Belgium Net Migration
Net migration SM.POP.NETM
Belgium's net migration was 31,989 in 2025, ranked 190th globally. This represents a 11.7% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
Belgium's net migration stood at 31,989 in 2025, a decline of +4,254 from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 30,580 by 2026. Belgium ranked 190th globally.
Belgium's net migration has experienced significant fluctuations over the 66-year period, as evident from the drastic contrast between its all-time peak and trough. In 2022, the country witnessed a net migration of 118,615 individuals, more than ten times the 1982 low of 1,100, demonstrating the profound impact of demographic trends and economic policies. A closer examination of the numbers reveals that Belgium's position among its peer countries is stable, ranking 196th globally in 2025 with a net migration of 31,989, closer to Norway's 29,798 than Ireland's 35,417. The country's migration dynamics are expected to remain volatile, influenced by factors such as economic conditions, labor market demand, and regional integration policies. A shift in the European Union's migration policies or significant changes in Belgium's economic landscape could alter the trajectory of its net migration, potentially leading to increased or decreased migration flows in the years to come.
Data & projection
| Year | Net Migration | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 17,295 | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 23,937 | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 30,580 | - | - |
| 2025 | 31,989 | −4,254 | #190 |
| 2024 | 36,243 | −5,436 | #186 |
| 2023 | 41,679 | −76,936 | #183 |
| 2022 | 118,615 | +94,598 | #191 |
| 2021 | 24,017 | −19,760 | #181 |
| 2020 | 43,777 | −14,692 | #191 |
| 2019 | 58,469 | +7,865 | #190 |
| 2018 | 50,604 | +12,623 | #186 |
| 2017 | 37,981 | +9,891 | #181 |
| 2016 | 28,090 | −35,446 | #174 |
| 2015 | 63,536 | +26,064 | #191 |
| 2014 | 37,472 | +9,406 | #182 |
| 2013 | 28,066 | −16,935 | #178 |
| 2012 | 45,001 | −7,463 | #182 |
| 2011 | 52,464 | −52,768 | #186 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Belgium matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2021. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw net migration improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Belgium's net migration was 31,989 in 2025. Ranked 190th globally. This represents a 11.7% decrease from the previous year.
Belgium's net migration peaked at 118,615 in 2022.
The lowest net migration in Belgium was 1,100 in 1982.
Belgium ranks 190th globally in net migration as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SM.POP.NETM. Data sourced from World Bank.
Belgium's net migration is projected to reach 30,580 by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The net migration of Belgium in 2025 was 31,989. This ranks 190th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_belgium_net-migration,
title = {Belgium Net Migration},
url = {https://historysaid.com/belgium/net-migration/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}