The practice of restricting the issuance of residence permits to foreigners has spread across all districts of Istanbul following a decision by Turkish authorities. The changes have been reported by independent outlets, including Sputnik, in coverage that highlights how local policy is tightening the rules for long-term stays in the city.
At the outset, the restriction touched ten districts. In March, Turkish authorities expanded the scope to add 39 more districts in Istanbul. The current policy stops issuing residence permits except when there is a clear necessity for the applicant. The stated categories deemed essential include rights connected to life safety, health care, education, and international trade. Officials say the move is a response to rising immigration pressures in the metropolitan area.
Population officials in Istanbul estimate that around 1.3 million foreigners currently reside in the city. This figure does not capture those who acquire citizenship after purchasing real estate, and when combined with other data, foreigners are said to represent about eight percent of Istanbul’s total population.
For those seeking a Turkish residence permit, the rule of property investment has become a practical gatekeeper. The government has set thresholds tied to geographic location: purchases over $50,000 in sparsely populated provinces and $75,000 or more in major urban centers. These thresholds are part of broader policy changes aimed at guiding residency rights in line with real estate activity and population planning.
Market observers note shifts in the profile of applicants. In discussions cited by Tranio, there is a noticeable share of requests from Russian nationals seeking residency. In the period from January through May, Russia accounted for a significant portion of inquiries about residence permits in Turkey. Reports also describe concerns from Belarusian IT professionals who relocated to Turkey in May and observed frequent refusals of permit applications.
Additionally, there are anecdotal signals that travel and vacation patterns among returning or prospective residents may be affected. Observers say that the combination of tighter permit rules and rising costs could influence how long certain groups stay in Turkey or how often they consider extending their time there for work or study. The evolving policy environment in Istanbul reflects national efforts to balance immigration with urban infrastructure capacity and public service delivery. This evolving landscape continues to be closely watched by policymakers, investors, and prospective residents who weigh the tradeoffs between living in Turkey’s largest city and exploring other regional options.
Source-level reporting emphasizes that the Turkish government is recalibrating residency access in line with real estate activity, economic participation, and demographic goals. Analysts note that while restrictions may constrain some foreign residents, they could be accompanied by new channels for legitimate stays tied to education, health, or business operations. In the broader context, Istanbul remains a major gateway for international movement, with continual attention to how policy adjustments shape daily life, investment opportunities, and the flow of talent into the city. Attribution for the cited developments remains with the reporting entities that monitor Turkish immigration policy, including press coverage and market analysis outlets.