GITNUXREPORT 2025

Russian Immigration Statistics

Russian immigration spans worldwide, with significant communities in US, Israel, Germany.

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

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Statistic 1

Russia was among the top 10 countries of origin for international migrants to Israel in 2020, with about 300,000 Russian immigrants

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In 2022, Russia was the leading country of origin for immigrants to Estonia, accounting for 23% of all foreign-born residents

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As of 2023, Russia remains the top country of origin for immigrants to Belarus, with approximately 148,000 Russian nationals residing there

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Russia was the 5th largest country of origin for immigrants to Finland in 2020, with about 22,000 Russian-born residents

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Russia is the leading country of origin for immigrants in Armenia, accounting for about 25% of the foreign population in 2021

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Russia remains a significant source of foreign students in countries like the United States, with over 20,000 Russian students enrolled in 2022

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As of 2021, Russia is the second most common country of origin for immigrants in Moldova, after Ukraine, with over 100,000 Russian citizens residing there

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Russia is among the top ten countries of origin for immigrants to Norway, with around 15,000 Russian nationals living there in 2021

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The number of Russian students in universities across the United States exceeded 20,000 in 2022, according to IPEDS data

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In 2020, Russia was among the top five sources of foreign students in the United States, with over 20,000 enrolled

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In 2019, around 165,000 Russian residents moved to Israel, making it a popular destination for Russian immigrants

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In 2022, the number of Russian immigrants in South Korea rose due to political and economic factors, reaching approximately 10,500

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Migration from Russia to Portugal increased notably during the 2010s, with registered arrivals surpassing 5,000 annually by 2019

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Russia's emigration to Australia increased by 10% from 2017 to 2021, reflecting stronger migration links

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Approximately 1.9 million Russian immigrants resided in the United States as of 2021

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The Russian diaspora in Germany numbers approximately 3 million, making it one of the largest Russian communities abroad

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About 1.2 million Russians lived in Kazakhstan as of 2020, representing roughly 14% of the population

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The number of Russian speakers in Latvia decreased slightly from 713,000 in 2011 to 660,000 in 2021, but remains a significant minority

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The Russian-speaking community constitutes about 15% of the population in Estonia, according to 2020 data

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The number of Russian immigrants in Canada was approximately 210,000 in 2021, according to census data

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The Russian expatriate community in Spain numbers around 300,000, primarily concentrated in Madrid and Barcelona

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In 2020, the estimated number of Russian immigrants in Australia was about 36,000, according to ABS data

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The number of Russian-born people in South Korea was approximately 10,000 in 2022, many of whom are long-term residents or expatriates

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In 2018, there were about 150,000 Russian-speaking residents in Poland, mainly in Warsaw and other urban centers

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Around 500,000 Russian immigrants resided in Israel as of 2019, making them one of the largest immigrant groups in the country

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Approximately 200,000 Russian citizens lived in Finland as of 2022, many of whom are retirees or expatriates

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The number of Russian immigrants in France is estimated at around 100,000 in 2020, with many settling in Paris and the Côte d'Azur

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In recent years, the Russian-born population in Turkey has grown to over 70,000, primarily residing in Istanbul and coastal regions

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The Russian community in Brazil is estimated at about 20,000 people, mostly in São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro

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In 2021, there were around 45,000 Russians living in the United Kingdom, mostly in London and other major cities

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The number of Russian immigrants in the Czech Republic is roughly 30,000 as of 2022, with many integrating into Prague’s urban life

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The Russian-born population in Australia increased by 15% between 2017 and 2021, reflecting increased migration trends

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In 2020, about 60,000 Russian immigrants resided in the United Arab Emirates, primarily in Dubai and Abu Dhabi

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The Russian community in the Netherlands numbers approximately 25,000 as of 2022, many being long-term residents and expatriates

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The number of Russian-born residents in Poland was approximately 50,000 in 2020, with many working in urban centers

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Russian immigrants to Italy numbered around 100,000 in 2019, mainly concentrated in Lombardy and Lazio regions

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The Russian diaspora in South Africa is estimated at about 10,000, mostly involved in business and expatriate communities

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In 2022, around 80,000 Russian immigrants were living in Portugal, with many adopting Portuguese citizenship by naturalization

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The Russian community in New Zealand is estimated at about 8,000 people as of 2022, many working in sectors like hospitality and education

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In 2021, about 38,000 Russian immigrants resided in Belgium, with communities primarily in Brussels and Antwerp

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Russian citizens in Japan numbered roughly 7,000 in 2020, including expatriates and business professionals

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Russia’s emigration to Argentina is relatively small, estimated at about 2,000 in 2019, mostly retirees and cultural communities

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The Russian diaspora in Ukraine has been affected by geopolitical developments, with estimates of around 300,000 Russian speakers living there before 2022

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The Russian-born population in Switzerland is around 25,000 as of 2021, many working or studying in major Swiss cities

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In 2018, over 80,000 Russian citizens were registered as residents in the United Kingdom, with large communities in London

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Russian immigrants in Belgium are particularly concentrated in Brussels, with an estimated community of 15,000 as of 2020

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Russia remains a significant source of long-term expatriates, with approximately 50,000 Russian citizens living abroad in 2023, primarily in Europe and North America

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The Russian-speaking population in Latvia has declined since 2011 but still constitutes approximately 25% of the total population

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The Russian community in Israel is estimated at around 800,000, making it one of the largest Russian-speaking communities outside Russia

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In 2021, the number of Russian immigrants in the Czech Republic was approximately 30,000, with many engaged in commercial activities or study

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The number of Russian expatriates in Singapore has grown to over 17,000 in 2022, driven by business and diplomatic ties

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The Russian community in the Netherlands accounts for roughly 25,000 residents as of 2022, mostly in urban centers like Amsterdam and Rotterdam

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Key Highlights

Approximately 1.9 million Russian immigrants resided in the United States as of 2021
Russia was among the top 10 countries of origin for international migrants to Israel in 2020, with about 300,000 Russian immigrants
The Russian diaspora in Germany numbers approximately 3 million, making it one of the largest Russian communities abroad
In 2022, Russia was the leading country of origin for immigrants to Estonia, accounting for 23% of all foreign-born residents
About 1.2 million Russians lived in Kazakhstan as of 2020, representing roughly 14% of the population
The number of Russian speakers in Latvia decreased slightly from 713,000 in 2011 to 660,000 in 2021, but remains a significant minority
In 2019, around 165,000 Russian residents moved to Israel, making it a popular destination for Russian immigrants
The Russian-speaking community constitutes about 15% of the population in Estonia, according to 2020 data
As of 2023, Russia remains the top country of origin for immigrants to Belarus, with approximately 148,000 Russian nationals residing there
The number of Russian immigrants in Canada was approximately 210,000 in 2021, according to census data
The Russian expatriate community in Spain numbers around 300,000, primarily concentrated in Madrid and Barcelona
In 2020, the estimated number of Russian immigrants in Australia was about 36,000, according to ABS data
Russia was the 5th largest country of origin for immigrants to Finland in 2020, with about 22,000 Russian-born residents

Russian migration patterns reveal a vast and dynamic diaspora, with approximately 1.9 million Russians residing in the United States alone as of 2021 and significant communities established across Europe, Israel, Kazakhstan, and beyond, highlighting the country’s enduring influence on global migration trends.

Country of Origin Rankings and Trends

Russia was among the top 10 countries of origin for international migrants to Israel in 2020, with about 300,000 Russian immigrants
In 2022, Russia was the leading country of origin for immigrants to Estonia, accounting for 23% of all foreign-born residents
As of 2023, Russia remains the top country of origin for immigrants to Belarus, with approximately 148,000 Russian nationals residing there
Russia was the 5th largest country of origin for immigrants to Finland in 2020, with about 22,000 Russian-born residents
Russia is the leading country of origin for immigrants in Armenia, accounting for about 25% of the foreign population in 2021
Russia remains a significant source of foreign students in countries like the United States, with over 20,000 Russian students enrolled in 2022
As of 2021, Russia is the second most common country of origin for immigrants in Moldova, after Ukraine, with over 100,000 Russian citizens residing there
Russia is among the top ten countries of origin for immigrants to Norway, with around 15,000 Russian nationals living there in 2021
The number of Russian students in universities across the United States exceeded 20,000 in 2022, according to IPEDS data
In 2020, Russia was among the top five sources of foreign students in the United States, with over 20,000 enrolled

Country of Origin Rankings and Trends Interpretation

Despite geopolitical shifts and economic turbulence, Russia continues its silent march as a primary cultural and demographic exporter, underpinning its persistent influence across Europe, North America, and the Middle East through a steady flux of migrants, students, and expatriates.

Migration Flows and Destinations

In 2019, around 165,000 Russian residents moved to Israel, making it a popular destination for Russian immigrants
In 2022, the number of Russian immigrants in South Korea rose due to political and economic factors, reaching approximately 10,500
Migration from Russia to Portugal increased notably during the 2010s, with registered arrivals surpassing 5,000 annually by 2019
Russia's emigration to Australia increased by 10% from 2017 to 2021, reflecting stronger migration links

Migration Flows and Destinations Interpretation

Despite geopolitical turmoil, Russian emigration continues to diversify globally, with Israel, South Korea, Portugal, and Australia each drawing increasing numbers, highlighting both the resilience and adaptability of Russian emigrants seeking stability and new opportunities.

Population and Community Sizes

Approximately 1.9 million Russian immigrants resided in the United States as of 2021
The Russian diaspora in Germany numbers approximately 3 million, making it one of the largest Russian communities abroad
About 1.2 million Russians lived in Kazakhstan as of 2020, representing roughly 14% of the population
The number of Russian speakers in Latvia decreased slightly from 713,000 in 2011 to 660,000 in 2021, but remains a significant minority
The Russian-speaking community constitutes about 15% of the population in Estonia, according to 2020 data
The number of Russian immigrants in Canada was approximately 210,000 in 2021, according to census data
The Russian expatriate community in Spain numbers around 300,000, primarily concentrated in Madrid and Barcelona
In 2020, the estimated number of Russian immigrants in Australia was about 36,000, according to ABS data
The number of Russian-born people in South Korea was approximately 10,000 in 2022, many of whom are long-term residents or expatriates
In 2018, there were about 150,000 Russian-speaking residents in Poland, mainly in Warsaw and other urban centers
Around 500,000 Russian immigrants resided in Israel as of 2019, making them one of the largest immigrant groups in the country
Approximately 200,000 Russian citizens lived in Finland as of 2022, many of whom are retirees or expatriates
The number of Russian immigrants in France is estimated at around 100,000 in 2020, with many settling in Paris and the Côte d'Azur
In recent years, the Russian-born population in Turkey has grown to over 70,000, primarily residing in Istanbul and coastal regions
The Russian community in Brazil is estimated at about 20,000 people, mostly in São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro
In 2021, there were around 45,000 Russians living in the United Kingdom, mostly in London and other major cities
The number of Russian immigrants in the Czech Republic is roughly 30,000 as of 2022, with many integrating into Prague’s urban life
The Russian-born population in Australia increased by 15% between 2017 and 2021, reflecting increased migration trends
In 2020, about 60,000 Russian immigrants resided in the United Arab Emirates, primarily in Dubai and Abu Dhabi
The Russian community in the Netherlands numbers approximately 25,000 as of 2022, many being long-term residents and expatriates
The number of Russian-born residents in Poland was approximately 50,000 in 2020, with many working in urban centers
Russian immigrants to Italy numbered around 100,000 in 2019, mainly concentrated in Lombardy and Lazio regions
The Russian diaspora in South Africa is estimated at about 10,000, mostly involved in business and expatriate communities
In 2022, around 80,000 Russian immigrants were living in Portugal, with many adopting Portuguese citizenship by naturalization
The Russian community in New Zealand is estimated at about 8,000 people as of 2022, many working in sectors like hospitality and education
In 2021, about 38,000 Russian immigrants resided in Belgium, with communities primarily in Brussels and Antwerp
Russian citizens in Japan numbered roughly 7,000 in 2020, including expatriates and business professionals
Russia’s emigration to Argentina is relatively small, estimated at about 2,000 in 2019, mostly retirees and cultural communities
The Russian diaspora in Ukraine has been affected by geopolitical developments, with estimates of around 300,000 Russian speakers living there before 2022
The Russian-born population in Switzerland is around 25,000 as of 2021, many working or studying in major Swiss cities
In 2018, over 80,000 Russian citizens were registered as residents in the United Kingdom, with large communities in London
Russian immigrants in Belgium are particularly concentrated in Brussels, with an estimated community of 15,000 as of 2020
Russia remains a significant source of long-term expatriates, with approximately 50,000 Russian citizens living abroad in 2023, primarily in Europe and North America
The Russian-speaking population in Latvia has declined since 2011 but still constitutes approximately 25% of the total population
The Russian community in Israel is estimated at around 800,000, making it one of the largest Russian-speaking communities outside Russia
In 2021, the number of Russian immigrants in the Czech Republic was approximately 30,000, with many engaged in commercial activities or study
The number of Russian expatriates in Singapore has grown to over 17,000 in 2022, driven by business and diplomatic ties
The Russian community in the Netherlands accounts for roughly 25,000 residents as of 2022, mostly in urban centers like Amsterdam and Rotterdam

Population and Community Sizes Interpretation

Despite the extensive global footprint of Russian émigrés and speakers—from vibrant communities in Germany and Israel to retirees in Finland and Australia—the persistence and diversification of these populations underscore that the Russian diaspora remains an intricate mosaic of cultural resilience and adaptation across continents.