Venezuela: immigration

How many Venezuelans have left the country?

At the end of 2025, UNHCR counted 6.04 million Venezuelans abroad as other people in need of international protection, plus 417,010 recognised refugees and 1.18 million asylum seekers, according to its population statistics.

UNHCR's "other people in need of international protection" category was created mainly for Venezuelans who have left the country but have not applied for asylum, many of whom hold other residence permits in host countries. The totals cover people reported by host countries and do not include all Venezuelan emigrants. UNHCR and IOM also run the Venezuela situation portal.

Official sources: UNHCR: Population statistics, country of origin Venezuela, 2025 · UNHCR: Venezuela situation data portal

How many refugees live in Venezuela?

Venezuela hosted 14,333 refugees and 1,577 asylum seekers at the end of 2025, according to UNHCR population statistics. UNHCR also counted 195,822 other people of concern to it in Venezuela.

Most refugees in Venezuela come from neighbouring Colombia. The figures are reported by UNHCR from government and UNHCR registration data and refer to the end of the calendar year. Visa and residence applications by foreigners are handled by SAIME, the national identification and migration service.

Official sources: UNHCR: Population statistics, country of asylum Venezuela, 2025

How much does a Venezuelan passport cost?

An ordinary Venezuelan passport for an adult aged 18 or over costs Ref. 216, according to SAIME, the national identification and migration service. It costs Ref. 162 for ages 3 to 17 and Ref. 108 for children from 3 months to 2 years 11 months, with delivery in 8 to 15 working days.

The express passport (pasaporte habilitado), processed at the Simón Bolívar office in Caracas with 48-hour delivery, costs Ref. 350 for adults, Ref. 310 for ages 3 to 17 and Ref. 290 for younger children. SAIME says the fees are anchored to the Central Bank of Venezuela rate of the day, and applications start on the SAIME website.

Official sources: SAIME: Passport

What income do you need for a Venezuela rentista visa?

To renew a rentista (TR-R) visa, SAIME asks for certification that the applicant lives on lawful income or a pension of at least the equivalent of US$1,200 a month, according to its foreigners requirements page.

Applicants also need a SAIME online account, a passport valid for at least six months, entry and exit stamps and their latest visas. The same page lists requirements for student (TR-E) and family (TR-F) visas and residence extensions. Requirements and amounts can change, so check the SAIME page before applying.

Official sources: SAIME: Foreigners (extranjería) requirements

How many foreign-born people live in Venezuela?

The latest figure from the UN Population Division, for 2024, is 4.4%. It was 4.6% in 2015. It is 20th highest of 33 in Latin America & Caribbean, where the median is 4.8%. Of 193 countries with 2024 data, 96th highest.

Are more people leaving Venezuela than arriving?

The latest figure from the UN Population Division, for 2025, is -100,467. Its high point since 2005 was 2005, at -18,407; its low point was 2018, at -1.36 million. Latin America & Caribbean median: -967; Venezuela is 31st highest of 33. World rank, highest first: 177th of 193.

How many refugees are in Venezuela?

UNHCR puts the number of refugees in the country in Venezuela at 14,333 in 2025. Its high point since 2005 was 2013, at 204,331; its low point was 2005, at 409. It is 5th highest of 28 in Latin America & Caribbean, where the median is 1,306. Worldwide: 87th of 169.

How many refugees have fled Venezuela?

In 2025, the number of refugees from the country living abroad in Venezuela was 417,010, according to UNHCR. No year since 2005 has been higher. It is 1st highest of 33 in Latin America & Caribbean, where the median is 710. Worldwide: 13th of 189.

How much money do migrants send home to Venezuela?

In 2025, personal remittances received in Venezuela was 4.3% of GDP, according to the World Bank. Its high point since 2005 was 2021, at 6.5% of GDP; its low point was 2012, at 0.0% of GDP. Latin America & Caribbean median: 3.3% of GDP; Venezuela is 9th highest of 27. World rank, highest first: 38th of 127.