Restricted Areas for Foreigners in Türkiye in 2025: What Does It Mean?
Restricted Areas for Foreigners in Türkiye in 2025: What Does It Mean?
In Türkiye, there is a concept of “restricted areas” (kapalı mahalle/bölge) — these are neighborhoods or districts where foreign nationals are prohibited or limited from obtaining a residence permit, especially for touristic or rental-based purposes.
Key Points to Know:
• Foreigners cannot submit a first-time residence permit application if the address is located in a restricted area.
• Extension applications for existing residence permits are often rejected.
• Having a rental contract or even property ownership does not guarantee approval of your residence permit.
Examples of Restricted Areas in Antalya (as of 2025):
• Alanya: Mahmutlar, Kargıcak, Kestel, Avsallar
• Konyaaltı: Liman, Hurma, Sarısu
• Muratpaşa: Topçular
• Döşemealtı: AOSB 2nd and 3rd Sections
On What Basis Are These Restrictions Made?
➡ These areas are not defined by a specific law or article.
➡ They are determined by internal administrative decisions issued by the Directorate General of Migration Management (Göç İdaresi).
➡ The information is shared only via official announcements published on the official website:
• June 30, 2022 — First wave of restrictions
• October 19, 2022 — Second wave (including Istanbul)
What If You Already Live in a Restricted Area?
• You are allowed to change your address within the same restricted area.
• However, moving to another restricted area is not permitted — your registration will not be processed.
• Even if your residence permit was issued earlier, renewal may still be denied.
Exceptions When a Residence Permit May Be Granted in Restricted Areas:
✔ Enrollment in a university located in the restricted area
✔ Investment or property purchase made before the restriction date
✔ Marriage to a Turkish citizen
✔ Changing the type of residence permit within the legal period
Tip:
If you plan to apply for a residence permit in Türkiye, make sure to check in advance whether the area you’re considering is on the restricted list, before signing a lease or buying property.
Updated lists are published only on the official website:
→ https://www.goc.gov.tr
