Hong Kong SAR, China Net Migration
Net migration SM.POP.NETM
Hong Kong SAR, China's net migration was 17,863 in 2025, ranked 184th globally. This represents a 192.7% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
Hong Kong SAR, China's net migration stood at 17,863 in 2025, a rise of +37,135 from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 5,683 by 2026. Hong Kong SAR, China ranked 184th globally.
Hong Kong's net migration has experienced a significant fluctuation over the past 66 years, with the highest recorded inflow occurring in 1964 at 1,120,002 people. Conversely, the lowest net outflow was observed in 1967 with an outflow of 1,248,193 individuals, indicating a substantial reversal in population trends. From the 1960s to 2025, Hong Kong's net migration has generally trended downwards, with the latest recorded value standing at 17,863 people. This is comparable to countries like New Zealand, which has a net migration of 17,403 people, and Finland, with a net migration of 18,246 people. The decline in net migration is likely a result of changing economic conditions, with the territory's role in the global economy evolving over time. If Hong Kong's economic growth slows further or becomes less competitive, it could potentially exacerbate the downward trend in net migration, altering the territory's demographic landscape.
Data & projection
| Year | Net Migration | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 11,030 | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 8,356 | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 5,683 | - | - |
| 2025 | 17,863 | +37,135 | #184 |
| 2024 | -19,272 | −15,845 | #47 |
| 2023 | -3,427 | +0 | #73 |
| 2022 | -3,427 | +0 | #69 |
| 2021 | -3,427 | −1,627 | #78 |
| 2020 | -1,800 | +5,370 | #83 |
| 2019 | -7,170 | −5,945 | #68 |
| 2018 | -1,225 | −9,188 | #99 |
| 2017 | 7,963 | −2,299 | #151 |
| 2016 | 10,262 | −285 | #156 |
| 2015 | 10,547 | −9,907 | #166 |
| 2014 | 20,454 | −3,372 | #174 |
| 2013 | 23,826 | −11,731 | #174 |
| 2012 | 35,557 | +13,902 | #180 |
| 2011 | 21,655 | +13,348 | #174 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Hong Kong SAR, China matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2017. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw net migration improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Hong Kong SAR, China's net migration was 17,863 in 2025. Ranked 184th globally. This represents a 192.7% increase from the previous year.
Hong Kong SAR, China's net migration peaked at 1.1M in 1964.
The lowest net migration in Hong Kong SAR, China was -1.2M in 1967.
Hong Kong SAR, China ranks 184th globally in net migration as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SM.POP.NETM. Data sourced from World Bank.
Hong Kong SAR, China's net migration is projected to reach 5,683 by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The net migration of Hong Kong SAR, China in 2025 was 17,863. This ranks 184th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_hong-kong-sar-china_net-migration,
title = {Hong Kong SAR, China Net Migration},
url = {https://historysaid.com/hong-kong-sar-china/net-migration/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}