Explore the latest TURKSTAT data regarding the foreign population in Turkey. Learn which cities host the most international residents and plan your move today.
Overview of Turkey's Foreign Population
TURKSTAT shares data every year about the foreign population in Turkey. These numbers include people with a residence permit or a work permit. Right now, about 1,333,410 foreign nationals live here. People move to Turkey for many reasons. Some come for jobs, others for school, and many choose to retire here.
Top Nationalities in the foreign population in Turkey
People from all over the world call Turkey home. But three countries stand out in the latest rankings. Iraqi citizens are the biggest group. Afghan nationals come in second. German citizens take the third spot. Many Germans here have Turkish roots or are retirees looking for sun. In 2020, the total count dropped by almost 200,000 people. This happened because of travel bans and shifts in the economy.
Foreigners usually pick big cities or coastal towns. They look for jobs, good hospitals, and nice weather.
Istanbul: The Main Choice
Istanbul is still the favorite. More than 450,584 foreign residents live there. It's the center of business and culture. Most people move there for trade or to attend top universities.
Ankara: The Capital City
Ankara is second on the list. It's the capital,
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Expert real estate consultant specializing in Turkish Citizenship by Investment programs. Helping international investors find their dream properties in Turkey.
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