Published on and written by Cyril Jarnias
Foreigners’ rights in Turkey is an ever-evolving field, reflecting both domestic political repercussions and regional geopolitical dynamics. At the heart of recent debates are legislative adjustments that could redefine not only the country’s immigration policies but also the daily lives of thousands of foreign residents.
At the dawn of 2025, emerging trends are targeting the regulation of migratory flows, the integration of refugees, and access to the labor market for non-citizens. As Turkey strengthens its ties with Europe and Asia, the international community’s watchful eye heightens the urgency for a strategy on foreigners’ rights that is both humane and pragmatic.
It is within this charged context that this article explores key developments from recent reforms and debates surrounding planned legislation, committed to providing an in-depth analysis of this complex subject.
Summary of Legislative Developments in Turkey
Summary of Legislative Developments in Turkey in the Field of Foreigners’ Rights
Overview of Recent Legislative Reforms
Since 2023, Turkey has undergone a series of major legislative reforms and adjustments concerning the status of foreigners, with a marked emphasis on migration control, revision of citizenship criteria, and border security. Several modifications have affected immigration, asylum, and integration procedures, notably including:
- The overhaul of citizenship criteria in 2025, focusing on professional skills and the economic contribution of applicants.
- The introduction of measures to speed up and make visa applications more transparent, while strengthening security checks.
- The nationwide rollout of the “Mobil Göç” system in 2023, enabling rapid identification of irregular migrants across the country.
Main Laws and Amendments Adopted or Under Discussion
| Year | Law or Mechanism | Main Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | “Mobil Göç” System | Strengthening control and identification of irregular migrants |
| 2025 | Revision of Citizenship Criteria | Prioritizing skills and economic contribution in access to citizenship |
| 2023-2024 | Multiple Judicial Decisions | Regulating the use of deportations and strengthening judicial oversight of forced returns |
Analysis of Implications for Rights and Access to Services
- Protection of Rights: Several national and European judicial decisions have denounced arbitrary deportations, despite the presence of valid residence permits or insufficient procedural guarantees. These practices raise concerns regarding compliance with the principle of non-refoulement and the Geneva Convention.
- Access to Public Services: The adopted measures tend to restrict access to new registrations for certain groups (notably Syrians since June 2022), effectively limiting their access to social rights, healthcare, education, and employment.
- Integration and Employment: The new citizenship conditions favor the admission of highly skilled professionals, while unskilled foreigners face stricter conditions for residence and labor market access.
Stakeholder Reactions
- Non-governmental organizations and foreigners’ associations regularly denounce the deterioration of procedural guarantees, the increase in forced deportations, and the lack of legal avenues to challenge administrative decisions.
- International law experts highlight the growing tension between Turkish national legislation and the country’s international commitments, particularly regarding refugee protection and respect for fundamental rights.
- Despite decisions by the European Court of Human Rights and Turkish courts favoring the protection of foreigners, the local implementation of these decisions remains highly uneven, fueling distrust among sector actors.
The current context is characterized by strengthened migration control, a selective approach to integration, and persistent tension between national security and effective protection of foreigners’ rights.
Good to Know:
Since 2023, Turkey has introduced several significant legislative reforms affecting foreigners’ rights. Amendments to the immigration law have strengthened asylum procedures, requiring stricter deadlines for processing applications, while new integration legislation provides better access to educational services, including subsidized Turkish language courses. Parliamentary discussion of a bill aimed at facilitating migrant integration into the labor market has sparked intense debate, particularly among non-governmental organizations, which express concerns about the equitable application of these reforms. International law experts note that while these developments offer new opportunities for foreigners, they also introduce a stricter framework for permanent residence. Foreigners’ associations have welcomed progress in rights protection but point to an increased need for awareness about access rights to public services, also criticizing persistent administrative delays.
Recent Immigration News in Turkey
Important Box:
Turkey has profoundly reformed its immigration policy since 2024, with an increasing focus on skill selection and the economic contribution of foreigners. Citizenship and work permit criteria have been revised to enhance the country’s attractiveness while protecting the local labor market.
Main Recent Legislative and Regulatory Developments
- Overhaul of Citizenship Criteria: In 2025, access to Turkish citizenship now places greater emphasis on professional skills and direct economic contributions (investment, business creation). Transparency and speed of procedures have been improved, making the process more predictable for qualified candidates.
- Work Permit Reform (effective January 1, 2025):
- A company wishing to hire a foreigner must justify that at least five Turkish citizens are employed for each foreign employee.
- Exception: For large companies with an annual net turnover exceeding 50 million TRY, this obligation does not apply for up to five foreign employees recruited.
- Criteria also include a minimum financial capacity and compliance with wage conditions stipulated by law.
| Criterion | Standard Requirement | Exception for Large Companies |
|---|---|---|
| Turkish/Foreign Worker Ratio | 5 Turkish citizens / foreigner | Not applicable for up to 5 foreigners |
| Financial Capacity | Proof required | Same |
| Compliance with Minimum Wages | Mandatory | Mandatory |
- Enhanced Security: Administrative controls have tightened regarding the origin of funds, reasons for entry/stay, and social integration.
- Administrative Simplification: Increased digitalization now facilitates certain online procedures (e-visa applications or renewals).
Recent Migration Flows
Turkey remains a major host country with approximately 3.2 million Syrians registered under temporary protection at the beginning of 2025. Other significant nationalities affected include: Afghans, Iraqis, Iranians, and Russians (since the Ukrainian conflict).
Approximately 180,000 new permits or annual renewals across all categories are issued to nationals from outside the EU/Schengen Area.
Nationalities Primarily Affected by Recent Immigration
- Syrians
- Afghans
- Iraqis
- Iranians
- Russians
Major Current Challenges
- Managing the high volume of long-term Syrian refugees;
- Pressure on urban infrastructure (housing, healthcare) in certain metropolises;
- Occasional social tensions around the sharing of local resources;
- Difficulty in sustainably integrating certain vulnerable groups into the formal labor market;
- Expected reinforcement of border controls on eastern borders due to a resurgence in regional migration.
Significant Political/Societal Trends
The government is pursuing a dual strategy: targeted openness towards skilled labor/foreign investors; increased restrictions regarding irregular or low-skilled migration.
“Our goal is regulated immigration that supports our economy while ensuring social cohesion,” stated a spokesperson for the Turkish ministry responsible for migration in early August 2025.
Expert Perspectives
According to several international analysts specializing in Euro-Mediterranean migrations, the shift towards a selective policy reflects Ankara’s stated desire “to gradually align with European standards without relinquishing its key regional role in humanitarian reception.”
Synthetic Statistics — Immigration to Turkey (Early 2025)
| Category | Approximate Figure |
|---|---|
| Syrian Refugees | ~3,200,000 |
| Annual Non-EU/Schengen Foreign Permit Applications | ~180,000 |
| Other Main Nationalities | Afghanistan (~120,000), Iraq (~95,000), Iran (>60,000), Russia (>45,000) |
Key Points for Future Residents/Expatriates
Documents Required for Residence/Work Applications
- Valid passport
- Completed official form
- Proof of accommodation + financial resources
- Health insurance covering entire stay duration
- Contract/university admission/work according to profile
Administrative procedures can be partially completed online; however, some documents must be submitted physically during an official appointment if required.
Special Box — International Mobility
Since July 2025, the European Union has significantly facilitated the progressive granting of long-term Schengen visas to Turkish nationals, thereby accelerating their legal professional or tourist mobility under strict conditions related to the proper prior use of issued visas.
Good to Know:
In 2023, Turkey adopted a series of legislative reforms aimed at strengthening border control and regulating migratory influxes, in response to increasing migration pressure. The new legal framework emphasizes border security while clarifying procedures for asylum seekers, reflecting a government priority in the face of the persistent refugee crisis, primarily from Syria and Afghanistan. According to the latest statistics, approximately 4 million refugees currently reside in Turkey, making it one of the world’s leading host countries. However, a major challenge remains the socio-economic integration of these vulnerable populations. Furthermore, the increasingly nationalist political climate could influence future reforms and complicates integration efforts. Experts emphasize the importance of sustainable solutions combining humanitarian aid and economic development, while the Ministry of the Interior advocates for increased cooperation with the European Union to manage this phenomenon in a coordinated manner.
Trends for Expatriates in 2025
Anticipated Legislative Reforms
- In 2025, Turkey is overhauling its citizenship and residence criteria, now focusing on the skills and economic contributions of expatriate candidates.
- New migration policies prioritize transparency and speed in processing applications, while strengthening security measures.
- Discussions are underway to reform taxation, particularly regarding income tax for freelancers and introducing an additional tax bracket for high incomes, directly impacting wealthy expatriates.
Growing Economic Sectors Attracting Expatriates
- Promising sectors in 2025 include:
- Information and communication technologies
- Renewable energy
- Real estate and construction
- Financial services and fintech
- High-end tourism and creative industries
- The government offers tax incentives and investment support in these sectors to attract skilled foreign labor and international entrepreneurs.
Visa and Work Permit Procedures: Expected Evolutions
- Procedures are now faster and digitized.
- Criteria for obtaining work and residence permits are more selective, prioritizing highly qualified profiles and investors.
- Particular emphasis is placed on the clarity and efficiency of administrative steps, although some profiles will still need to complete additional stages.
Integration and Support Policies for Expatriates
- Authorities seek to facilitate expatriate integration through:
- Multilingual guides and one-stop shops for administrative procedures
- Support measures for settlement (housing, children’s schooling, healthcare)
- Gradual adaptation of the legal framework to better protect the social and inheritance rights of foreigners residing in Turkey
- However, increased vigilance is exercised on security and tax compliance issues, in a context of alignment with international standards.
Demographic Data and Statistics on Expatriates in Turkey
| Year | Total Population | Number of Expatriates | Proportion of Expatriates | Main Nationalities |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 85,000,000 | 1,350,000 | 1.6% | Germany, Russia, Iran, Syria, France |
| 2025 (est.) | 86,200,000 | 1,510,000 | 1.75% | Germany, Russia, Iran, Syria, France |
The proportion of expatriates is slightly increasing, driven by the economic attractiveness of major cities (Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir) and tourist regions.
The typical expatriate profile is evolving: more qualified, younger, often carrying entrepreneurial projects or working in innovative sectors.
Influence of These Trends on the Daily Life and Rights of Expatriates
- Expatriates benefit from a modernized administration but must adapt to more rigorous and selective legislation.
- Inheritance rights are harmonized: foreigners owning property in Turkey are subject to the Turkish Civil Code, particularly regarding compulsory heirship, requiring adaptation of their estate planning.
- The digitization of administrative procedures and the upgrading of support services facilitate integration, while requiring constant monitoring of evolving laws and procedures.
Key Points to Remember:
- Focus on skills and investment in migration reforms.
- Innovative and attractive sectors for new expatriates.
- Faster administrative procedures but also more selective.
- Growing expatriate population, with a more qualified profile.
- Inheritance and tax rights to monitor closely to anticipate any changes impacting the daily life and projects of expatriates.
Good to Know:
In 2025, expatriates in Turkey will need to consider anticipated legislative reforms that may influence their status, notably with the simplification of visa and work permit procedures to attract talent to growing sectors like technology and renewable energy. The Turkish government plans to implement policies favoring their integration, while simultaneously tightening certain norms to better regulate their stay. Compared to 2023, where expatriates represented about 2.5% of the population, this figure could increase with the growing appeal of the Turkish economy. New expatriates will benefit from smoother digital administrative processes, a notable advantage compared to the longer processes of previous years. Local authorities are also considering social integration programs, offering language courses and workshops on Turkish culture to aid better immersion.
Planned Reforms for the Year 2025
The main legislative reforms of foreigners’ rights in Turkey planned for 2025 focus on overhauling citizenship criteria, simplifying administrative processes, and introducing new social and integration rights.
Main Legislative Reforms
- Restructuring citizenship criteria: priority given to professional skills and economic contribution.
- Simplification of administrative procedures: generalization of the e-appointment system, full digitization of visa and residence permit applications.
- Modification of work permit conditions: obligation for each company to employ five Turkish citizens per foreign worker (with exceptions for large companies).
- New social policies: expanded access to certain social rights for resident foreigners.
| Reform | Description |
|---|---|
| Citizenship | Accelerated process for highly qualified professionals. |
| Residence Permit | Digitized procedures via e-appointment. |
| Work Permit | Mandatory 1 foreigner/5 Turkish employees ratio; relaxation if turnover > 50M TL. |
| Social Rights | Progressive extension to local social benefits. |
Targeted Objectives
- Strengthen attractiveness for international talent.
- Increase transparency and reduce average administrative processing time.
- Protect the local labor market while facilitating access to certain strategic professions.
- Promote better social integration through expanded access to public services.
Changes to Permanent Residence
- Automated process with shortened deadlines thanks to digitalization
- Priority given to highly qualified profiles
- Facilitated access conditional on investment or rare skills
New Integration Policies and Social Rights
- Progressive access to certain benefits (healthcare, education)
- Mandatory language programs in the residence pathway
- Facilitation in banking, schooling, municipal registration
Reactions from Organizations Defending Foreigners’ Rights
- Some NGOs welcome the digitalization that reduces bureaucratic obstacles but denounce the maintenance or tightening of the imposed labor market ratio deemed restrictive.
- Associations demand more equity in access to social assistance and better family consideration during group applications.
Potential Implications for the Foreign Community in Turkey
| Positive Impact | Negative Impact |
|---|---|
| Faster procedures | Increased risk of exclusion based on professional criteria |
| Increased transparency | Maintenance of local employment barrier |
| Better integration | Persistent complexity for non-priority profiles |
Statistical Data or Forecasts:
- Government forecast: expected increase of +20% in annual visas issued thanks to digitalization
- Anticipated rise (+30%) in the total number of highly qualified workers settled between January-December 2025
- Estimated macroeconomic effect: additional contribution to GDP between 0.7% – 1% linked to this new attractiveness
The reforms primarily aim at increased attractiveness for sought-after profiles while rigorously framing their social and economic impact. Advocacy groups remain vigilant regarding the effective respect of fundamental rights during this legislative transition.
Good to Know:
In 2025, Turkey will implement significant reforms to foreigners’ rights, aiming to simplify administrative processes for visa and residence permit applications. Conditions for obtaining permanent residence will be relaxed, promoting better integration of foreigners. New social integration policies will include expanded access to social rights such as healthcare and education. These reforms have elicited mixed reactions among foreigners’ rights organizations, some welcoming the initiative while others raise concerns about their practical implementation. Forecasts indicate a positive economic impact with a potential increase in foreign investment and improved social cohesion in urban areas. However, these reforms will require close monitoring to ensure they effectively benefit the foreign community without discrimination.
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Cyril Jarnias is an independent expert in international wealth management with over 20 years of experience. As an expatriate himself, he is dedicated to helping individuals and business leaders build, protect, and pass on their wealth with complete peace of mind.
On his website, cyriljarnias.com, he shares his expertise on international real estate, offshore company formation, and expatriation.
Thanks to his expertise, he offers sound advice to optimize his clients' wealth management. Cyril Jarnias is also recognized for his appearances in many prestigious media outlets such as BFM Business, les Français de l’étranger, Le Figaro, Les Echos, and Mieux vivre votre argent, where he shares his knowledge and know-how in wealth management.
