“Istanbul’s Esenyurt under spotlight amid restrictions on foreign residence permits”
New Restrictions on Residence Permits in Esenyurt and Fatih Districts:
Pakistani students planning to study in Istanbul should be aware of new changes regarding residence permits, especially in popular areas like Esenyurt and Fatih.
Esenyurt, a working-class district on the European side of Istanbul, has been home to a large number of immigrants. However, due to the extremely high population in the area — now over 1 million people — the Turkish government has placed restrictions on new residence permit applications for foreigners in Esenyurt and Fatih.
This means that new international arrivals, including Pakistani nationals, will not be allowed to easily apply for residence permits if they plan to live in Esenyurt or Fatih districts.
The Turkish authorities explained that the local infrastructure in these areas is already under too much pressure, and allowing more foreigners to settle there could cause further problems.
However, there is an important relief for students:
Pakistani students who are officially enrolled in a recognized university in Turkey are exempt from this restriction, but with certain conditions.
Students coming on a student visa will still be allowed to apply for a residence permit — but they might need to find accommodation outside the restricted areas of Esenyurt and Fatih.
Example:
- A Pakistani student gets admission to a university in Istanbul.
- The student plans to rent a cheap apartment in Esenyurt, as it is known for affordable housing.
- However, due to the new restrictions, it is not possible to apply for a residence permit from an address located in Esenyurt.
- The student will need to find accommodation in another district (such as Avcılar, Başakşehir, Beylikdüzü, etc.) where residence permit applications for foreigners are still allowed.
What Pakistani Students Should Do:
✅Choose accommodation outside of Esenyurt and Fatih.
✅Check with your university if you are eligible for a student residence permit exemption.
✅Apply for your residence permit immediately after arrival to avoid legal issues.
✅Keep updated with Turkish Migration Office rules, as policies can change.
Final Advice:
While Pakistani students can still study and live in Istanbul, they should be very careful when selecting where to live. Living in restricted zones like Esenyurt and Fatih can cause residence permit rejection, which can create serious immigration issues. Planning ahead will make the study experience in Turkey smooth and stress-free.