Timor-Leste Net Migration
Net migration SM.POP.NETM
Timor-Leste's net migration was -2,550 in 2025, ranked 96th globally. This represents a 0.1% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
Timor-Leste's net migration stood at -2,550 in 2025, a rise of +2 from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach -5,133 by 2026. Timor-Leste ranked 96th globally.
Timor‑Leste’s net migration has shifted dramatically over the 66‑year series, moving from a neutral balance of 0.00 in 1960 to a pronounced outflow of –2,550.00 in 2025, ranking 96th globally. The most extreme influx occurred in 2001 when the country recorded a peak of 49,159.00 net migrants, a short‑lived reversal of the severe outflow that hit a trough of –262,940.00 in 1999 amid post‑conflict displacement and limited economic opportunities. Since the early 2000s the net migration balance has steadily turned negative, reflecting persistent challenges in job creation, infrastructure, and public services that drive emigration, particularly among young adults. Timor‑Leste’s recent figure is comparable to Mauritius (–2,784.00) and the Maldives (–2,283.00), underscoring a regional pattern of small island states experiencing net outflows. If structural reforms succeed in expanding productive sectors and improving living standards, the downward migration trend could moderate, potentially stabilising the balance in the coming decade.
Data & projection
| Year | Net Migration | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | -6,804 | - | - |
| 2027* trend | -5,968 | - | - |
| 2026* trend | -5,133 | - | - |
| 2025 | -2,550 | +2 | #96 |
| 2024 | -2,552 | +3,068 | #88 |
| 2023 | -5,620 | −101 | #63 |
| 2022 | -5,519 | −8,630 | #58 |
| 2021 | 3,111 | −682 | #154 |
| 2020 | 3,793 | −149 | #153 |
| 2019 | 3,942 | +880 | #150 |
| 2018 | 3,062 | +1,396 | #137 |
| 2017 | 1,666 | +1,458 | #137 |
| 2016 | 208 | +228 | #116 |
| 2015 | -20 | +938 | #125 |
| 2014 | -958 | +248 | #109 |
| 2013 | -1,206 | −597 | #104 |
| 2012 | -609 | −450 | #109 |
| 2011 | -159 | −629 | #120 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Timor-Leste matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2021. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw net migration improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Timor-Leste's net migration was -2,550 in 2025. Ranked 96th globally. This represents a 0.1% increase from the previous year.
Timor-Leste's net migration peaked at 49,159 in 2001.
The lowest net migration in Timor-Leste was -262,940 in 1999.
Timor-Leste ranks 96th globally in net migration as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SM.POP.NETM. Data sourced from World Bank.
Timor-Leste's net migration is projected to reach -5,133 by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The net migration of Timor-Leste in 2025 was -2,550. This ranks 96th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_timor-leste_net-migration,
title = {Timor-Leste Net Migration},
url = {https://historysaid.com/timor-leste/net-migration/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}