Residency, Citizenship & Property Services in Istanbul

Why do people relocate to or invest in Istanbul?

Istanbul combines a large economy, a hub airport with wide connections, rich culture and property prices that many international buyers find accessible compared with other global cities. Investors look at residence and citizenship through real estate, entrepreneurs at its trade and logistics role, and families at its universities and international schools.

Which districts matter?

Popular districts include Beşiktaş, Şişli, Sarıyer and Üsküdar for established urban living, Kadıköy and Ataşehir on the Asian side (Ataşehir also hosts the Istanbul Financial Center project), and Başakşehir and Beylikdüzü for newer family-oriented development. Prices and demand differ widely by district, and some neighbourhoods have been closed to new foreign residence registrations. We check the current list before you buy.

What does it cost to live in Istanbul?

Costs are generally lower than in Gulf cities or Western Europe for housing, food and transport, though prices rise with central locations and private schooling. Currency movements affect planning, so we help you budget in the currency you earn. Tax treatment depends on your residence status, and a local tax adviser should confirm it.

What about schools and universities?

Istanbul has international schools on both sides of the Bosphorus and major universities such as Istanbul University, Boğaziçi University, Istanbul Technical University, Koç University and Sabancı University. Foreign students need admission to a YÖK-recognised university before they apply for a student visa and residence permit.

Which authorities and offices will you deal with?

• Göç İdaresi, Istanbul provincial directorate: residence permit applications and extensions.
• Tapu (land registry) offices: title deeds, property transfer and annotation for citizenship cases.
• Population directorate under the Ministry of Interior: citizenship applications.
• Istanbul Chamber of Commerce and the Trade Registry: company registration and trade records.
• Notaries and sworn translators: powers of attorney, translations and certified documents.
• Licensed valuation firms: appraisal reports for property used in citizenship files.

DXB.IST coordinates these steps with licensed lawyers, from eligibility check and translations to appointments, title-deed day and aftercare, and our travel desk arranges airport transfers and hotels for your visits.