa.

Are there any districts in Istanbul closed to foreigners?

Yes. Fatih, Esenyurt, Avcılar, Bağcılar, Bahçelievler, Başakşehir, Esenler, Küçükçekmece, Sultangazi and Zeytinburnu are completely closed.

What should foreigners living in gated communities do?

Residence applications are not accepted in closed neighborhoods. Foreigners living in the current situation should seek legal advice and apply for suitable areas.

What is the list of neighborhoods closed to foreigners in Esenyurt 2025?

As of 2025, all neighborhoods of Esenyurt district are closed for foreigners to apply for residence.

Does this regulation apply to all foreigners?

No. Certain neighborhoods are closed to foreign residency, the list is announced by the Migration Authority.

Is there a difference for Gulf nationals?

Yes. Gulf countries (except Iraq) can also apply for residence in closed areas.

Can I get a residence permit if I buy real estate in closed areas?

No, they do not. Real estate purchased in gated communities does not confer residency rights.

Support from MFY Legal

MFY LEGAL Law Firm provides professional support to foreigners in their residence and investment processes in Turkey.

• Residency applications,
• Real estate investments,
• Compliance with current Migration Management practices

we are at your side with our expert team.

📞 Contact us for the latest information and personal consultation.