Turkey’s foreign resident population has grown nearly sixfold over the past 20 years, reaching 1,084,501 people with residence permits as of April 2025, according to data released by the country’s Immigration Directorate.
The figures, dated April 3, show a dramatic increase from 178,964 foreign residents in 2005, with numbers peaking at 1.34 million in 2022 during the Russia-Ukraine war before declining slightly in subsequent years.
Short-term residence permits account for the largest category with 481,311 holders, followed by student permits (187,751) and family residence permits (150,991). The “other” category comprises 264,448 permit holders.
Istanbul hosts the largest foreign population with 534,027 residents, followed by Antalya (114,510) and Ankara (69,632). The provinces with the smallest numbers are Tunceli (72), Muş (132) and Bitlis (223).
Turkmenistan nationals form the largest group with 121,990 residents, followed by those from Azerbaijan (85,331), Russia (81,413), Iran (76,416) and Syria (73,063).
The data reveal distinct patterns in permit types across nationalities. Iraqi citizens lead in short-term residence permits (53,462), while Turkmenistan nationals predominate among student permit holders (28,725). Russian citizens top the family residence permit category with 16,625 holders.
Foreign resident numbers remained relatively stable between 2005 and 2010 before beginning a steady climb after 2011. The population increased significantly from 234,268 in 2011 to 422,895 in 2015 and 856,470 in 2018.
After reaching 1.1 million in 2019, the numbers temporarily dropped to 886,653 in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic before rebounding to 1.31 million in 2021. The 2022 peak of 1.34 million reflected the impact of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, with numbers subsequently declining to 1.1 million in 2023 and 1.05 million in 2024 before the slight increase recorded in April 2025.
Meanwhile according to the “World’s Wealthiest Cities 2025” report, jointly prepared by Henley & Partners, a leading investment migration consultancy, and New World Wealth, a global data intelligence firm, Turkey is home to 40,200 millionaires, 131 centi-millionaires, and 16 billionaires. Istanbul alone hosts 15,000 millionaires, 58 centi-millionaires and 10 billionaires.
The report estimates Turkey’s total liquid wealth at approximately $945 billion, with per capita liquid assets averaging $11,200.
Burak Demirel, managing partner of Henley & Partners Turkey, stressed İstanbul’s growing prominence: “İstanbul is not just Turkey’s financial hub but also a gateway between Europe and the Middle East. Its lifestyle offerings, investment opportunities, and cultural richness are making İstanbul and Bodrum increasingly visible on the global wealth map.”
Demirel noted strong international interest in Turkey’s residence-by-investment programs, adding, “For global investors, Turkey is no longer just a holiday destination but a robust alternative for living and asset diversification.”