Foreign-born population – 2025 | 3.4% of the population | Main countries of birth: Bulgaria (11%), Germany (11%), Syria (10%) |
Size: 3 million, 54% women | Evolution since 2015: +89% |
International Migration Outlook 2026
50th Edition
Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan were the top three nationalities of newcomers in 2024. Among the top 15 countries of origin, Uzbekistan registered the strongest increase (5 100) and Russia the largest decrease (‑12 000) in flows to Türkiye compared to the previous year.
In 2025, the number of first asylum applicants decreased by ‑28%, to reach around 6 500. The majority of applicants came from Afghanistan (3 500), Iraq (1 500) and Iran (600). The largest increase since 2024 concerned nationals of Ukraine (100) and the largest decrease nationals of Afghanistan (‑2 100).
Emigration of Turkish citizens to OECD countries decreased by ‑23% in 2024, to 122 000. Approximately 48% of this group migrated to Germany, 8% to the Netherlands and 7% to the United States.
In terms of labour migration governance, the International Labour Force Advisory Board chaired by the Minister of Labour and Social Security has begun to convene in 2025 and continued to ensure co‑ordination among relevant public institutions via working group meetings.
As a follow-up to updates to the “Work Permit Evaluation Criteria” in 2024 including measures to introduce sectoral flexibility and employment exemptions in sectors where local labour supply is insufficient, livestock sector-specific steps are taken by the Ministry of Labour and Social Security as of June 2025 targeting foreign shepherds and herd managers to be employed in registered livestock enterprises. In this scope, enterprises may employ up to three foreign workers provided that they meet eligibility criteria based on herd size. This measure aims to reduce informal employment and support the sustainability of the livestock sector.
Similarly, starting from the last quarter of 2024, for foreigners seeking employment in the domestic service without a valid work permit, a six‑month residence permit is issued based on the employer’s notarised guarantee and this information is transmitted to the Ministry of Labour and Social Security by the Presidency of Migration Management to allow work permit applications with a view to address sector’s needs and to ensure formal employment.
During 2025, digital work permit application systems (including web services among relevant authorities) have been upgraded and made more functional, and provincial specialised information offices have been operationalised across the country to provide face‑to-face guidance on legal pathways for labour market access and work permit processes to promote formal employment.
On the other hand, regulatory framework to tackle informality has been updated so that the administrative detention and deportation costs (up to three months) of foreigners and their family members in cases of employment without a work permit are now to be covered directly by the employer (rather than being a burden on the public budget) was introduced in 2025.
Driven by these initiatives, the growth trend in the number of work permits and exemptions for foreigners persisted, surging by 21% compared to the previous year to surpass 520 000 in 2025 indicating positive employment outcomes and a higher rate of formality.
With respect to Syrians under temporary protection, voluntary, safe, regular and dignified returns still remain a priority area within Türkiye’s migration governance framework. To accommodate cautious approach of refugees, those wishing to observe conditions in Syria before making a final decision were allowed to undertake up to three “go-and-see” visits between 1 January and 1 July 2025. This permission was granted to one family member, referred to as the “pioneer”. As of August 2026, more than 730 000 Syrians under temporary protection have returned to Syria since 8 December 2024.
For further information: www.csgb.gov.tr/uigm/en/ | www.turkiyetechvisa.gov.tr | www.goc.gov.tr
