Millions of people live outside the country where they were born. According to the United Nations, these twelve countries hosted the most international migrants in 2024.
| Rank | Country | International migrants |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | United States | 52.4 million |
| 2 | Germany | 16.8 million |
| 3 | Saudi Arabia | 13.7 million |
| 4 | United Kingdom | 11.8 million |
| 5 | France | 9.2 million |
| 6 | Spain | 8.9 million |
| 7 | Canada | 8.8 million |
| 8 | United Arab Emirates | 8.2 million |
| 9 | Australia | 8.1 million |
| 10 | Russia | 7.6 million |
| 11 | Türkiye | 7.1 million |
| 12 | Italy | 6.6 million |
Source: United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA), International Migrant Stock 2024: Key facts and figures. The figures are estimates for 1 July 2024 and count people living in a country other than the one where they were born, which includes refugees.
What this means for you
A large migrant population shows where many people have built a life, but it does not tell you how easy it is to move there. Visa rules, costs and the right to stay differ by country and by your own situation, so always check the official government website for the country you are considering.
Our guides by destination
We are adding guides for more destinations as we confirm each country’s official rules. In the meantime, our moving abroad checklist and first 90 days guide apply to any destination.
Last updated: October 2026.