Latvia Net Migration
Net migration SM.POP.NETM
Latvia's net migration was -7,330 in 2025, ranked 73rd globally. This represents a 229.4% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
Latvia's net migration stood at -7,330 in 2025, a decline of +5,105 from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach -7,474 by 2026. Latvia ranked 73rd globally.
Latvia’s net migration balance has remained negative in recent years, recording a deficit of ‑7,330.00 in 2025, which places the country 73rd worldwide. The figure follows a pronounced trough in 1992, when net migration fell to ‑52,180.00 amid the post‑Soviet economic upheaval, and a later high point in 2022 of 22,027.00, reflecting a brief period of return migration driven by improved labour market conditions. Over the 66‑year series, the long‑term trend has shifted from a modest inflow of 11,420.00 in 1960 to persistent outflows, mirroring demographic challenges and limited domestic opportunities. Latvia’s recent performance is comparable to peers such as Bosnia and Herzegovina (‑6,994.00) and Uzbekistan (‑6,987.00), underscoring a regional pattern of net emigration in Eastern Europe. If policy measures succeed in enhancing wages and housing affordability, the negative migration balance could stabilise or even reverse in the coming decade.
Data & projection
| Year | Net Migration | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | -15,144 | - | - |
| 2027* trend | -11,309 | - | - |
| 2026* trend | -7,474 | - | - |
| 2025 | -7,330 | −5,105 | #73 |
| 2024 | -2,225 | −10,191 | #92 |
| 2023 | 7,966 | −14,061 | #163 |
| 2022 | 22,027 | +22,307 | #161 |
| 2021 | -280 | +2,867 | #111 |
| 2020 | -3,147 | +269 | #75 |
| 2019 | -3,416 | +1,556 | #79 |
| 2018 | -4,972 | +2,895 | #72 |
| 2017 | -7,867 | +4,460 | #67 |
| 2016 | -12,327 | −1,501 | #53 |
| 2015 | -10,826 | −2,027 | #67 |
| 2014 | -8,799 | +5,587 | #72 |
| 2013 | -14,386 | −2,472 | #59 |
| 2012 | -11,914 | +8,288 | #66 |
| 2011 | -20,202 | +15,926 | #57 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Latvia 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
Latvia's net migration was -7,330 in 2025. Ranked 73rd globally. This represents a 229.4% decrease from the previous year.
Latvia's net migration peaked at 22,027 in 2022.
The lowest net migration in Latvia was -52,180 in 1992.
Latvia ranks 73rd globally in net migration as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SM.POP.NETM. Data sourced from World Bank.
Latvia's net migration is projected to reach -7,474 by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The net migration of Latvia in 2025 was -7,330. This ranks 73rd in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_latvia_net-migration,
title = {Latvia Net Migration},
url = {https://historysaid.com/latvia/net-migration/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}