Colombia: immigration

How many Venezuelan migrants are in Colombia?

Migración Colombia estimated 2,841,048 Venezuelan nationals in Colombia as of January 2026, of whom 82% had regular migration status, according to its socio-economic characterisation report. 78.96% said they came to settle permanently.

The estimate combines entry and exit records, foreigner ID cards and Temporary Protection Permits, and estimates people who entered without authorisation. Migración Colombia says the figure changes daily. Earlier figures are on its Venezuelans in Colombia page.

Official sources: Migración Colombia: Venezuelan migrant report · Migración Colombia: Venezuelans in Colombia

How many internally displaced people are there in Colombia?

7,157,716 people were internally displaced in Colombia at the end of 2025, according to UNHCR population statistics, up from 7,031,498 a year earlier.

UNHCR's figure for Colombia draws on the government's registry of victims of the armed conflict and is a cumulative count, not the number of people displaced in a single year. In UNHCR's 2025 figures for all countries, only Sudan had more internally displaced people.

Official sources: UNHCR population statistics: Colombia · UNHCR population statistics: all countries, 2025

How many refugees and asylum seekers are in Colombia?

Colombia hosted 1,464 recognised refugees and 17,421 asylum seekers at the end of 2025, according to UNHCR population statistics. UNHCR also counted 2,810,778 other people in need of international protection, mostly Venezuelans.

Most Venezuelans in Colombia hold the Temporary Protection Permit rather than refugee status, so they are counted in UNHCR's "other people in need" category, not as refugees. Asylum claims are decided by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Official sources: UNHCR population statistics: Colombia

How many Colombians are refugees or asylum seekers abroad?

79,669 Colombian refugees and 303,273 Colombian asylum seekers were registered in other countries at the end of 2025, according to UNHCR population statistics. The number of Colombian asylum seekers fell from 397,872 a year earlier.

Asylum seekers are people whose claims have not yet been decided. UNHCR counts are based on data from host governments. Colombians who move abroad for work or study are counted in migration flow data by Migración Colombia, not here.

Official sources: UNHCR population statistics: origin Colombia

How many immigrants live in Colombia?

In 2024, the share of people born abroad in Colombia was 5.8%, according to the UN Population Division. That compares with 0.3% in 2015. It is 15th highest of 33 in Latin America & Caribbean, where the median is 4.8%. World rank, highest first: 87th of 193.

Are more people leaving Colombia than arriving?

In 2025, net migration in Colombia was 129,139, according to the UN Population Division. Since 2005 it has ranged from -67,522 (2014) to 495,524 (2018). Across Latin America & Caribbean the middle value was -967, and Colombia placed 1st highest of 33. World rank, highest first: 12th of 193.

How many refugees does Colombia host?

According to UNHCR, the number of refugees in the country in Colombia was 1,464 in 2025. The peak was 1,607 in 2022 and the low 137 in 2006. It is 14th highest of 28 in Latin America & Caribbean, where the median is 1,306. World rank, highest first: 119th of 169.

How many refugees have fled Colombia?

79,669: that is the number of refugees from the country living abroad in Colombia for 2025, according to UNHCR. Since 2005 it has ranged from 60,447 (2005) to 551,741 (2007). Across Latin America & Caribbean the middle value was 710, and Colombia placed 4th highest of 33. Worldwide: 30th of 189.

How much money do migrants send home to Colombia?

The latest figure from the World Bank, for 2025, is 2.9% of GDP. It is the top of the series, which starts in 2005. Across Latin America & Caribbean the middle value was 3.3% of GDP, and Colombia placed 16th highest of 27. World rank, highest first: 52nd of 127.