Kosovo Net Migration
Net migration SM.POP.NETM
Kosovo's net migration was -18,380 in 2025, ranked 46th globally. This represents a 17.1% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
Kosovo's net migration stood at -18,380 in 2025, a rise of +3,798 from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach -13,251 by 2026. Kosovo ranked 46th globally.
Kosovo’s net migration balance has swung dramatically over the past six decades, moving from a modest inflow of 3,231.00 in 1960 to an all‑time peak of 7,565.00 in 1979, before plunging to a historic trough of –294,789.00 in 1998 amid regional conflict and displacement. By 2025 the country recorded a net outflow of –18,380.00, ranking 46th globally and placing it close to peers such as Tajikistan (–21,606.00) and Ecuador (–17,219.00). The post‑1990s reversal reflects the combined impact of political instability, limited economic opportunities, and the lingering effects of the 1998‑99 war, which prompted large‑scale emigration and hindered return migration. Despite modest improvements in employment and infrastructure, Kosovo’s recent net migration remains negative, suggesting that without substantive reforms in the labour market, education and diaspora engagement, the outflow is likely to persist in the near term.
Data & projection
| Year | Net Migration | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | -3,888 | - | - |
| 2027* trend | -8,570 | - | - |
| 2026* trend | -13,251 | - | - |
| 2025 | -18,380 | +3,798 | #46 |
| 2024 | -22,178 | +6,576 | #42 |
| 2023 | -28,754 | −166 | #29 |
| 2022 | -28,588 | +9,996 | #27 |
| 2021 | -38,584 | −41,399 | #20 |
| 2020 | 2,815 | +31,644 | #151 |
| 2019 | -28,829 | −7,443 | #34 |
| 2018 | -21,386 | −15,958 | #47 |
| 2017 | -5,428 | +3,509 | #74 |
| 2016 | -8,937 | +46,587 | #62 |
| 2015 | -55,524 | −15,938 | #24 |
| 2014 | -39,586 | −23,219 | #32 |
| 2013 | -16,367 | −12,964 | #56 |
| 2012 | -3,403 | +5,661 | #84 |
| 2011 | -9,064 | +20,369 | #72 |
Analysis
Kosovo's net migration was -18,380 in 2025, a rise of +3,798 from 2024. Based on trends, estimated -13,251 by 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Kosovo's net migration was -18,380 in 2025. Ranked 46th globally. This represents a 17.1% increase from the previous year.
Kosovo's net migration peaked at 7,565 in 1979.
The lowest net migration in Kosovo was -294,789 in 1998.
Kosovo ranks 46th globally in net migration as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SM.POP.NETM. Data sourced from World Bank.
Kosovo's net migration is projected to reach -13,251 by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The net migration of Kosovo in 2025 was -18,380. This ranks 46th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_kosovo_net-migration,
title = {Kosovo Net Migration},
url = {https://historysaid.com/kosovo/net-migration/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}