Population change - 1st quarter of 2026

„International migration resulted in a negative balance of –7.3 thousand in the first quarter. As in the first quarters of 2025 and 2024, this negative net migration reflected a high number of persons whose temporary protection expired at the end of March,” explains Michaela Němečková from the Demographic Statistics Unit of the Czech Statistical Office.

A total of 36.5 thousand people emigrated in the first quarter, which represents an increase of 1.7 thousand year-on-year. The number of immigrants to the Czech Republic reached 29.2 thousand, representing an increase of 5.9 thousand year-on-year, primarily driven by male immigrants aged 19 to 22. In both directions of international migration, Ukrainian nationals predominated; however, their migration balance was negative (−9.8 thousand). The highest positive net migration balances were recorded for citizens of the Philippines and Slovakia (both +0.9 thousand).

Figure Population change of 1st quarter of 2025 and 2026

Between January and March of this year, 17.5 thousand live births were recorded, representing a year-on-year decrease of 1.2 thousand, or 6%. The number of births has continued to decline for the fifth consecutive year, with declines observed across all birth orders. The highest number of children were born to mothers aged 32 and 31.

During the first quarter of 2026, 30.1 thousand residents of the Czech Republic died, which was 0.9 thousand (3%) fewer compared to the same period in 2025. The highest numbers of deaths were recorded at ages 80–84 years (5.5 thousand) and 75–79 years (5.3 thousand).

In the first three months of this year, 3.1 thousand marriages were registered, representing a 3% decrease compared to the previous year. This number has been declining for the fourth consecutive year. Approximately two-thirds of marriages were first marriages for a man, or woman, while one-third were higher-order marriages.