Over 1 million foreign nationals living in Türkiye
A bustling evening on Istiklal Avenue in Istanbul, as crowds enjoy the lively atmosphere and iconic red tram during the winter season, Türkiye, Dec. 31, 2023. (AA Photo)
As of March 13, the number of foreign nationals living in Türkiye with residence permits exceeded 1 million individuals, according to data from the Interior Ministry. A total of 1.08 million foreigners are residing in the country with valid residence permits.
Türkiye, with its strategic position connecting Asia and Europe, along with its natural beauty, stands out as a preferred destination for foreigners seeking to live elsewhere. In particular, Türkiye has become a safe haven for those fleeing the Russia-Ukraine war, hosting a significant number of migrants from both countries.
Top nationalities holding residence permits
The top countries of origin for foreign nationals holding residence permits in Türkiye include:
- Turkmenistan: 120,301
- Azerbaijan: 84,085
- Russia: 81,635
- Iran: 76,601
- Syria: 73,178
- Iraq: 68,341
- Uzbekistan: 58,208
- Kazakhstan: 43,934
- Afghanistan: 36,897
- Ukraine: 32,785
Impact of the Russia-Ukraine war
Türkiye has seen a significant influx of migrants from Russia and Ukraine since the onset of the Russia-Ukraine war. As of March 13, 114,420 Russian and Ukrainian nationals are living in Türkiye with residence permits.
The number of Russian and Ukrainian nationals holding residence permits peaked shortly after the war began in February 2022, reaching 201,533 on Jan. 19, 2023. By the end of 2023, the number had dropped to 137,829. Specifically, the number of Russian nationals decreased from 154,297 to 100,847, and the number of Ukrainian nationals dropped from 47,236 to 36,982.
Russians make up majority of family residence permits
Russians have been the leading nationality among those holding family residence permits in Türkiye. The number of foreign nationals in Türkiye with family residence permits is as follows:
- Russia: 16,469
- Ukraine: 6,570
- Uzbekistan: 15,629
- Azerbaijan: 14,402
- Turkmenistan: 10,121
- Morocco: 9,122
- Iran: 8,435
- Syria: 6,864
- Kyrgyzstan: 5,330
- Iraq: 4,945
Foreign population in Antalya
Antalya, one of the provinces that experienced a significant increase in foreign nationals due to the pandemic and the war between Russia and Ukraine, saw the number of foreigners with residence permits in the city peak at 157,575 on Jan. 19, 2023.
However, by Dec. 31, 2023, the number had decreased to 117,052, and as of March 13, 2025, it has further reduced to 108,506.
