New licensing rules for Turkish tourist rentals under 100 days
Starting January 1, anyone who rents housing to tourists for less than 100 days in Turkey must secure an official license. The requirement is published in the Official Gazette and comes from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. This move aims to regulate short term rentals and ensure compliance across cities that attract visitors from Canada and the United States as well as other markets. The license is issued by the ministry, and a failure to obtain it before signing a rental agreement exposes the landlord to substantial fines that reflect the seriousness of the policy.
Under the new framework, landlords who lack the necessary documentation at contract signing may face fines up to 100,000 Turkish lira, a level that underscores the government’s intent to formalize tourist accommodations and collect appropriate oversight. The authorities emphasize that proper licensing is a prerequisite for legally offering space to travelers and that the process is meant to protect guests and property owners alike. (Ministry of Culture and Tourism)
Licensed properties will display notices and signs that reflect the qualifications set by the ministry. The ministry will determine both the license fees and the banner costs associated with these properties, and landlords should budget for these ongoing compliance expenses as part of operating a short term rental in Turkey. (Ministry of Culture and Tourism)
When the rental is an apartment within a building, consent from all floor owners or residents must be submitted to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism as part of the permission process. This step ensures that community rules and property rights are respected while enabling lawful tourist occupancy. (Ministry of Culture and Tourism)
The Ministry announced a grace period of 15 days for each property to begin operation under the issued permission. If a landlord continues to rent to tourists beyond this window without the required license, penalties escalate to 500,000 Turkish lira, and the landlord will again be granted an additional 15 days to operate with the proper authorization. This staged approach is meant to facilitate a smooth transition to compliant practices while reducing disruption for property owners. (Ministry of Culture and Tourism)
Should a property continue to offer tourism services without permission after the second 15-day extension, an administrative fine of 1,000,000 Turkish lira will apply. This final consequence reflects the government’s commitment to enforce the licensing regime and safeguard the interests of guests and neighbors alike. (Ministry of Culture and Tourism)
In related context, the announcement notes the cities most frequently visited by Russian travelers in 2023, highlighting how licensing impacts accommodation supply in these popular destinations. (Ministry of Culture and Tourism)