New Revision of Istanbul's Restricted Neighborhoods List; Only 5 Neighborhoods Remain

Recent changes in Turkish immigration policies have created a new wave of hope for residency applicants in the metropolis of Istanbul. Based on the latest revision conducted in June 2026, the long list of neighborhoods previously prohibited for address registration and obtaining residency has been significantly reduced [1]. This move aims to facilitate administrative processes and better manage the distribution of the foreign population across different areas of the city.

New List of Restricted Neighborhoods in Istanbul (2026 Update) According to the official announcement published by RASA STUDY, after technical reviews, only the following neighborhoods remain on the restricted list for address registration and obtaining residency (including tourist, work, and real estate residency) [3]:

1. Avcılar Merkez (Avcılar District)
2. Zafer (Esenyurt District)
3. Koza (Esenyurt District)
4. Molla Hüsrev (Fatih District)
5. Beşyol (Küçükçekmece District)

This reduction in the list means that many areas previously blocked in districts like Esenyurt or Fatih are now available for population registration and residency applications [2].

Vital Tips Before Renting or Buying Property Despite the reduction in restrictions, immigration experts emphasize that applicants should not sign any contracts without precise inquiries. Before choosing a house and registering an address, ensure you verify the property's postal code (UAVT) status. Some buildings may still face restrictions due to the 20% foreign population quota at the block level, even if they are not in a restricted neighborhood [1].

Why Was This Revision Conducted? Analysts believe that the Turkish government intends to stimulate the housing market in areas that had faced stagnation. Additionally, with the completion of urban renewal projects in many old neighborhoods, the capacity to accept new residents has increased [2]. These changes provide new opportunities, especially for those planning to migrate to Istanbul, in areas with better access.

For more information and specialized consultancy regarding address registration and residency matters, you can contact RASA STUDY experts at +905355507166 [3]. It is always recommended to query the latest neighborhood status from the Migration Management system before any financial commitment.