Turkey has one of the largest expat communities in the world. Millions of Turkish citizens and their descendants live outside Türkiye, forming vibrant communities across Europe, North America, and beyond. These Turkish expats not only preserve strong cultural ties but also build new opportunities in education, business, and professional life.
In this article, we’ll provide an overview of the Turkish diaspora, highlight the top countries where Turkish expats live, and explain why these destinations matter for Turkish-speaking professionals looking for opportunities abroad.
The Turkish Diaspora in Numbers
The Turkish diaspora is significant and continues to grow:
- According to Türkiye’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, more than 7.5 million Turkish citizens live abroad, with around 6 million in Western Europe.
- When including descendants of Turkish migrants, estimates rise to over 14 million people of Turkish origin worldwide.
- Migration trends started in the 1960s with European labor recruitment programs, particularly in Germany, and have since expanded to education, professional careers, and entrepreneurship.
These figures make Turkish communities an important part of global labor markets and cultural exchange.
Top Countries Hosting Turkish Expats
Germany – The Largest Turkish Community Abroad
- Population: Around 1.3 million Turkish citizens, and nearly 2.9 million with a Turkish migration background.
- Why Germany? Labor recruitment agreements in the 1960s (Gastarbeiter program) led to long-standing Turkish communities. Today, Germany remains the largest hub of the Turkish diaspora.
France
- Population: Estimates range from 800,000 to over 1 million people of Turkish origin.
- Why France? Turkish workers and families migrated in the 1970s, and the community continues to thrive in business, culture, and politics.
The Netherlands
- Population: Around 466,000 people with Turkish roots.
- Why the Netherlands? Turkish migrants first arrived as labor workers, but today many are active in small business, trade, and professional services.
Belgium
- Population: Between 250,000 and 500,000 people of Turkish origin.
- Why Belgium? Belgium attracted many Turkish migrants during the same labor migration wave as Germany and France.
Austria
- Population: Approximately 360,000–500,000 people with Turkish roots.
- Why Austria? Geographical proximity and labor demand made Austria a popular destination for Turkish migrants.
Switzerland
- Population: More than 120,000 Turkish-origin residents.
- Why Switzerland? The Turkish community here is smaller but well-integrated, often working in skilled professions.
United States
- Population: Estimates range from 850,000 to 1 million, while some Turkish organizations claim up to 3 million Turkish-origin individuals.
- Why the US? The US attracts Turkish students, professionals, and entrepreneurs in sectors such as technology, healthcare, and business.
Why These Countries?
The reasons Turkish expats concentrate in these countries are clear:
- Historical labor agreements with Germany, France, and the Netherlands shaped the largest communities.
- Proximity to Türkiye makes European countries attractive destinations for family connections and regular travel.
- Opportunities for education and business draw Turkish professionals to the US and other regions.
- Strong diaspora networks support integration, community life, and professional growth.
What This Means for Turkish-Speaking Professionals
For Turkish speakers considering international career opportunities:
- These diaspora hubs provide ready-made support networks.
- Professional associations and community organizations help with job search, networking, and cultural adaptation.
- Many companies abroad actively seek Turkish-speaking talent for roles in translation, business development, trade, and international relations.
If you’re looking to build a career abroad, understanding where Turkish expats live can help you choose the right destination and tap into supportive networks.
Useful Sources for Turkish Diaspora Information
- Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Citizens Abroad
- Hurriyet Daily News
- Wikipedia – Turkish Diaspora
- Statista – Turkish People in Europe
Conclusion
The Turkish diaspora is a powerful global community, spread across Europe, North America, and beyond. With Germany hosting the largest number of Turkish expats, followed by France, the Netherlands, Belgium, and the US, these communities continue to shape both Turkish society and the countries they now call home.
For Turkish-speaking professionals, this global presence means greater opportunities, stronger connections, and a supportive network no matter where you go.
At JobsInTurkish.com, we believe in empowering Turkish speakers to take advantage of these opportunities worldwide—whether you’re looking for your first job abroad or advancing in your international career.