9% Growth in Residence Permits for Foreigners in Aydın, Turkey

Aydın province, located on the Aegean coast, has once again emerged as a popular destination for foreign migrants and investors. According to reports published on June 28, 2026, statistics show that the number of foreign nationals who have successfully obtained residence permits in this province has grown significantly over the past two years [1].

Statistical Analysis: Steady Growth in the Heart of the Aegean According to data from the Aydın Provincial Directorate of Migration Management, the number of individuals with residence permits increased from 9,747 in June 2024 to 10,640 in June 2026. This statistical jump represents an approximate 9% growth over the two-year period, recorded despite changes in Turkey's migration policies [2]. In the first four months of 2026 alone, more than 560 people were added to the province's foreign resident population, indicating an acceleration of this trend in recent months [3].

National Diversity: 120 Countries in One Province One of the highlights of recent reports is the unique cultural diversity in Aydın. Currently, citizens from 120 different countries live in the province. Coastal cities such as Kuşadası and Didim have played the largest role in attracting this population due to their tourism infrastructure and quality of life [1]. This national diversity has not only contributed to the region's cultural richness but has also served as a driving force for the local economy and the housing market in western Turkey.

Refugee Status and Demographic Statistics While official residency figures (tourist, work, and family) are on the rise, statistics for individuals under temporary protection (Syrian refugees) show an opposite trend. By mid-June 2026, the number of Syrians living in Aydın decreased to 6,643, accounting for only 0.56% of the province's total population of 1.17 million [2]. This decrease indicates demographic shifts and changes in the composition of foreign nationals residing in the region.

Challenges and Legal Changes in 2026 The increase in the number of foreign residents in Aydın comes at a time when the Turkish government has significantly increased residence permit fees as of May 2026 [4]. These new regulations, aimed at better managing migration flows and increasing state revenues, include stricter address verification and financial solvency checks for applicants. Nevertheless, Aydın's natural and historical attractions have ensured that the province maintains its position as one of Turkey's primary migration hubs [3].