Official Migration Statistics for Turkey in 2025; 25% Increase in Immigrant Arrivals

In its latest report released today, the Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜİK) provided precise details of the country's demographic movements in 2025. According to these statistics, the number of people who migrated to Turkey in 2025 reached 393,829, a significant increase compared to the previous year [1]. This figure represents a 25.2% growth in the incoming migration rate, which, despite economic challenges, continues to maintain Turkey as a key destination in the region.

Analyzing the Numbers: Inflow and Outflow Of the total 393,829 people who entered Turkey in 2025, 301,877 were foreign nationals and 91,952 were Turkish citizens returning from abroad [3]. Conversely, emigration statistics showed a 5% decrease. In 2025, a total of 403,216 people migrated from Turkey, of which 248,097 were foreign nationals and 155,119 were Turkish citizens [2]. This decrease in outflow statistics indicates relative stability in the retention of the immigrant population over the past calendar year.

Turkmenistan at the Top; Leading Nationalities in Migration One of the highlights of the 2025 report is the nationality composition of incoming immigrants. Citizens of Turkmenistan ranked first, accounting for 23.4% of all foreign immigrants [3]. Following them, citizens of Azerbaijan with 8.3%, Uzbekistan with 6.9%, Egypt with 6.1%, and Afghanistan with 5.8% occupied the subsequent ranks [1]. These statistics show that Turkey remains the primary destination for Central Asian countries and regional neighbors. The strong presence of Egyptian and Afghan nationals also indicates the continuation of migration patterns from the Middle East toward Anatolia.

Istanbul; The Main Population Magnet The geographical distribution of immigrants within Turkey once again emphasizes the centrality of Istanbul. According to the statistical center's data, 42.2% of all immigrants who entered Turkey chose Istanbul as their place of residence [2]. After this metropolis, the provinces of Antalya with 9.1%, Ankara with 6.7%, Izmir with 3.1%, and Bursa with 2.9% are the next most popular migration destinations [1]. The concentration of more than 40% of immigrants in Istanbul brings the city's urban management and infrastructure challenges into focus once again.

Age and Gender Structure: Young Immigrants An examination of the age structure of immigrants shows that a large portion of the movements is carried out by a young workforce. The highest rate of incoming migration was recorded in the 20-24 age group at 16.3% [3]. The 25-29 and 30-34 age groups followed in the subsequent ranks. In terms of gender, 56.6% of incoming immigrants were men and 43.4% were women [2]. A similar pattern prevails in the outgoing migration sector, where the highest emigration statistics belonged to the 25-29 age group, indicating the high mobility of this demographic in international movements.