The number of Russians living in Turkey has halved since 2023

Since 2023, the number of Russian citizens permanently residing in Turkey has decreased from 154 thousand to 85 thousand people. The Russian Embassy in Ankara informed Izvestia about this.

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"It is estimated that there is a steady decline in interest from Russian citizens in living in the Republic of Turkey which is associated with high inflation in the country and as a result a significant increase in real estate prices," the diplomatic mission said.

According to diplomats, foreigners in some areas are unable to buy or rent housing, and taxes have been increased for newcomers. Migration control has also been tightened.

"As a result, the number of Russian citizens permanently residing in Turkey has significantly decreased over the past two years: according to official statistics, if in 2023 this figure was 154 thousand people, then in 2025 it was only 85 thousand people," the Russian embassy explained.

Read more in the exclusive Izvestia article:

They don't need a shore: the number of Russians in Turkey has halved since 2023