• Best House Alanya

Residence Permit and Turkish Citizenship Guide in Alanya: Current Rules, Open–Closed Areas, and the Right Path

Located on the Mediterranean coast, Alanya is one of the most popular destinations for foreigners who wish to live in Turkey. With its mild climate, high quality of life, and strong international community, Alanya continues to attract people from all over the world.

However, in recent years, there have been important changes in residence permit and Turkish citizenship regulations. For this reason, it is essential to plan the process with accurate and up-to-date information.

At Best House Alanya Real Estate, we explain the current rules for foreigners who want to obtain a residence permit or Turkish citizenship in Alanya, including open and closed areas and the most suitable options depending on individual goals.

Difference Between Residence Permit and Turkish Citizenship

One of the most common misunderstandings among foreigners is confusing a residence permit with Turkish citizenship. These are two completely different processes.

A residence permit allows a foreigner to legally live in Turkey for a certain period. Turkish citizenship, on the other hand, grants a Turkish passport and full citizenship rights. Each option has different requirements, durations, and financial thresholds.

Turkish Citizenship by Property Investment: 400,000 USD Requirement

Foreigners who wish to obtain Turkish citizenship through real estate investment must meet the current minimum investment requirement of 400,000 USD.

Key points:

• The property value shown on the title deed must be at least 400,000 USD

• The property cannot be sold for 3 years

• An official valuation (appraisal) report is mandatory

• Once conditions are met, citizenship application can be submitted

This amount applies only to citizenship applications and should not be confused with residence permits.

Residence Permit Through Property Ownership: 200,000 USD Requirement

Foreigners who want to obtain a residence permit by purchasing property in Alanya must show a minimum declared property value of 200,000 USD on the title deed.

In this case:

• The requirement is 200,000 USD

• This option provides a residence permit, not citizenship

• Residence permits are usually granted for up to 2 years

• Renewals are generally more stable compared to touristic permits

This option is ideal for foreigners who plan to live in Alanya long-term without applying for citizenship.

6-Month Short-Term Touristic Residence Permit: Lower Property Value Allowed

For foreigners who want to live in Alanya but do not wish to make a high-value investment, the short-term touristic residence permit is a practical alternative.

Main features:

• Usually granted for 6 months

• 200,000 USD requirement does NOT apply

• A lower declared property value or a rental contract is sufficient

• Suitable for those who want to experience life in Alanya before making long-term plans

This permit is ideal for foreigners who want to explore Alanya and consider future investment options.

Open and Closed Areas in Alanya (Very Important)

Due to high foreign population density, some neighborhoods in Turkey have been declared closed to new residence permit applications. This rule also applies to Alanya and is one of the most critical factors in the residence process.

Closed Areas for Residence Permits in Alanya

According to current regulations, the following areas in Alanya are closed to new residence permit applications:

• Mahmutlar

• Kestel

• Kargıcak

• Avsallar

In these areas:

• New residence permit applications are not accepted

• Only extensions of previously issued permits may be possible in exceptional cases

Open Areas for Residence Permits in Alanya

All areas of Alanya EXCEPT Mahmutlar, Kestel, Kargıcak, and Avsallar are currently open for residence permit applications.

For this reason, foreigners must:

• Check whether the property is located in an open area

• Confirm eligibility before renting or purchasing a property

Failure to do so may result in rejection of the residence permit application and financial loss.

General Requirements for Residence Permit Applications

Regardless of the permit type, residence permit applications are processed through Directorate of Migration Management and typically require:

• A valid passport

• Registered address in Turkey

• Health insurance

• Proof of sufficient financial means

• Online application and appointment

A Safe and Professional Process with Best House Alanya Real Estate

At Best House Alanya Real Estate, we provide:

• Open–closed area verification

• Correct property selection based on residence or citizenship goals

• Up-to-date legal guidance

• Full coordination of purchase or rental processes

Our goal is to ensure that foreign clients start their life in Alanya confidently, legally, and without surprises.