Istanbul dominates the residence permit statistics in Turkey, with 579,932 foreign residents, as of December 31, 2025. According to data from the Presidency of Migration, Istanbul is the leading city with figures more than five times those of Antalya (109,571), the country’s second most popular city for foreign residents.
The gap between the number of Istanbul’s residence permit holders and the Mediterranean hotspot’s reveals a shift from resort living to practical settlement priorities.
According to the data, Turkish residence permit numbers in 2025 reached 1,151,969, recovering from the last two years’ decline. Istanbul has become the leading destination, hosting the most foreigners with residence permits, followed by Antalya, with six-figure numbers. On the other hand, Ankara sits in third place with 73,263, followed by Bursa (47,961) and Mersin (36,533), while Tunceli is in last place with 204.
Leading Nationalities Among Residence Permit Holders
Turkmenistan ranks as the nationality with the most permit holders at 170,259, followed by Azerbaijan (92,132), Syria (79,455), Iran (74,123), and Russia (72,442), rounding out the top five. The leading nationalities change depending on the type of permit. Turkmenistan maintains its first place in student permit statistics, with 57,815 permit holders, ahead of Iran (25,544) and Azerbaijan (19,375). For short-term permits, Syria (57,216) emerges as the top nationality, followed by Iraq (40,055) and Turkmenistan (38,834).
Why Expats Choose Istanbul Over Coastal Cities for Living
The data from the Ministry of Interior’s migration office reveals a stark gap between Istanbul and popular coastal areas in terms of foreign residency in Turkey. İzmir ranks sixth with 31,650 foreign residents, while Muğla, home to Bodrum, holds seventh place with 20,780.
This is mostly due to the lifestyle differences between the metropolitan hubs and seaside towns. While coastal areas like Antalya appeal to retirees and vacation-home seekers, Istanbul offers more opportunities in certain aspects.
Antalya’s foreign residents mostly reside in towns like Alanya and Belek, areas that are slower than big cities, especially outside of tourist season. Meanwhile, moving to Istanbul offers a dynamic life with year-round vitality; businesses remain open, academic calendars run consistently, and expats blend naturally into daily life in the city. There are many reasons why foreigners settle in Istanbul, let’s look at the main factors behind this preference.
Istanbul’s Professional Scene and Job Opportunities for Foreigners
Finding a job and working in Istanbul as a foreigner is easier than in any other city. There are many opportunities across international companies, global headquarters, diverse sectors, and a vibrant startup scene where tech and creative industries are thriving. Expats seeking career growth opportunities find Istanbul’s business scene appealing. Whereas seaside cities usually cater to certain sectors more, primarily tourism and hospitality, career progression in these places looks different.
Digital nomads in Istanbul thrive with abundant coworking spaces, strong networking communities, and reliable internet speed in the city. While coastal cities may appeal to those seeking slower lifestyles and beachside living, this metropolitan hub offers global connectivity and professional networks.
Education and Healthcare: Infrastructure That Supports Long-Term Living
Prestigious Universities and International Schools in Istanbul
Istanbul hosts some of the best schools in Turkey, with universities in the global ranks and numerous international schools with foreign language curricula. While İstanbul’s universities draw students from around the world, a wide selection of international schools caters to expat families.
For foreign students, the city offers greater access to internships and career opportunities compared to seaside areas. Istanbul’s quality and quantity of offerings far exceed those in coastal cities and especially resort towns.
World-Class Healthcare in Istanbul
Turkey has a growing number of JCI-accredited hospitals in Istanbul, a certification recognized as a global quality standard. For residents, public healthcare costs little to nothing, making it highly accessible. On the other hand, private hospitals with English-speaking staff cater to expat needs. While coastal cities and towns do have quality medical facilities, specialized doctors and treatments, as well as international clinics are concentrated in Istanbul.
Istanbul’s Property Market in a Global Investment Context
Foreign investors usually seek short-term residence permits for property purchases, and Istanbul is one of the leading destinations. The city’s diverse neighborhoods and wide range of real estate options appeal to many buyers. From luxury Bosphorus-view units to family homes in residential districts and investment properties, buyers can find options across all price ranges, making Istanbul's market highly accessible. Demand also favors long-term rentals over holiday lets, providing rental income, capital growth, and long-term residency potential. This makes Istanbul ideal for first-time investors as well as seasoned ones. The city's real estate market offers stability through its multiple sectors and property types, while coastal areas primarily attract vacation home and lifestyle buyers, as well as short-term rental investors.
Overall, many foreigners apply for a residence permit in Istanbul for varied reasons and priorities, reflecting wider trends shaping expat life in Turkey. While Turkey has emerged as a premier destination for foreign residents, Istanbul remains the top choice for those seeking comprehensive urban infrastructure and global connectivity.
