The number of people immigrating to Türkiye increased significantly in 2025, while the number of those leaving the country declined, according to migration statistics released by the Turkish Statistical Institute (TurkStat) on Wednesday.

The data showed that 393,829 people immigrated to Türkiye during 2025, marking a 25.2 percent increase compared to the previous year. At the same time, the number of emigrants fell by 5 percent to 403,216 people.

Immigration Rises Sharply

According to TurkStat, men accounted for 56.6 percent of all immigrants arriving in Türkiye in 2025, while women represented 43.4 percent.

Of the total number of immigrants, 91,952 were Turkish citizens returning or relocating to the country, while 301,877 were foreign nationals.

The figures indicate a notable increase in Türkiye’s attractiveness as a destination for migration despite ongoing regional and global economic challenges.

More Than 403,000 People Left Türkiye

While immigration increased, the number of people emigrating from Türkiye declined compared to the previous year.

A total of 403,216 people left the country in 2025, with men accounting for 55.3 percent of emigrants and women making up 44.7 percent.

Among those who emigrated, 155,119 were Turkish citizens and 248,097 were foreign nationals.

Young Adults Dominated Migration Flows

The data showed that migration continued to be concentrated among younger age groups.

Among immigrants, the largest share belonged to individuals aged 20–24, who accounted for 16.3 percent of all arrivals. This group was followed by those aged 25–29, representing 13.7 percent, and those aged 30–34, accounting for 11.5 percent.

A similar pattern was observed among emigrants. The 25–29 age group represented the largest share of departures at 14.3 percent, followed by the 20–24 age group with 12.5 percent and the 30–34 age group with 12 percent.

These figures suggest that migration movements in Türkiye remain heavily concentrated among working-age and young adult populations.

İstanbul Remained the Main Migration Hub

As in previous years, İstanbul remained the province receiving the largest number of immigrants.

According to the data, 42.2 percent of all immigrants settled in İstanbul during 2025. The city was followed by Antalya with 9.1 percent, Ankara with 6.7 percent, İzmir with 3.1 percent, and Bursa with 2.9 percent.

İstanbul also recorded the highest number of emigrants, accounting for 35.4 percent of all departures from Türkiye.

The city was followed by Ankara with 8.7 percent, Antalya with 6.5 percent, Mersin with 4.3 percent, and İzmir with 3.7 percent.

The figures underline İstanbul’s continued role as the country's primary center for migration, employment, education, and international mobility.

Turkmenistan Citizens Led Foreign Immigration

When foreign nationals arriving in Türkiye were examined by nationality, citizens of Turkmenistan constituted the largest group, accounting for 23.4 percent of all foreign immigrants in 2025.

They were 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.

Iraqis Led Foreign Emigration

Among foreign nationals leaving Türkiye, citizens of Iraq formed the largest group, accounting for 15.7 percent of all foreign emigrants.

They were followed by citizens of Afghanistan with 11.2 percent, Russia with 7.6 percent, Iran with 6.3 percent, and Turkmenistan with 5.7 percent.

Migration Balance Remains Nearly Even

The latest figures indicate that Türkiye experienced nearly balanced migration flows in 2025, with immigration totaling 393,829 people and emigration reaching 403,216.

The statistics highlight Türkiye’s continued role as both a destination and transit country for international migration, while also reflecting ongoing mobility among Turkish citizens and foreign nationals alike. (ILKHA)