Expat Population
Where Do Most Expats
Live in Turkey?
Turkey is home to hundreds of thousands of Western expats, retirees, and remote workers. Here's how the expat population breaks down by city — with nationality breakdowns and why each city attracts foreigners.
General · Ask the Turkey assistant
Quick Answer
Which Turkish city has the most expats?
Istanbul has by far the most expats in absolute numbers (200,000+). Antalya has the most expats on the Mediterranean coast (80,000–100,000). Fethiye has the highest concentration of British expats relative to its size. Alanya has the largest Scandinavian expat community.
- ›Istanbul: 200,000+ — most diverse, largest in absolute numbers
- ›Antalya: 80,000–100,000 — largest Mediterranean coast expat population
- ›Alanya: 20,000–30,000 — Scandinavian and Northern European hub
- ›Fethiye: 10,000–15,000 — British community heartland
Expat Population Overview
Estimates based on official registration data and community surveys. Actual figures are higher due to unregistered long-stay visitors.
| City | Registered Foreigners | Western Expats Est. | Top Nationality Groups | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Istanbul | 180,000+ | ~60,000 | Russian, German, American, British | Growing rapidly post-2022 |
| Antalya | 90,000 | ~45,000 | Russian, German, British, Dutch | Stable; steady growth |
| Alanya | 25,000 | ~22,000 | Norwegian, Swedish, German, Dutch | Mature, stable |
| Fethiye | 12,000 | ~11,000 | British, Irish, German | Stable; long-established |
| Bodrum | 12,000 | ~10,000 | British, German, Gulf nationals | Growing, younger buyers |
| Izmir | 20,000 | ~8,000 | American (NATO), German, British | Stable |
City-by-City Expat Breakdown
Istanbul
~200,000+
foreign residents
~180,000 registered foreigners · Monthly budget: €1,100–2,000
Istanbul has by far the largest expat population in Turkey — and one of the largest in Europe. The city's size, economic importance, and international connectivity draw professionals, entrepreneurs, retirees, and refugees from across the world. Western expats cluster in Beşiktaş, Kadıköy, Beyoğlu, and Şişli. Russian and post-Soviet communities are large in Şişli and Beyoğlu.
Top nationalities
Top neighbourhoods
• Kadıköy (European/young)
• Beşiktaş (professionals)
• Şişli (Russian/international)
• Nişantaşı (affluent)
Best for
Professionals, entrepreneurs, culture seekers
Why expats choose it
Business, finance, tech, culture, gateway city, lifestyle diversity
Antalya
~80,000–100,000
foreign residents
~90,000 registered foreigners · Monthly budget: €700–1,300
Antalya is Turkey's second-largest expat city and the largest expat destination on the Mediterranean coast. The city's combination of Mediterranean climate, beaches, good healthcare, and direct flights to European cities makes it attractive to retirees and remote workers from across Northern and Western Europe. Russian and post-Soviet nationals form the largest single group.
Top nationalities
Top neighbourhoods
• Konyaaltı (beach, Western expats)
• Lara (upscale, families)
• Muratpaşa (central, affordable)
Best for
Retirees, families, remote workers, property investors
Why expats choose it
Retirement, beach lifestyle, property investment, remote work base
Alanya
~20,000–30,000
foreign residents
~25,000 registered foreigners · Monthly budget: €550–1,000
Alanya has one of Turkey's highest concentrations of Scandinavian expats — the Norwegian community in particular is enormous and well-established, with its own community organisations and Norwegian-language services. The German and Dutch communities are also large. Alanya's low cost and warm climate made it a Northern European retirement favourite from the 1990s onward.
Top nationalities
Top neighbourhoods
• Mahmutlar (Scandinavian hub)
• Alanya Centre (mixed)
• Oba (modern, local mix)
• Kestel (quieter)
Best for
Scandinavian/Northern European retirees, budget-conscious expats
Why expats choose it
Northern European retirement migration, property investment, low cost of living
Fethiye
~10,000–15,000
foreign residents
~12,000 registered foreigners · Monthly budget: €600–1,100
Fethiye punches above its weight in expat popularity relative to its size. The British expat community is one of the most concentrated in Turkey — Fethiye, Hisarönü, and Ölüdeniz areas are genuinely dominated by British culture in terms of restaurants, pubs, services, and community events. Many British expats have lived here for 10–20+ years.
Top nationalities
Top neighbourhoods
• Çalış Beach (British hub)
• Fethiye Town (central)
• Ölüdeniz/Hisarönü (expat village)
Best for
British expats, sailing enthusiasts, retirees seeking community
Why expats choose it
British retirement destination, lifestyle migration, sailing community
Bodrum
~10,000–15,000
foreign residents
~12,000 registered foreigners · Monthly budget: €900–1,800
Bodrum attracts a different demographic — wealthier, more international, and more seasonal. The summer population of foreign residents and part-time residents is much larger than the year-round figure. British and European retirees, Gulf Arab holiday home owners, and Western professionals seeking a premium lifestyle all contribute to Bodrum's cosmopolitan character.
Top nationalities
Top neighbourhoods
• Yalikavak (marina, luxury)
• Bodrum Town (central)
• Gündoğan (quieter, value)
• Türkbükü (exclusive)
Best for
Affluent retirees, lifestyle migrants, part-time residents
Why expats choose it
Premium lifestyle, luxury property, Marina culture, high-net-worth retirees
Izmir
~15,000–25,000
foreign residents
~20,000 registered foreigners · Monthly budget: €800–1,500
Izmir's expat community is shaped significantly by the presence of NATO military facilities. American military families form a large component. Beyond military, Izmir's liberal, cosmopolitan atmosphere attracts European professionals, academics, and retirees who prefer city living to beach resorts.
Top nationalities
Top neighbourhoods
• Alsancak (expat hub, bars)
• Bornova (university area)
• Karşıyaka (residential)
• Çeşme (coastal, 50km)
Best for
City dwellers, professionals, academics, those wanting cosmopolitan Turkey
Why expats choose it
NATO military base, liberal city life, university, professionals, Aegean access
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How to Register as an Expat in Turkey
Once you have chosen your city, here are the first official steps every expat should take.
Apply for residence permit (ikamet)
Within 90 days of arrival. Online pre-application at e-ikamet.goc.gov.tr, then in-person appointment at your local Göç İdaresi office. See our full residence permit guide.
Get a notarised rental contract
A signed, notarised lease is required for the residence permit application. Standard printed contracts are not accepted — take your contract to a noter (notary office) for notarisation.
Obtain a Turkish tax number
A vergi numarası (tax number) is required for opening a bank account, buying property, and many official procedures. Obtainable at any local tax office (Vergi Dairesi) with your passport.
Open a Turkish bank account
Not mandatory but practically essential for paying rent, utilities, and receiving residence permit-related documents. VakıfBank, Ziraat Bankası, and HSBC Turkey are popular with expats.
Register at the muhtar office
For longer-term residents, registering at your local neighbourhood official (muhtar) office establishes your address officially for local purposes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many foreigners live in Turkey?
As of 2024, Turkey has approximately 4–5 million registered foreign residents, but the true figure including unregistered long-term visitors is higher. The largest groups are Syrian refugees (3.5 million+), Afghans, and Iranians. Among Western expats (European, American, Australian), the total is approximately 300,000–500,000.
Which Turkish city has the most expats?
Istanbul has by far the most expats in absolute numbers (200,000+), followed by Antalya (80,000–100,000). For Mediterranean coastal expats, Antalya is the hub. Alanya has the highest concentration of Scandinavian expats; Fethiye has the highest proportion of British expats relative to its size.
Where do British expats live in Turkey?
British expats are most concentrated in Fethiye (the largest British community relative to city size), Antalya, Alanya, Bodrum, Marmaris, and Didim. Fethiye is considered the "British heartland" of Turkey. Istanbul also has a significant professional British community in Beşiktaş and Kadıköy.
Where do Russian expats live in Turkey?
Russian nationals form one of Turkey's largest expat groups. Istanbul's Şişli district has a major Russian-speaking community. Antalya's Konyaaltı coast is heavily Russian. Alanya also has a significant Russian community. Migration from Russia increased substantially after 2022.
Where do Scandinavian expats (Norwegian, Swedish, Finnish) live in Turkey?
Alanya — particularly Mahmutlar — is the primary Scandinavian hub. The Norwegian community there has its own associations, Norwegian-language services, and has been established since the 1990s. Antalya also has a growing Scandinavian community. Fethiye has some, but far fewer.
Do expats need to register in Turkey?
Expats planning to stay more than 90 days must apply for a residence permit (ikamet). Registration at the nearest Göç İdaresi (immigration office) is required. Longer-term residents should also register with the population directorate (Nüfus Müdürlüğü). Many short-stay tourists on 90-day exemptions remain unregistered.
Is Antalya or Istanbul better for expats?
It depends entirely on your lifestyle priorities. Istanbul offers more culture, career opportunities, and diversity. Antalya offers Mediterranean lifestyle, beaches, better value, and a more relaxed pace. Most retirees, remote workers, and lifestyle migrants prefer Antalya; most professionals and entrepreneurs prefer Istanbul.
Which Turkish city is safest for expats?
Antalya, Fethiye, Alanya, and Bodrum all score very well on safety for expats. Crime rates in Turkish tourist towns are low. Istanbul is safe in expat areas but has more urban crime than coastal towns. Izmir is considered Turkey's most progressive and liberal city and has very low crime.
Can I retire in Turkey as an expat?
Yes — Turkey is an excellent retirement destination. There is no specific retirement visa, but a short-term residence permit (renewable annually) is straightforward for financially self-sufficient retirees. Alanya, Fethiye, and Antalya are the most popular retirement choices. See our retirement guide for full details.
How do I make friends and meet other expats in Turkey?
Expatriate Facebook groups (Alanya Expats, Fethiye Community, Antalya Expats) are the easiest first step. Most cities have regular expat meetups, pub quizzes, and club events. Coworking spaces in Antalya are excellent for meeting other remote workers. Language exchange events are also popular in Istanbul and Izmir.
Is it easy to get a residence permit in Turkey?
The short-term residence permit process is well-established and manageable. Key requirements: a notarised rental contract, valid passport, health insurance, proof of financial means, and an appointment at the immigration office. Processing takes 3–8 weeks. Most expats handle it without an agent but agencies are available for €100–200.
Do expats need to speak Turkish in Turkey?
In major expat areas (Konyaaltı in Antalya, Mahmutlar in Alanya, Çalış in Fethiye), English is widely spoken and some services operate in German or Norwegian. Daily life is possible without Turkish but learning basics significantly improves the experience. Istanbul and Izmir have the highest general English proficiency.
Explore expat cities
Best Neighborhoods Antalya
Where to rent in Antalya as an expat
Best Neighborhoods for Families
Family-friendly areas in Antalya
Cost of Living in Alanya
Detailed Alanya monthly budget guide
Cheapest Beach Towns Turkey
Most affordable coastal destinations
Best Value Cities Turkey
Quality of life vs cost comparison
Residence Permit Turkey
How to apply for an ikamet
Retire in Turkey
Best places to retire in Turkey
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