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Emigration from Türkiye dropped sharply in 2024, falling by over 40% compared to the previous year, according to newly released data from the Turkish Statistical Institute (TurkStat).
Meanwhile, immigration levels remained relatively steady, with a minor decline of just 0.6%, signaling notable changes in cross-border population flows.
A total of 424,345 people left Türkiye in 2024, the lowest number since 2021. Of this figure, 55.7% were men and 44.3% were women. Turkish citizens made up 151,140 of the total emigrants, while the remaining 273,205 were foreign nationals.
The largest share of those emigrating fell within the 25–29 age group, accounting for 14.4% of the total, followed by the 20–24 age group at 12.2%, and 30–34 at 12.1%. These figures suggest that younger, working-age populations remain the most mobile, whether for educational, economic, or personal reasons.
Foreign nationals emigrating from Türkiye were led by Iraqi citizens at 17.4%. Afghan nationals followed at 13.1%, with Russians (10.2%), Iranians (5.9%), and Turkmen citizens (5.8%) rounding out the top five.
Türkiye received 314,588 immigrants in 2024, only slightly down from 2023. Men accounted for 54.5% of arrivals, and women 45.5%. Of the total, 103,732 were Turkish citizens returning or relocating, while 210,856 were foreign nationals.
The top age group among immigrants was 20–24, representing 14.7% of the total. This was followed by the 25–29 group at 12.1%, and the 30–34 group at 10.3%, confirming that Türkiye continues to attract younger populations seeking opportunity or refuge.
Among foreign nationals arriving in Türkiye, Azerbaijanis made up the largest group at 9.9%, narrowly ahead of Turkmenistan (9.8%), Uzbekistan (7.6%), Russia (7.5%), and Iran (5.9%).
Istanbul retained its position as the most dynamic city in migration flows. It received 32.8% of all immigrants to Türkiye, followed by Antalya (8.5%), Ankara (7.4%), Mersin (5.5%), and Izmir (3.7%).
The city also accounted for the largest share of outgoing residents, making up 34% of the total emigration. Ankara (8.5%), Antalya (7.8%), Izmir (3.3%), and Mersin followed as the main contributors to outward migration.
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