Airbnb in Istanbul still works, but Türkiye regulates short-term rentals more tightly than it used to. Under Law No. 7464, which took effect on 1 January 2024, a whole home rented for under 100 nights needs a tourism permit. Since 1 April 2026, Airbnb has required hosts to enter their permit details before they can host. As a guest, check that the listing shows a permit number and that the address matches the building.
Last checked: 26 October 2026. These rules come from Airbnb’s own Türkiye help page, which says it is not updated in real time. We did not find the ministry’s official text.
What the Turkish rules say
Airbnb’s Türkiye regulations page explains the rules for hosts:
- A short-term rental is a stay of up to 100 days.
- A host who rents a whole property for fewer than 100 nights needs a Permit Certificate for Touristic Rental of Residence from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.
- Rooms can no longer be rented short-term. A host must rent a whole property under a permit, or rent only long-term.
- Hotels and apart-hotels use a different tourism certificate.
- Permits issued for 2024 expired on 31 December 2024, so a host needs a renewed permit.
For certain permits, hosts may also need to inform neighbours and get their consent, according to the same page.
What changed on 1 April 2026
From 1 April 2026, Airbnb requires a host to enter three details for each listing in Türkiye: the permit or certificate number, the name of the document owner, and the listing address. The page says listings with invalid or outdated information cannot keep hosting. That protects guests from some problems, but it is not a guarantee. Check the details yourself.
How to check a listing as a guest
- Look for a permit or certificate number in the listing details. If you cannot find one, ask the host before you book.
- Match the address and building to the listing description and the map pin.
- Be careful with listings that offer a private room in a host’s home. The rules say rooms cannot be rented short-term.
- Read recent reviews for the check-in experience. Late changes of address are a warning sign.
- Keep your booking messages and payment on the platform.
Risks to expect
If a host’s permit is invalid, the platform can remove the listing, and a booking may be cancelled before you arrive. Ask what happens if you cannot enter the building. Neighbour consent rules mean some buildings do not allow short stays. A guidebook update from Rick Steves says that, in a new law, police can expel renters if neighbours object. We could not date that update, so treat it as a reason to confirm building rules.
For some travellers, a hotel avoids these questions. Our where to stay guide compares areas, and the accommodation tax guide explains tax on hotel stays. Always check what the final price includes.
Safety and practical tips
- Save the host’s phone number and the building address in your phone.
- Confirm check-in time and how you get the keys.
- Know your building exits on arrival.
- Share your address with someone at home.
Frequently asked questions
Is Airbnb legal in Istanbul?
Yes, with a permit. Airbnb’s page says a whole home let for under 100 nights needs a tourism rental permit.
Can I rent a room in someone’s flat for a few nights?
Airbnb’s page says rooms can no longer be rented short-term. Treat such listings with caution.
What should I do if my host has no permit number?
Ask for it before you book. If the host cannot give one, choose another listing or a hotel.
How we wrote this guide: we used Airbnb’s published Türkiye rules and kept only what they state. We use AI tools to help research and draft, and an editor reviews each guide. See our Editorial Policy. Spotted an error? Use the contact page.
