Record Emigration Accelerates Albania’s Population Decline
Net migration remains negative since 2011
Albania is experiencing its highest level of emigration in more than a decade. Official data from the national statistics office INSTAT show that net migration has remained negative throughout 2011–2025, with a sharp acceleration following the Covid-19 pandemic.
Between January 1, 2021 and January 1, 2025, Albania recorded 138,000 more departures than returns, marking one of the largest net population losses in the country’s recent history.
2011–2020 trends before the post-pandemic surge
In 2011, net migration stood at approximately minus 18,765 people. The figure remained similar until 2015, when it reached around minus 20,600. A temporary slowdown occurred in 2016–2018, when net migration improved to minus 9,473 in 2016 and around minus 15,000 in 2017–2018, partly due to the return of asylum seekers who had left for Germany in 2015.
The trend turned sharply negative again in 2019, with net migration at minus 23,082. In 2020, pandemic-related travel restrictions temporarily reduced the figure to minus 16,684.
Post-Covid acceleration and 2024 peak
After pandemic restrictions eased, emigration surged. Net population loss reached minus 32,853 in 2021 and minus 32,497 in 2022. The peak was recorded in 2024 at approximately minus 43,761 people, the highest level of the decade, partly reflecting adjustments linked to the 2023 population census.
Although net migration decreased to minus 28,836 in 2025, it remains historically elevated.
EU residence permits and labour demand
Eurostat data show that EU member states issued 284,585 first residence permits to Albanian citizens during 2021–2024. Work permits accounted for nearly one third of all permits issued and have doubled compared to the pre-pandemic period.
The reopening of European labour markets, strong demand for workers, and better economic prospects abroad have driven the renewed wave of departures.
Youth outflow and demographic pressure
The 18–34 age group accounts for around 80% of young Albanian emigrants. The current wave includes not only unemployed youth but also top students, healthcare professionals, IT specialists, skilled workers, and family reunification cases.
Rising emigration is reinforcing demographic decline and population ageing. The shrinking youth cohort reduces economic dynamism while simultaneously increasing the incentive for those remaining to leave.
Structural risks for the economy
Data indicate that emigration rates are rising not only in absolute terms but also relative to the active population. Albania faces a rapid contraction of its working-age base, which could impact labour supply, productivity, and long-term growth prospects.
As International Investment experts report, Albania’s record post-pandemic emigration wave represents a structural challenge: the loss of human capital, accelerated ageing, and growing reliance on remittances may significantly reshape the country’s economic trajectory and investment landscape in the coming years.