Romania Net Migration
Net migration SM.POP.NETM
Romania's net migration was -29,041 in 2025, ranked 34th globally. This represents a 2.0% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
Romania's net migration stood at -29,041 in 2025, a decline of +575 from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach -44,837 by 2026. Romania ranked 34th globally.
Romania's net migration trend has experienced significant fluctuations over the past 66 years. At its all-time peak in 2022, the country recorded a net migration of 89,076 individuals, a stark contrast to the all-time trough of -144,368 in 2008. The latest available data from the World Bank indicates a net migration of -29,041 individuals in 2025, a position shared with Moldova. This reversal from a peak to a negative net migration rate indicates a shift in Romania's migration dynamics. The country's position among the lowest net migration rates globally, ranking 34th, is comparable to that of Armenia with a net migration of -29,013 individuals in 2025. A continued decline in economic growth and potential changes in European Union migration policies could further impact Romania's net migration trajectory, potentially leading to increased emigration in the coming years.
Data & projection
| Year | Net Migration | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | -72,869 | - | - |
| 2027* trend | -58,853 | - | - |
| 2026* trend | -44,837 | - | - |
| 2025 | -29,041 | −575 | #34 |
| 2024 | -28,466 | −686 | #32 |
| 2023 | -27,780 | −116,856 | #31 |
| 2022 | 89,076 | +106,807 | #186 |
| 2021 | -17,731 | −4,529 | #39 |
| 2020 | -13,202 | +14,707 | #40 |
| 2019 | -27,909 | +5,109 | #36 |
| 2018 | -33,018 | +63 | #30 |
| 2017 | -33,081 | −8 | #33 |
| 2016 | -33,073 | +2,678 | #28 |
| 2015 | -35,751 | −303 | #36 |
| 2014 | -35,448 | −538 | #36 |
| 2013 | -34,910 | +2,679 | #36 |
| 2012 | -37,589 | +65,180 | #36 |
| 2011 | -102,769 | +19,595 | #16 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Romania matched the Fiscal Dominance Trap pattern in 2023. Historically, 72% of countries showing this pattern (278 out of 386) saw net migration improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Romania's net migration was -29,041 in 2025. Ranked 34th globally. This represents a 2.0% decrease from the previous year.
Romania's net migration peaked at 89,076 in 2022.
The lowest net migration in Romania was -144,368 in 2008.
Romania ranks 34th globally in net migration as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SM.POP.NETM. Data sourced from World Bank.
Romania's net migration is projected to reach -44,837 by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The net migration of Romania in 2025 was -29,041. This ranks 34th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_romania_net-migration,
title = {Romania Net Migration},
url = {https://historysaid.com/romania/net-migration/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}