Russians, Ukrainians leave Türkiye en masse, figures show

In a surprising reversal of migration trends, Türkiye has witnessed a significant decline in the number of Russian and Ukrainian residents in 2023. For the first time in years, more Russians and Ukrainians have left Türkiye than arrived, marking a stark contrast to previous years of consistent growth.

A net total of 43,642 Russians left the country, detailed in the latest statistics from the Turkish Statistical Institute (TurkStat), highlights changing migration patterns and their broader implications on the country’s demographic and economic landscape.

53% increase in emigration from Türkiye

According to the TurkStat, recent international migration statistics revealed the following details:

• Emigration from Türkiye surged by 53% from the previous year, reaching a record high of 714,579 people.
• Russian citizens were the second-largest group of emigrants, following Turkish nationals.

Comparative analysis (2022 vs. 2023)

• 2022: The Ukraine war and resulting sanctions led to a net migration of 87,924 Russians to Türkiye.
  • Total Russian arrivals: 99,786
  • Total Russian departures: 11,862
• 2023: The trend reversed, with a net of 43,642 Russians leaving Türkiye.
  • Total Russian arrivals: 28,314
  • Total Russian departures: 71,956

Upward trend migration of Russians to Türkiye

This reversal marks a significant departure from the trend observed since 2016, where net migration of Russians to Türkiye had been consistently increasing:

• 2016: +2,745
• 2017: +1,544
• 2018: +9,347
• 2019: +10,129
• 2020: +7,269
• 2021: +24,279

Ukrainian migration trends

Ukrainian migration patterns also shifted dramatically in 2023:

• 2022: Net 28,304 Ukrainians migrated to Türkiye.
• 2023: Net 8,396 Ukrainians left Türkiye.
  • Total Ukrainian arrivals: 8,499
  • Total Ukrainian departures: 16,895

Impact on the housing market

The departure of Russians, who had significantly influenced Türkiye’s housing market in 2022, notably affected regions like Antalya:

• In February 2024, Antalya, previously a housing market hotspot due to the influx of Russians, saw a drastic drop in demand.
  • Annual official inflation: 67.07%
  • Antalya’s average annual rent increase: 25%
  • Antalya had the second-lowest annual increase in property sales prices per square meter: 38.1%

Data coverage and methodology

TurkStat’s annual migration flow statistics are based on:

• The Address Registration System (AKS) is maintained by the General Directorate of Population and Citizenship Affairs, which records both Turkish citizens and foreign residents in Türkiye.
• The database for Turkish citizens living abroad.

The statistics exclude:

• Deaths during the migration period
• Births occurring within Türkiye
• Delayed registration of births and deaths from previous years
• Naturalization processes
• Changes in the legal status of immigrants
• Delays in domestic and international address registrations
• Applications for residence and work permits
• Mandatory military service abroad