Tuvalu: immigration

How many people leave Tuvalu each year?

9,797 departures were recorded from Tuvalu in 2025, up 13.2% from 8,652 in 2024, and arrivals rose 11.7% to 9,250, according to the Central Statistics Division's Migration Statistics Annual Report 2025. Departures for the purpose of migrating fell from 661 in 2024 to 270 in 2025.

Most departures are trips, not moves abroad: the main purposes were family or social visits, government business, tourism and education. The figures come from the Tuvalu Immigration Office. The 2026–27 budget notes that the Falepili Union Treaty with Australia is operational, supporting security cooperation and migration pathways. The division's estimated resident population was 9,853 in early 2024.

Official sources: Central Statistics Division: Migration Statistics Annual Report 2025 (PDF) · Ministry of Finance and Economic Development: 2026–2027 National Budget (PDF) · Central Statistics Division: Social Statistics Release 5-2024 (PDF)

How many visitors come to Tuvalu?

4,766 visitors were recorded in Tuvalu in 2025, according to the Central Statistics Division's Migration Statistics Annual Report 2025. The largest groups came from Australia (805), Fiji (781) and New Zealand (499), followed by Kiribati (427) and the United States (372).

Total arrivals, including returning residents, were 9,250, ranging from 443 in July to 1,241 in December. Visitor counts include people travelling for business, official and other purposes, not only tourists; the report's tables break arrivals down by purpose. Arrivals are recorded by the Tuvalu Immigration Office.

Official sources: Central Statistics Division: Migration Statistics Annual Report 2025 (PDF)

How many immigrants live in Tuvalu?

The UN Population Division puts the share of people born abroad in Tuvalu at 2.6% in 2024. That compares with 2.1% in 2015. It is 13th highest of 30 in East Asia & Pacific, where the median is 2.1%. Of 193 countries with 2024 data, 120th highest.

How many people move to Tuvalu each year?

According to the UN Population Division, net migration in Tuvalu was -255 in 2025. Since 2005 it has ranged from -366 (2021) to 28 (2011). East Asia & Pacific median: -373; Tuvalu is 14th highest of 30. World rank, highest first: 83rd of 193.

How many refugees come from Tuvalu?

In 2025, the number of refugees from the country living abroad in Tuvalu was 0, according to UNHCR. It is 27th highest of 29 in East Asia & Pacific, where the median is 73. World rank, highest first: 186th of 189.

How big are remittances in Tuvalu's economy?

The World Bank puts personal remittances received in Tuvalu at 5.1% of GDP in 2023. Since 2005 it has ranged from 4.2% of GDP (2020) to 21.6% of GDP (2005). East Asia & Pacific median: 2.1% of GDP; Tuvalu is 9th highest of 22. Worldwide: 46th of 164.