Brunei: immigration

How many foreigners live in Brunei?

Temporary residents numbered 80,400 in 2025, 17.5% of Brunei's population of 458,600, according to the population estimates for 2025 from the Department of Economic Planning and Statistics (DEPS). Permanent residents numbered 26,500 (5.8%) and Brunei citizens 351,700 (76.7%).

The population grew 0.7% in 2025, slower than the 1.1% of 2024. Men made up 53.4% of residents, a sex ratio of 114.5 men per 100 women. Brunei Muara district held 72.5% of the population.

Official sources: DEPS: Population estimates 2025 (PDF)

How many foreign workers are there in Brunei?

64,100 non-local workers were employed in Brunei in 2025, 29.1% of the 220,400 employed people, according to the Labour Force Survey 2025 from the Department of Economic Planning and Statistics (DEPS). Local workers numbered 156,300.

Non-local means people who are not citizens or permanent residents under immigration law. Their average monthly income was BND1,079, against BND1,797 for local workers. Domestic workers employed by households made up 80.7% of informal sector employment, which the survey counts separately.

Official sources: DEPS: Labour Force Survey 2025, final report (PDF)

How many foreign-born people live in Brunei?

According to the UN Population Division, the share of people born abroad in Brunei was 25.9% in 2024. That compares with 24.3% in 2015. East Asia & Pacific median: 2.1%; Brunei is 5th highest of 30. Worldwide: 19th of 193.

How many people move to Brunei each year?

The latest figure from the UN Population Division, for 2025, is 0. That is the lowest since at least 2005. Across East Asia & Pacific the middle value was -373, and Brunei placed 10th highest of 30. Of 193 countries with 2025 data, 74th highest.

How many refugees does Brunei host?

0: that is the number of refugees in the country in Brunei for 2025, according to UNHCR. East Asia & Pacific median: 631; Brunei is 16th highest of 18. Of 169 countries with 2025 data, 163rd highest.

How many people from Brunei are refugees?

In 2025, the number of refugees from the country living abroad in Brunei was 5, according to UNHCR. Its high point since 2005 was 2005, at 47; its low point was 2015, at 0. Across East Asia & Pacific the middle value was 73, and Brunei placed 24th highest of 29. World rank, highest first: 181st of 189.