Immigrant Population in EU Reaches Record 64.2 Million in 2025
Germany remained the largest host country in the EU, with nearly 18 million foreign-born residents.
Migrants, found inside a lorry that had been impounded at a vehicle impound, are taken into custody after rescued by state and federal authorities in Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico on March 23, 2026. At least 229 Central American migrants, including 17 minors, found. Photo by Anadolu Images.
T
he number of immigrants living in the European Union has reached a record 64.2 million in 2025, highlighting the continued growth and uneven distribution of migration across the bloc, according to a new study.
The report, published by the Centre for Research and Analysis on Migration, found that the figure marks an increase of around 2.1 million compared with 2024. It also represents a sharp rise from approximately 40 million recorded in 2010, based on data from Eurostat and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.
Germany remained the largest host country in the EU, with nearly 18 million foreign-born residents. The report noted that around 72% of these individuals are of working age, underlining the importance of migration to the country’s labor market.
“Germany remains the main destination for migrants in Europe, both in absolute terms and, to a significant extent, relative to its population,” said Tommaso Frattini, one of the study’s authors.
700,000 immigrants in one year in Spain
Meanwhile, Spain recorded the fastest recent growth, adding roughly 700,000 immigrants over the past year to reach a total of 9.5 million. The increase reflects a broader trend of rising migration to southern European countries.
The study highlighted significant disparities across the bloc. Smaller states such as Luxembourg, Malta and Cyprus reported higher proportions of immigrants relative to their population size, even if their total numbers remain comparatively low.
Asylum applications were also unevenly distributed. Spain, Italy, France and Germany together accounted for nearly three-quarters of all claims across the EU. Germany hosted the largest number of refugees overall, with around 2.7 million.
Immigration debate in Europe
The findings come amid ongoing political debate across Europe over migration policy, border management and labor shortages. While some governments have tightened asylum rules and increased border controls, others have emphasized the economic contribution of migrants, particularly in sectors facing workforce gaps.
Analysts say the latest figures reflect both long-term demographic trends and the impact of recent global crises, including conflicts and economic instability, which continue to drive people toward Europe.
With migration expected to remain a central issue for policymakers, the report underscores the challenges facing the EU in balancing humanitarian responsibilities with domestic political pressures and economic needs.
(Source: Reuters)
