Malta Net Migration
Net migration SM.POP.NETM
Malta's net migration was 5,161 in 2025, ranked 165th globally. This represents a 18.4% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
Malta's net migration stood at 5,161 in 2025, a decline of +1,162 from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 6,505 by 2026. Malta ranked 165th globally.
Malta’s net migration has shifted from a historic deficit of –5,540.00 in 1960 to a pronounced surplus of 5,161.00 in 2025, placing the island nation at rank 165 globally and aligning it closely with Luxembourg’s 5,237.00 and Puerto Rico’s 5,495.00 net inflows. The apex of this reversal occurred in 2019 when net migration peaked at 20,302.00, reflecting a decade‑long attraction of labour and residence permits, particularly from the EU and North Africa. The earlier trough in 1960 underscored Malta’s status as a net emigration source during a period of limited domestic opportunities and a modest industrial base. Over the 66‑year series, the cumulative trend points to a sustained inflow, driven by a buoyant services sector, favourable tax regime and strategic location in the Mediterranean. Continued policy emphasis on skilled immigration and integration will likely preserve the upward trajectory, although shifts in global mobility or domestic housing constraints could moderate future net migration levels.
Data & projection
| Year | Net Migration | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 7,483 | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 6,994 | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 6,505 | - | - |
| 2025 | 5,161 | −1,162 | #165 |
| 2024 | 6,323 | −268 | #165 |
| 2023 | 6,591 | +4,111 | #161 |
| 2022 | 2,480 | −2,158 | #139 |
| 2021 | 4,638 | −2,266 | #156 |
| 2020 | 6,904 | −13,398 | #161 |
| 2019 | 20,302 | +3,341 | #177 |
| 2018 | 16,961 | +2,589 | #164 |
| 2017 | 14,372 | +5,748 | #164 |
| 2016 | 8,624 | −964 | #152 |
| 2015 | 9,588 | +396 | #164 |
| 2014 | 9,192 | +8,331 | #163 |
| 2013 | 861 | −50 | #133 |
| 2012 | 911 | −88 | #136 |
| 2011 | 999 | +258 | #138 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Malta matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2024. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw net migration improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Malta's net migration was 5,161 in 2025. Ranked 165th globally. This represents a 18.4% decrease from the previous year.
Malta's net migration peaked at 20,302 in 2019.
The lowest net migration in Malta was -5,540 in 1960.
Malta ranks 165th globally in net migration as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SM.POP.NETM. Data sourced from World Bank.
Malta's net migration is projected to reach 6,505 by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The net migration of Malta in 2025 was 5,161. This ranks 165th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_malta_net-migration,
title = {Malta Net Migration},
url = {https://historysaid.com/malta/net-migration/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}