In the Republic of Moldova, out of a total population of 2.4 million, around 154,700 people (6.4%) have lived abroad for at least 12 months, according to the 2024 census data.
More than half of them—53.2%—returned between 2020 and 2024, indicating an acceleration in return migration in recent years, likely influenced by economic and geopolitical changes. Another 18% returned between 2015 and 2019, while less than 20% account for earlier return periods.
Migration remains more pronounced in urban areas, where about 8% of residents have lived abroad, compared to 5.1% in rural areas. Men are slightly more affected than women, with a difference of 0.7 percentage points. At the same time, younger people—especially men aged 15 to 34—are more likely to emigrate, while in older age groups, women show a higher share of migration experience.
Regionally, districts such as Chisinau, Cimislia District, and Hincesti District record some of the highest shares of people who have lived abroad. At the other end of the spectrum are Taraclia District, Riscani District, and Briceni District, where migration experience is less widespread.