Emigration from the Balearics to overseas destinations has increased sharply in the past ten years, with official figures from the Instituto Nacional de Estadística (INE) revealing a 54% rise in citizens born in the Balearic Islands living abroad. As of the latest data, 13,007 Balearics-born individuals reside outside Spain, significantly higher than the 8,442 recorded in 2016.
This decade-long surge corresponds to more than 4,500 Balearic natives having established residence overseas. However, when considering the total number of registrants linked to the Balearic Islands — including descendants and citizens of other regions or countries with administrative ties — the figure increased from 30,480 in 2016 to 51,524 in 2026, marking a 69% rise.
The bulk of this emigration growth is concentrated in Europe. Over the last ten years, the population of Balearics-born residents in European countries has doubled, climbing from 4,304 to 8,657. This trend reflects labour market opportunities and eased mobility within the European Union, making Europe the primary destination for these migrants.
Despite Europe’s dominance, America continues to hold a historic and notable role in Balearic emigration. Presently, 3,640 citizens born in the Balearics reside there. When inclusive of all registered individuals connected to the islands, this number rises to 27,697, with Argentina accounting for the largest share at 10,686. Yet, the most recent year shows a slight decrease of 1.25% in Balearics-born residents directly living in America, signalling a plateau in growth.
The numbers remain smaller in Asia and Africa, but these regions have registered the highest growth rates percentage-wise in the last year, near 10% between 2025 and 2026, suggesting a diversification in emigrant destinations from the Balearic Islands. In Africa, 170 individuals born in the Balearics live there, increasing to 950 when counting registered persons. Asia hosts 421 Balearics-born residents, with the total registered reaching 1,012. Oceania remains the smallest but stable destination, with 120 natives and 266 registered individuals linked to the Balearic Islands.
Within Europe, France is the country with the highest number of Balearics-born residents, totalling 1,888. Argentina tops the list in America with 939 natives from the Balearics living there. In Asia, the United Arab Emirates is the leading host nation, with 127 Balearics-born individuals, while Australia is the primary destination in Oceania, housing 109 Balearics-born residents.