Airbnb & Short-Term Rental Rules in Turkey 2026

 Is Airbnb Legal in Turkey in 2026?

Turkey remains an attractive destination for international tourists, business travelers, medical visitors and digital nomads. Cities such as Istanbul, Antalya, Mersin, Izmir and Bodrum continue to attract visitors looking for furnished apartments and flexible accommodation.

As a result, short-term property rentals have become an interesting investment option for local and foreign property owners.

However, Turkey has introduced a specific legal framework governing short-term residential rentals. Property owners can no longer assume that owning an apartment automatically gives them the right to rent it to tourists through Airbnb or other online booking platforms.

The main legislation is Law No. 7464, which regulates the rental of residential properties for tourism purposes.

Under this law, residential properties rented for tourism purposes for 100 days or less per rental at a time generally require an official tourism rental permit.

In this comprehensive 2026 guide, we explain the legal requirements, application procedures, condominium restrictions, taxes, administrative penalties and investment considerations that every property owner should understand before entering Turkey's short-term rental market.

Understanding Turkey's Short-Term Rental Law No. 7464

Law No. 7464, officially known as the Law on the Rental of Residences for Tourism Purposes, was published in the Official Gazette on November 2, 2023, and its main provisions entered into force on January 1, 2024.

The law introduced a formal permit system for residential properties rented to individuals or companies for tourism purposes.

Its main objectives include:

Regulating the short-term accommodation market.

Preventing unauthorized tourist rentals.

Improving guest safety and accommodation standards.

Establishing clear responsibilities for property owners.

Increasing government supervision.

Protecting the rights of residents and property communities.

What counts as a short-term rental?

Under Law No. 7464, tourism-purpose rentals generally include residential accommodation rented for 100 days or less in a single rental period.

The law applies regardless of whether the guest is staying for tourism, business, education, healthcare or another purpose, provided the rental falls within its scope.

Rentals exceeding 100 days in a single contract are generally outside the scope of Law No. 7464, although other Turkish rental, tax and administrative regulations may still apply.

Importantly, repeatedly dividing rental arrangements or changing contract descriptions does not automatically exempt an activity from the law.

Do Property Owners Need an Airbnb Permit in Turkey?

Permit generally required

Yes. Owners who intend to rent residential properties for tourism purposes for 100 days or less per rental period must obtain a Tourism-Purpose Rental Permit.

The official Turkish name is:

Turizm Amaçlı Kiralama İzin Belgesi

The permit is issued under the authority of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

It is important to understand that the following documents are not substitutes for this permit:

Property title deed.

Building occupancy permit.

Municipality registration.

Tax registration.

Airbnb host account.

Property management agreement.

The owner must obtain the appropriate permit before entering into tourism rental agreements.

After approval, the property must also display the official identification plaque at its entrance in accordance with the applicable requirements.

What Are the Requirements for Obtaining a Short-Term Rental Permit?

The exact requirements depend on the property's legal status, building structure and ownership arrangement.

However, several major conditions apply.

Property ownership

The applicant must demonstrate the legal right to rent out the property.

This normally involves providing the title deed or other legally recognized documentation establishing ownership or an eligible property right.

Under the legislation, certain holders of usufruct or superficies rights may also qualify.

Unanimous condominium owner approval

One of the most important requirements concerns residential buildings containing multiple independent units.

As a general rule, the permit application must include a unanimous decision from all condominium owners in the building where the apartment is located.

This is particularly important for investors purchasing apartments in traditional residential buildings.

A simple majority vote or informal approval from the building manager is not necessarily sufficient.

Property suitability

The apartment must satisfy the applicable residential and accommodation requirements.

These may include:

Appropriate furniture.

Sleeping facilities.

Kitchen equipment.

Bathroom facilities.

Ventilation and lighting.

Required safety equipment.

Suitable accommodation capacity.

Official application

Applications are submitted through the official Turkish e-Government system, e-Devlet, following the Ministry's application procedures.

The Ministry of Culture and Tourism publishes the applicable guidance and documentation requirements.

Required Documents for Foreign Property Owners

Foreign investors can apply for a tourism rental permit if they meet the relevant legal conditions.

Depending on the applicant's circumstances, the required documentation may include:

Additional documents may be necessary where the property is owned by a company, subject to usufruct rights or held under another special legal arrangement.

Foreign ownership does not automatically exempt an applicant from Turkish tourism rental regulations.

Property owners should also ensure that their application information is consistent with the official land registry and property records.

Can You Rent an Apartment in a Residential Complex Through Airbnb?

This is one of the most important questions for Istanbul property investors.

Many modern residential developments offer:

24-hour security.

Reception services.

Swimming pools.

Fitness facilities.

Underground parking.

Landscaped gardens.

Property management services.

However, having these facilities does not automatically make a residential development eligible for short-term tourist rentals.

Traditional apartment buildings

In buildings with multiple independent units, the general legal requirement is a unanimous decision from all condominium owners before a tourism rental permit can be issued.

This can make short-term rentals difficult in ordinary residential apartment buildings.

Residential complexes with multiple buildings

Where a residential complex consists of several separate buildings, the unanimous approval requirement generally applies to the building containing the apartment being licensed.

The permit must also be communicated to the relevant residential complex management in accordance with the applicable rules.

High-quality residences

Certain legally classified high-quality residential buildings, known as residences, may benefit from a different regulatory framework.

These buildings are defined by specific legal and service requirements.

They may include reception, security, daily cleaning facilities and at least two additional services from the categories specified in the applicable regulations.

A building does not automatically qualify simply because it has a swimming pool, reception desk or security personnel.

Investors should verify the building's official legal classification before purchasing a property specifically for Airbnb purposes.

Are There Restrictions on the Number of Apartments an Owner Can Rent?

Yes. Law No. 7464 introduces restrictions on the number of permits that may be issued to the same lessor within a single building.

The main rules include:

In buildings containing more than three independent units, the same lessor may generally receive permits for no more than 25% of the independent units.

If the same lessor applies for permits covering more than five independent units in the same building, a workplace opening and operating licence is also required, alongside the other applicable conditions.

Special rules apply to residential complexes consisting of multiple buildings.

For example, if a building contains 20 independent apartments, the 25% limit generally means that one lessor may hold permits for up to five units, subject to the remaining legal requirements.

This is particularly relevant for investors who intend to purchase multiple apartments in the same development.

Can Tenants Sublet Apartments Through Airbnb?

Not independently permitted

Ordinary tenants cannot simply rent an apartment under a standard residential lease and then operate it as an Airbnb property.

The legal right to obtain a tourism rental permit is generally linked to the property owner or a qualifying holder of specific property rights.

Law No. 7464 also regulates the involvement of third parties.

Tourism rental operations carried out by a party other than the lessor must comply with the law's specific requirements, including the involvement of an authorized Group A travel agency where applicable.

Therefore, property management companies and rental operators must ensure that their business model complies with the legislation.

Investors should not assume that a normal tenancy agreement provides permission to operate a short-term tourist accommodation business.

What Responsibilities Do Permit Holders Have?

Obtaining the tourism rental permit is only the beginning.

Property owners must continue to comply with the operational requirements throughout the rental activity.

Displaying the official permit plaque

The property must display the official tourism rental plaque at its entrance in the required format.

Including the permit number in advertisements

The permit number must be included in relevant online advertisements.

This applies to listings on Airbnb and other booking platforms where the permit information is required.

Accurate property descriptions

Advertisements must accurately describe the property.

Owners should avoid misleading information regarding:

Location.

Apartment size.

Number of bedrooms.

Accommodation capacity.

Available facilities.

Property classification.

Guest registration

Property owners must comply with Turkey's Identity Notification Law No. 1774 and the applicable guest-registration requirements.

Guest information must be reported through the relevant official system in accordance with the applicable procedures.

Safety and maintenance

The property must remain suitable for accommodation, with appropriate hygiene, maintenance and safety standards.

Respecting residential communities

Guests must respect building regulations and other residents' rights.

Owners should establish clear rules covering noise, common facilities, parking and waste disposal.

What Are the Airbnb Fines in Turkey in 2026?

Significant financial penalties

Operating a short-term rental without the required authorization can result in substantial administrative penalties.

Under Law No. 7464, penalties depend on the type of violation and whether the activity continues after the authorities issue a warning or administrative sanction.

The published 2026 indexed amounts include the following:

These amounts reflect the reported 2026 inflation-adjusted administrative penalties and should be checked against the applicable official legislation and individual circumstances.

Other violations may result in separate penalties, including sanctions affecting permit holders and online platforms.

Property owners should therefore avoid publishing advertisements or accepting tourist reservations before confirming that the property has the necessary authorization.

Can You Advertise an Apartment on Airbnb Without a Permit Number?

Generally, no.

A residential property covered by Law No. 7464 must obtain the appropriate permit before being rented for tourism purposes.

Once the permit has been issued, the relevant permit number must be included in the listing in accordance with the platform's requirements.

Airbnb provides guidance for Turkish hosts explaining the short-term rental legislation and the requirement to display permit information.

The platform also makes clear that hosts remain responsible for understanding and complying with the local regulations that apply to their properties.

Property owners should ensure that the permit number and property details are accurate and consistent across their advertisements.

Taxes on Airbnb Rental Income in Turkey

Taxation is another important issue for foreign and local property owners.

Income generated through short-term rentals may be subject to different tax treatment depending on the legal classification of the activity, the services provided and the owner's business structure.

Property owners should consider the following areas.

Income tax

Rental income and income generated through accommodation services may be subject to different Turkish income tax classifications.

The distinction can depend on the nature of the activity and whether additional services are provided.

Value Added Tax (VAT/KDV)

VAT obligations may arise depending on the legal nature of the accommodation activity and the services supplied.

Property owners should not assume that all short-term residential rental arrangements receive the same VAT treatment.

Tourism-related charges

Certain tourism businesses may also be subject to tourism-related contributions or charges under Turkish legislation.

Whether these obligations apply depends on the activity's legal classification.

Operating expenses

Depending on the applicable tax rules and accounting arrangements, relevant business expenses may include:

Cleaning and laundry.

Furniture and equipment maintenance.

Electricity and water.

Internet services.

Booking platform commissions.

Property management fees.

Repairs and maintenance.

Professional accounting services.

Foreign investors should consult a Turkish certified public accountant (SMMM) to establish the appropriate tax treatment before beginning operations.

Short-Term Rental Opportunities in Istanbul, Antalya and Mersin

Turkey's short-term rental regulations apply nationally, but investment conditions differ significantly between cities.