EU attracts record 64 million immigrants as migration patterns shift

The number of immigrants living in the European Union has reached a new high, reflecting the bloc’s growing appeal as a destination and the increasingly fluid nature of its labour markets.


Issued on: 22/04/2026 - RFI

Afghan nationals walk past German policemen to board a bus after they landed at the airport in Hannover-Langenhagen, northwestern Germany, on 1 September 2025. AFP - MICHAEL MATTHEY


New figures published on Wednesday show that 64.2 million foreign-born people were residing across the EU in 2025 – an increase of around 2.1 million compared with the previous year.

The total has risen sharply over the past decade and a half, up from 40 million in 2010, reflecting both sustained migration flows and Europe’s continued economic pull.

The data – compiled by the Centre for Research and Analysis on Migration at RFBerlin using sources including Eurostat and the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) – paints a picture of a continent where migration is not only rising but also evolving in shape and distribution.

Germany leads while Spain accelerates

Germany remains by far the EU’s largest host country, with close to 18 million foreign-born residents. Around 72 percent of these are of working age – a factor often highlighted as helping to support the country’s labour force and long-term economic stability.

Researchers say Germany continues to stand out both in absolute terms and relative to its population size. It remains a central destination for migrants arriving in Europe, reflecting its strong economy and employment opportunities.

Elsewhere, Spain has emerged as the fastest-growing hub in recent years. The country added roughly 700,000 foreign-born residents over the past year alone, bringing its total to 9.5 million. This surge points to a broader shift, with southern European economies increasingly attracting newcomers alongside traditional destinations in the north.

Uneven patterns across the bloc

Despite the overall rise, migration trends vary significantly from country to country. Smaller nations such as Luxembourg, Malta and Cyprus have some of the highest proportions of immigrants relative to their population size, highlighting how migration can reshape societies at different scales.

Asylum applications also remain concentrated in a handful of countries. Spain, Italy, France and Germany together account for nearly three-quarters of all claims, indicating where administrative systems and reception capacities are most heavily engaged.

Germany again tops the list when it comes to hosting refugees, with a total of 2.7 million, reflecting both recent arrivals and longer-term commitments to protection.

(With newswires)