MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are non-coding small RNA molecules that can be secreted into the circulation and which exist in remarkably stable forms. Circulating miRNAs regulates numerous regulations of biological process and aberrantly expressed in pathological status. Differentially expressed circulating miRNAs have received attention as potential biomarkers for many diseases. In this study, we revealed that miR-515-5p was significantly upregulated in maternal serum from preeclampsia patients in comparison to normal pregnant women. Bioinformatics prediction and a dual-luciferase reporter gene assay revealed that miR-515-5p directly targets the X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP) 3′-untranslated region. In addition, the overexpression of miR-515-5p inhibited the proliferation and invasion of HTR-8/SVneo trophoblast cells. The decreased XIAP expression and reduced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) were observed in the preeclamptic placenta. Collectively, miR-515-5p may play critical roles in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia through suppression of XIAP, and serum miR-515-5p may act as a potential biomarker for preeclampsia.