Which country did Turkey receive the most immigrants from? TurkStat announced 2025 data

TurkStat has published the International Migration Statistics for 2025. According to the data, while the number of people arriving in Turkey increased compared to the previous year, a decrease was recorded in the number of people migrating abroad. Istanbul was the province that both received the most immigrants and saw the most emigration.

THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE ARRIVING IN TURKEY ROSE TO 393,829

According to the data announced by the Turkish Statistical Institute, the number of people who migrated to Turkey from abroad in 2025 increased by 25.2 percent compared to the previous year, reaching 393,829. Of those arriving, 56.6 percent were men and 43.4 percent were women.

Of those who came to Turkey, 91,952 were Turkish citizens, while 301,877 were foreign nationals.

THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE MIGRATING ABROAD WAS 403,216

In 2025, the number of people who migrated from Turkey to other countries decreased by 5 percent compared to the previous year, recorded at 403,216. Of those who migrated, 55.3 percent were men and 44.7 percent were women.

Of those who left Turkey, 155,119 were Turkish citizens and 248,097 were foreign nationals.

YOUNG AGE GROUPS STOOD OUT IN MIGRATION MOBILITY

Among those arriving in Turkey, the highest share was seen in the 20-24 age group at 16.3 percent. This group was followed by the 25-29 age group at 13.7 percent and the 30-34 age group at 11.5 percent.

Among those who left Turkey, the largest share belonged to the 25-29 age group at 14.3 percent. This was followed by the 20-24 age group at 12.5 percent and the 30-34 age group at 12 percent.

ISTANBUL WAS THE PROVINCE THAT BOTH RECEIVED THE MOST IMMIGRANTS AND SAW THE MOST EMIGRATION

When looking at the distribution by province, it was observed that 42.2 percent of those arriving in Turkey settled in Istanbul. Istanbul was followed by Antalya with 9.1 percent, Ankara with 6.7 percent, Izmir with 3.1 percent, and Bursa with 2.9 percent.

In the distribution of those who migrated from Turkey abroad by province, Istanbul also ranked first with 35.4 percent. Following Istanbul were Ankara with 8.7 percent, Antalya with 6.5 percent, Mersin with 4.3 percent, and Izmir with 3.7 percent.

TURKMENISTAN CITIZENS CAME TO TURKEY THE MOST

Among foreign nationals arriving in Turkey in 2025, citizens of Turkmenistan ranked first with 23.4 percent. Turkmenistan was followed by citizens of Azerbaijan with 8.3 percent, Uzbekistan with 6.9 percent, Egypt with 6.1 percent, and Afghanistan with 5.8 percent.

Among foreign nationals who left Turkey, Iraqi citizens ranked first with 15.7 percent. Iraq was followed by citizens of Afghanistan with 11.2 percent, the Russian Federation with 7.6 percent, Iran with 6.3 percent, and Turkmenistan with 5.7 percent.

News Source: İHA