Bolivia: immigration

How many migrants live in Bolivia?

About 183,000 international migrants lived in Bolivia in 2024, up from 164,000 in 2020, according to UN estimates published by the World Bank. Bolivia hosted 1,147 refugees at the end of 2025, according to UNHCR, most of them from Peru (540), Venezuela (240) and Colombia (206).

The migrant stock counts people born abroad, so it includes long-term residents. In the other direction, UNHCR counts 710 refugees and 6,747 asylum seekers from Bolivia abroad at the end of 2025, according to its population statistics. Visas and residence permits are issued by the Directorate General of Migration.

Official sources: World Bank: International migrant stock, Bolivia · UNHCR: Population statistics, Bolivia as host (2025) · UNHCR: Refugees in Bolivia by origin (2025) · UNHCR: Population statistics, Bolivia as origin (2025)

How many foreign-born people live in Bolivia?

1.5%: that is the share of people born abroad in Bolivia for 2024, according to the UN Population Division. That compares with 1.3% in 2015. Across Latin America & Caribbean the middle value was 4.8%, and Bolivia placed 24th highest of 33. Worldwide: 141st of 193.

How many people move to Bolivia each year?

In 2025, net migration in Bolivia was -3,179, according to the UN Population Division. Since 2005 it has ranged from -15,594 (2005) to -3,000 (2024). Latin America & Caribbean median: -967; Bolivia is 19th highest of 33. Of 193 countries with 2025 data, 108th highest.

How many refugees live in Bolivia?

According to UNHCR, the number of refugees in the country in Bolivia was 1,147 in 2025. It is the top of the series, which starts in 2005. It is 15th highest of 28 in Latin America & Caribbean, where the median is 1,306. Of 169 countries with 2025 data, 125th highest.

How many people from Bolivia are refugees?

According to UNHCR, the number of refugees from the country living abroad in Bolivia was 710 in 2025. No year since 2005 has been higher. Latin America & Caribbean median: 710; Bolivia is 17th highest of 33. Worldwide: 106th of 189.

How big are remittances in Bolivia's economy?

The latest figure from the World Bank, for 2025, is 1.9% of GDP. No year since 2005 has been lower. It is 18th highest of 27 in Latin America & Caribbean, where the median is 3.3% of GDP. Of 127 countries with 2025 data, 69th highest.