Moldova Net Migration
Net migration SM.POP.NETM
Moldova's net migration was -29,766 in 2025, ranked 33rd globally. This represents a 9.9% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
Moldova's net migration stood at -29,766 in 2025, a decline of +2,678 from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach -36,624 by 2026. Moldova ranked 33rd globally.
Moldova’s net migration has swung dramatically over the 66‑year series, moving from a positive balance of 13,697.00 in 1960 to a pronounced outflow of –84,039.00 in 2010, the all‑time trough, before rebounding to a peak inflow of 89,154.00 in 2022. The latest World Bank estimate for 2025 shows a net loss of –29,766.00, placing Moldova 33rd globally and aligning closely with peer countries such as Romania (–29,041.00) and the Slovak Republic (–31,377.00). The post‑2010 reversal reflects a combination of demographic pressures, labor‑market pull factors in the European Union, and the lingering effects of regional economic instability. While the 2022 surge suggested a temporary reversal, the 2025 figure indicates that out‑migration remains entrenched. Continued economic diversification, higher wages, and improved social services could blunt the outflow, but absent such reforms the negative migration balance is likely to persist.
Data & projection
| Year | Net Migration | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | -58,417 | - | - |
| 2027* trend | -47,521 | - | - |
| 2026* trend | -36,624 | - | - |
| 2025 | -29,766 | −2,678 | #33 |
| 2024 | -27,088 | −8,518 | #34 |
| 2023 | -18,570 | −107,724 | #40 |
| 2022 | 89,154 | +122,559 | #187 |
| 2021 | -33,405 | +0 | #24 |
| 2020 | -33,405 | +7,828 | #22 |
| 2019 | -41,233 | −5,148 | #23 |
| 2018 | -36,085 | +7,786 | #27 |
| 2017 | -43,871 | +7,771 | #25 |
| 2016 | -51,642 | +7,757 | #20 |
| 2015 | -59,399 | +7,776 | #22 |
| 2014 | -67,175 | +10,396 | #21 |
| 2013 | -77,571 | +3,644 | #17 |
| 2012 | -81,215 | +1,056 | #17 |
| 2011 | -82,271 | +1,768 | #21 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Moldova matched the Fiscal Dominance Trap pattern in 2022. Historically, 72% of countries showing this pattern (278 out of 386) saw net migration improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Moldova's net migration was -29,766 in 2025. Ranked 33rd globally. This represents a 9.9% decrease from the previous year.
Moldova's net migration peaked at 89,154 in 2022.
The lowest net migration in Moldova was -84,039 in 2010.
Moldova ranks 33rd globally in net migration as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SM.POP.NETM. Data sourced from World Bank.
Moldova's net migration is projected to reach -36,624 by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The net migration of Moldova in 2025 was -29,766. This ranks 33rd in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_moldova_net-migration,
title = {Moldova Net Migration},
url = {https://historysaid.com/moldova/net-migration/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}