Russia: immigration

How many refugees are there in Russia?

Russia hosted 11,811 refugees and 976 asylum seekers at the end of 2025, according to UNHCR's population statistics. UNHCR also counted 80,000 other people of concern.

The largest group of refugees came from Ukraine (5,488), followed by Syria (3,309) and Afghanistan (932). The 80,000 other people of concern are from Ukraine. The figures are compiled by UNHCR, the UN refugee agency, from government and its own data, and count people with refugee status or a pending claim.

Official sources: UNHCR: Population statistics, Russia as host, 2025

How many Russians seek asylum abroad?

99,360 people from Russia were recognised as refugees in other countries at the end of 2025, and 88,310 were asylum seekers awaiting a decision, according to UNHCR's population statistics by origin.

The United States had the most Russian asylum seekers, at 49,178, followed by Germany (10,661) and South Korea (7,835), according to UNHCR's breakdown by host country. France hosted the most Russian refugees, at 36,737. Asylum seekers are counted until their claim is decided, so the figures include claims made in earlier years.

Official sources: UNHCR: Population statistics, refugees from Russia, 2025 · UNHCR: Refugees from Russia by host country, 2025

How many stateless people live in Russia?

87,826 stateless people lived in Russia at the end of 2025, according to UNHCR's population statistics.

A stateless person is someone who is not considered a national by any country, which can make it hard to work, study or get documents. UNHCR's figures depend on national data and may not capture everyone without a nationality. At the same date, UNHCR counted 11,811 refugees and 976 asylum seekers in Russia.

Official sources: UNHCR: Population statistics, Russia as host, 2025

How many migrants live in Russia?

Russia had about 7.61 million international migrants in 2024, according to the World Bank's international migrant stock indicator, based on UN estimates. The figure was about 7.30 million in 2020 and 9.10 million in 2015.

The migrant stock counts people living in a country other than the one where they were born. The estimates include people of all ages and both recent and long-settled migrants.

Official sources: World Bank: International migrant stock, Russia

Do more people leave Russia than arrive?

Russia had net migration of about −252,000 in 2025, meaning more people left than arrived, according to the World Bank's net migration indicator, based on UN estimates. The figure was about −178,000 in 2024 and +28,000 in 2023.

Net migration is the number of immigrants minus the number of emigrants, including citizens and foreigners. The UN figures are estimates and can differ from Russia's own migration statistics, which count registered moves. Remittances sent from Russia reached US$8.9 billion in 2025, according to the World Bank.

Official sources: World Bank: Net migration, Russia · World Bank: Personal remittances paid, Russia

How many immigrants live in Russia?

According to the UN Population Division, the share of people born abroad in Russia was 5.3% in 2024. It was 6.3% in 2015. Across Europe & Central Asia the middle value was 11.7%, and Russia placed 41st highest of 52. Worldwide: 89th of 193.

What is net migration in Russia?

According to the UN Population Division, net migration in Russia was -251,822 in 2025. It is the bottom of the series, which starts in 2005. Europe & Central Asia median: 158; Russia is 49th highest of 52. Worldwide: 184th of 193.

How many refugees are in Russia?

The latest figure from UNHCR, for 2025, is 11,811. Since 2005 it has ranged from 1,413 (2006) to 1.28 million (2022). Across Europe & Central Asia the middle value was 62,365, and Russia placed 37th highest of 50. Of 169 countries with 2025 data, 90th highest.

How many refugees have fled Russia?

UNHCR puts the number of refugees from the country living abroad in Russia at 99,360 in 2025. The peak was 159,383 in 2006 and the low 52,742 in 2020. It is 4th highest of 49 in Europe & Central Asia, where the median is 533. World rank, highest first: 26th of 189.

How much are remittances to Russia?

In 2025, personal remittances received in Russia was 0.1% of GDP, according to the World Bank. No year since 2005 has been lower. Europe & Central Asia median: 1.4% of GDP; Russia is 46th highest of 47. Worldwide: 118th of 127.