Canarian emigration hits record highs and spreads across more than 65 countries

The number of residents abroad has grown by 124% in fifteen years, reaching new global destinations.

Conceptual image of an old suitcase facing the ocean at sunset.
IA

Conceptual image of an old suitcase facing the ocean at sunset.

The number of Canarian citizens residing outside of Spain has reached 212,780 in 2026, consolidating an upward trend that has increased the figure by 124% since 2009.

Data from the National Statistics Institute reflects a significant shift in the archipelago's migration profile. While destinations were traditionally limited to nearby geographic areas, the Canarian population is currently distributed across more than 65 countries, including nations such as Malta, New Zealand, or Gambia.
The American continent remains the primary destination, hosting 176,599 islanders, with Cuba and Venezuela leading the list. Meanwhile, Europe accounts for 30,585 residents, and figures in Asia, Africa, and Oceania show a growing presence of citizens seeking new professional opportunities.
Sociology experts point out that this phenomenon responds to a combination of factors. On one hand, the search for better working conditions and professional development in higher value-added sectors. On the other, a cultural normalization of international mobility among new generations, who view living abroad as a path to personal fulfillment.