Istanbul
Residence Permit
Istanbul 2026
Istanbul has the most complex permit rules in Turkey. With 10 fully closed districts and restrictions across hundreds of mahalles, choosing the right address is critical. Ikamet has managed Istanbul permits since 2013 — we know exactly where you can and cannot apply.
6–10 wks
Processing time
99%
Approval rate
39
Total districts
10
Fully closed
10 Districts Fully Closed to New Applications
The following Istanbul districts exceed the 20% foreigner quota and are closed for new residence permit applications. Applications with addresses in these districts will be refused.
Many other districts have individual mahalle-level restrictions not listed above. Always verify your specific address before applying.
Check Your Address on the MapSafe Districts
Ikamet-recommended open districts.
These districts have consistent availability for new applications. District status can change — Ikamet verifies before every submission.
Beşiktaş
OpenCentral European side, consistently open, high expat concentration.
Sarıyer
OpenNorthern European side, open availability across most mahalles.
Şişli
OpenCommercial heart of Istanbul, open districts with good transport links.
Kadıköy
OpenMost popular Asian side district for expats, largely open.
Üsküdar
OpenTraditional Asian side district, open in most mahalles.
Silivri
OpenWestern outskirts, fully open and suitable for property-based applications.
Open/closed status is updated regularly. Check current status for your specific address.
Why Istanbul
The world's most dynamic city for expats.
Istanbul is home to more foreign residents than any other city in Turkey. Despite the permit complexity, the city's infrastructure, international community, and strategic location make it the top choice for most expats.
Largest expat community in Turkey
Over 500,000 foreign nationals are registered in Istanbul — a well-established international community with English-language services, international schools, and expat networks across every district.
World-class infrastructure
International hospitals, private universities, metro and metro-bus networks, two international airports, and direct connections to every major European and Middle Eastern city.
Gateway between Europe and Asia
Istanbul sits at the intersection of two continents. An Istanbul residence permit gives you a stable base with easy access to the EU, Gulf states, Central Asia, and beyond.
Istanbul Office Locations
European Side — Sisli
Serving all European side districts including Besiktas, Sariyer, Sishane, and Kagithane.
Asian Side — Kadikoy
Serving all Asian side districts including Uskudar, Maltepe, Kartal, and Beykoz.
Ikamet attends Istanbul Goc offices on both sides of the Bosphorus. Your case is assigned to the office nearest your registered address.
How It Works
Istanbul-specific process.
Istanbul applications require extra steps that other cities do not. Our Istanbul-specific process ensures your application is district-compliant before any documents are prepared.
Check district availability
We verify whether your address falls in an open district or mahalle before any documents are prepared, saving you time and money.
Confirm your permit basis
We review your circumstances — property ownership, tourism, income, or family ties — and select the strongest basis for your application.
Gather and certify documents
Our compliance team prepares your complete document pack, arranging notarisation, apostilles, and translations as required by Istanbul immigration.
Submit at Istanbul Göç office
We submit your application and attend the appointment with you, or represent you at the relevant European or Asian side office.
Card collection and delivery
Once approved, your residence card is collected from the PTT post office and delivered directly to you.
Common Permit Bases in Istanbul
Property Ownership
Most commonMinimum $200,000 USD, independent appraisal required
Tourism
Bank statement showing sufficient funds, no property required
Income / Bank Statement
Minimum ₺9,358/month per person, consistent foreign income
Family Tie
Spouse or child of Turkish citizen or existing permit holder
Pricing
Simple, transparent fees.
One-time fee for full case management. Government fees are separate and itemised upfront.
Essentials
For single applicants with all documents ready.
- ✓ District availability check
- ✓ Document review and checklist
- ✓ Application submission
- ✓ Appointment booking
- ✓ Email support throughout
Complete
Full-service management for individuals and couples.
- ✓ District availability check
- ✓ Full document preparation
- ✓ Application submission and appointment attendance
- ✓ Health insurance sourcing and setup
- ✓ Address registration
- ✓ WhatsApp and phone support
- ✓ Renewal reminder service
Family applications and complex cases available. See full pricing.
Ready to apply in Istanbul?
Let Ikamet handle your Istanbul permit.
We check your district, prepare your documents, and manage the full application. You show up to the appointment — we do the rest.
Start Your Application →