North Macedonia: immigration

What is the population of North Macedonia?

North Macedonia had 1,819,074 inhabitants at 31 December 2025, according to the State Statistical Office's population estimate in North Macedonia in Figures 2026. That is 95,813 or 5.0% fewer than in 2015. People aged 65 and over made up 17.8% of the population, up from 12.8% in 2015.

The estimates are based on the 2021 census, and earlier years were revised after it. The fall reflects more deaths than births and emigration, which official registration data may undercount because people who leave do not always deregister.

Official sources: SSO: North Macedonia in Figures 2026 (PDF)

How many people migrate to and from North Macedonia?

8,169 foreigners and 1,045 citizens were registered as moving to North Macedonia in 2025, while 879 citizens and 336 foreigners were registered as emigrating, according to the SSO's North Macedonia in Figures 2026. In 2020 only 1,643 foreigners were registered as immigrating.

These figures come from registrations with the Ministry of Interior. Citizens who move abroad often do not deregister, so registered emigration is far lower than emigration counted by destination countries. The SSO publishes the data by country and municipality in its MakStat database.

Official sources: SSO: North Macedonia in Figures 2026 (PDF)

How many foreign-born people live in North Macedonia?

The UN Population Division puts the share of people born abroad in North Macedonia at 8.3% in 2024. In 2015 the figure was 6.6%. It is 35th highest of 52 in Europe & Central Asia, where the median is 11.7%. World rank, highest first: 71st of 193.

Are more people leaving North Macedonia than arriving?

-5,645: that is net migration in North Macedonia for 2025, according to the UN Population Division. Since 2005 it has ranged from -24,878 (2018) to -2,244 (2005). It is 32nd highest of 52 in Europe & Central Asia, where the median is 158. Worldwide: 117th of 193.

How many refugees live in North Macedonia?

According to UNHCR, the number of refugees in the country in North Macedonia was 20,822 in 2025. Its high point since 2005 was 2024, at 20,911; its low point was 2021, at 292. It is 34th highest of 50 in Europe & Central Asia, where the median is 62,365. World rank, highest first: 83rd of 169.

How many refugees come from North Macedonia?

UNHCR puts the number of refugees from the country living abroad in North Macedonia at 1,886 in 2025. Its high point since 2005 was 2005, at 8,603; its low point was 2020, at 1,576. Europe & Central Asia median: 533; North Macedonia is 19th highest of 49. Of 189 countries with 2025 data, 93rd highest.

How much are remittances to North Macedonia?

The World Bank puts personal remittances received in North Macedonia at 2.4% of GDP in 2025. No year since 2005 has been lower. It is 16th highest of 47 in Europe & Central Asia, where the median is 1.4% of GDP. World rank, highest first: 57th of 127.