Short-Term Rental Rules in Turkey: Can You Rent Your Property to Tourists?

Many foreign buyers plan to earn income by renting their Istanbul apartment to tourists through platforms such as Airbnb. Short-term rentals can be attractive, but Turkey regulates them closely. Owners who rent to tourists without the required permit can face penalties, and the platforms themselves are expected to list only authorised properties.

This guide explains how short-term rental rules work in Turkey, what you need before renting to tourists and how to decide whether short-term or long-term letting suits your investment.

Short-Term Rentals Require a Permit

Renting a residential property to tourists for short stays is treated as a tourism activity in Turkey. Under the law, owners who want to rent a home to visitors for short periods (rentals of up to 100 days) must obtain a permit from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism before advertising or accepting guests.

Standard long-term leases, where a tenant lives in the property as their home, are not covered by this permit system and follow the general rules of Turkish tenancy law.

Consent of the Other Owners in the Building

One of the most important conditions is building consent. For a flat in an apartment building or residential complex, the permit application requires the written consent of the other owners in the building. In practice, this means that a single objection can prevent short-term letting.

If you are buying a property specifically for holiday rentals, check this point before you buy. Ask whether other units in the building already hold permits and whether the building management rules allow short-term letting.

Other Requirements to Expect

• The property must be registered in your name with a valid title deed
• The property should have an occupancy permit (iskan)
• A permit number must be displayed in online listings
• A plaque or sign may be required at the entrance of the property
• Guest information must be registered with the authorities
• Rental income must be declared for tax purposes

Requirements can vary in detail and are updated from time to time, so confirm the current application documents with the relevant authority or an adviser before you start.

Penalties for Renting Without a Permit

Owners who rent to tourists without a permit can be fined, and repeated violations can lead to higher penalties. Online platforms may also remove listings that do not display a valid permit number. Because the rules are actively enforced, operating without a permit is a real financial and legal risk for foreign owners.

Short-Term vs Long-Term Rental: Which Is Better?

Short-term rental

• Potentially higher income in tourist areas and peak seasons
• Requires a permit and building consent
• Needs active management: cleaning, check-ins, guest communication
• Income can vary significantly from month to month

Long-term rental

• No tourism permit required
• More stable, predictable income
• Lower management workload
• Tenant protections under Turkish tenancy law should be understood before signing

For many foreign owners who live abroad, a well-managed long-term rental is the simpler choice. Short-term letting can work well for properties in central, tourist-focused locations where building consent is available and a professional manager handles operations.

Tips Before Buying a Property for Short-Term Rental

• Confirm that the building allows short-term letting and that consent is realistic
• Check that the property has a title deed and occupancy permit
• Choose locations with steady visitor demand all year, not only in summer
• Compare expected income with long-term rent before deciding
• Budget for furnishing, cleaning, management and platform fees

Our guide on how to calculate rental yield before buying helps you compare both options, and our article on renting out property in Turkey while living abroad covers the practical side of letting from overseas.

How Bigist Invest Can Help

We help international owners choose properties with strong rental demand, check building rules before purchase and arrange long-term or short-term rental management through our property management service in Turkey. Browse our investment properties or contact us to discuss your rental plans.

This article is for general information only. Short-term rental regulations can change; confirm the current rules with the relevant authorities or a qualified adviser before renting your property to tourists.