A multi-stage vacuum pump comprising a stator defining multiple pumping chambers is discussed. The stator comprises a plurality of transfer channels for providing a fluid passage from an outlet port of one of the plurality of pumping chambers to an inlet port of a subsequent pumping chamber. Some of the transfer channels comprise two side channel sections on opposing sides of the stator. One of the transfer channels comprises a single side channel section on one side of the stator. The vacuum pump further comprises a gas ballast inlet channel arranged on an other side of the stator to the one side of the stator.