Serbia: immigration

What is the population of Serbia?

Serbia's population was estimated at 6,549,901 in 2025, according to the Statistical Office of the Republic of Serbia (RZS). People aged 65 and over made up 22.9% of the population, and children under 15 made up 14.4%.

The estimate starts from the 2022 census and adds births, deaths and migration. It covers Serbia without Kosovo and Metohija, for which the RZS has no data. The population is shrinking mainly because deaths outnumber births: the natural decrease was 35,764 in 2025. The RZS also reports that 134,611 people changed their residence within Serbia in 2025.

Official sources: RZS: population estimates, 2025 · RZS: internal migration, 2025

How many foreigners move to Serbia?

34,155 foreign nationals immigrated to Serbia in 2024, 17.2% fewer than in 2023, according to the Statistical Office of the Republic of Serbia (RZS). 17,331 foreign nationals left, giving a net gain of 16,824.

These figures cover foreign citizens who registered or ended a stay in Serbia, from Ministry of Interior records. They do not include Serbian citizens who moved abroad or came back, and people who leave without deregistering are not counted. Short visits, such as tourism, are not migration.

Official sources: RZS: international migration of foreign nationals, 2024

How many refugees are in Serbia?

UNHCR counted 40,863 refugees and 134 asylum seekers in Serbia and Kosovo at the end of 2025, according to its Refugee Data Finder. It also counted 209,453 internally displaced people and 1,556 stateless people. At the end of 2024 there were 36,068 refugees and 202 asylum seekers.

UNHCR reports Serbia and Kosovo together, under UN Security Council resolution 1244. UNHCR also counted 29,665 refugees from Serbia and Kosovo living in other countries in 2025.

Official sources: UNHCR Refugee Data Finder

What share of Serbia's population are immigrants?

According to the UN Population Division, the share of people born abroad in Serbia was 10.6% in 2024. In 2015 the figure was 11.1%. Across Europe & Central Asia the middle value was 11.7%, and Serbia placed 30th highest of 52. Of 193 countries with 2024 data, 61st highest.

How many people move to Serbia each year?

According to the UN Population Division, net migration in Serbia was -13,086 in 2025. The peak was 40,118 in 2022 and the low -18,891 in 2019. Europe & Central Asia median: 158; Serbia is 38th highest of 52. World rank, highest first: 138th of 193.

How many refugees does Serbia host?

UNHCR puts the number of refugees in the country in Serbia at 40,863 in 2025. The peak was 148,259 in 2005 and the low 25,644 in 2021. Across Europe & Central Asia the middle value was 62,365, and Serbia placed 29th highest of 50. Worldwide: 69th of 169.

How many refugees come from Serbia?

The latest figure from UNHCR, for 2025, is 29,665. It is the bottom of the series, which starts in 2005. It is 5th highest of 49 in Europe & Central Asia, where the median is 533. Of 189 countries with 2025 data, 41st highest.

How much are remittances to Serbia?

In 2025, personal remittances received in Serbia was 6.6% of GDP, according to the World Bank. The peak was 9.9% of GDP in 2009 and the low 6.4% of GDP in 2024. Europe & Central Asia median: 1.4% of GDP; Serbia is 9th highest of 47. Worldwide: 31st of 127.