Top 3 Destinations for Iceland Expats (2023 Data via 2025 OECD Report)
The report estimates that 2,300 Icelandic citizens left for other OECD countries in 2023, up 4% from the year before. That's the smallest emigration total of any country in this dataset.
| Country of Origin | Destination Country | # of Migrants |
|---|---|---|
| Iceland | Denmark | ~920 (40% of overall Icelandic outflow) |
| Iceland | Sweden | ~460 (20% of overall Icelandic outflow) |
| Iceland | Poland | ~207 (9% of overall Icelandic outflow) |
Denmark at 40% reflects centuries of historical ties. Sweden at #2 is the other Scandinavian neighbor. Poland at #3 is an interesting outlier.
So if Icelanders are headed to Denmark, Sweden, and Poland, where are those countries sending their people?
Emigration of Danish citizens (to OECD countries) was 9,700 in 2023. ~18% went to Sweden, 12% to Spain, and 11% to Norway.
Emigration of Swedish citizens (to OECD countries) was 22,000 in 2023. ~18% went to Spain, 15% to Germany, and 10% to Norway.
Emigration of Polish citizens (to OECD countries) was 136,000 in 2023. ~40% went to Germany, 19% to the Netherlands, and 6% to Switzerland.
| Country of Origin | Top Destination Country | # of Migrants |
|---|---|---|
| Denmark | Sweden | ~1,746 |
| Sweden | Spain | ~3,960 |
| Poland | Germany | ~54,400 |