Kazakhstan Net Migration
Net migration SM.POP.NETM
Kazakhstan's net migration was -8,834 in 2025, ranked 68th globally. This represents a 19.9% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
Kazakhstan's net migration stood at -8,834 in 2025, a decline of +1,466 from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach -12,370 by 2026. Kazakhstan ranked 68th globally.
Kazakhstan’s net migration has swung dramatically over the 66‑year span covered by World Bank data, moving from a high of 135,047.00 in 1977 to a historic low of –520,028.00 in 1994, reflecting the country’s transition from a Soviet republic to an independent market economy and the associated socioeconomic upheavals. After the 1990s trough, the flow gradually moderated, reaching a modest positive balance of 83,525.00 in 1960 before turning negative again in recent years; the latest figure for 2025 stands at –8,834.00, placing Kazakhstan 68th globally and aligning closely with peers such as Montenegro (–9,279.00) and Nicaragua (–8,371.00). The persistent outflow suggests that labor‑market constraints, demographic pressures and limited pull factors continue to outweigh immigration incentives. Should the government succeed in diversifying the economy, improving wage levels and easing residency rules, the negative net migration could stabilize or even reverse, altering the current downward trajectory.
Data & projection
| Year | Net Migration | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | -22,606 | - | - |
| 2027* trend | -17,488 | - | - |
| 2026* trend | -12,370 | - | - |
| 2025 | -8,834 | −1,466 | #68 |
| 2024 | -7,368 | −2,546 | #70 |
| 2023 | -4,822 | −50,577 | #69 |
| 2022 | 45,755 | +55,559 | #174 |
| 2021 | -9,804 | −1,088 | #55 |
| 2020 | -8,716 | −11,310 | #55 |
| 2019 | 2,594 | +9,238 | #147 |
| 2018 | -6,644 | −27,892 | #67 |
| 2017 | 21,248 | +11,770 | #171 |
| 2016 | 9,478 | +11,489 | #154 |
| 2015 | -2,011 | +8,159 | #97 |
| 2014 | -10,170 | −6,245 | #69 |
| 2013 | -3,925 | +587 | #77 |
| 2012 | -4,512 | −1,352 | #80 |
| 2011 | -3,160 | +3,680 | #83 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Kazakhstan matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2010. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw net migration improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Kazakhstan's net migration was -8,834 in 2025. Ranked 68th globally. This represents a 19.9% decrease from the previous year.
Kazakhstan's net migration peaked at 135,047 in 1977.
The lowest net migration in Kazakhstan was -520,028 in 1994.
Kazakhstan ranks 68th globally in net migration as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SM.POP.NETM. Data sourced from World Bank.
Kazakhstan's net migration is projected to reach -12,370 by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The net migration of Kazakhstan in 2025 was -8,834. This ranks 68th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_kazakhstan_net-migration,
title = {Kazakhstan Net Migration},
url = {https://historysaid.com/kazakhstan/net-migration/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}