Europe experienced a significant increase in 2025. New data confirms a record high for EU residency permits. Member states collectively issued 355,350 more permits than the previous year. This growth highlights evolving migration patterns across the continent.
Nearly all categories of residence permits saw a rise. Employment-related permits climbed by 16 percent. Family reasons increased by 14 percent, while educational permits rose by 9 percent. Conversely, permits for other reasons, like pensioners or temporary protection, decreased by one percent.
Employment remained the primary driver for new permits across the EU. It accounted for approximately 1.3 million new issuances in 2025, nearly 34 percent of the total. Overall, 27.8 million non-EU citizens held residence permits in EU countries by the end of 2025.
Spain led with 635,438 first-time permits issued in 2025. Germany followed closely, granting 605,292. Poland issued 467,314, Italy 433,099, and France 377,462. These nations represent key destinations for new arrivals.
Portugal, Romania, Italy, and Slovakia recorded the largest year-on-year increases. By contrast, Croatia, Greece, and Austria experienced the most significant declines in permit issuance. This indicates shifting preferences among migrants.
Poland attracted the most non-EU citizens for work, issuing 318,186 first permits. Portugal followed with 240,523, then Spain (115,040) and Germany (108,091). Ukrainians and Brazilians formed the largest groups receiving employment permits. Poland primarily issued permits for Ukrainians, while Portugal largely served Brazilians.
Family reunification accounted for 1.1 million permits, or 28 percent of the total. Spain granted the most family-related permits (275,869). Germany (225,591), Italy (176,876), and France (90,959) also issued substantial numbers. Moroccan citizens were the largest nationality, with over half securing permits in Spain.
Education purposes led to 600,000 new permits, comprising 15 percent of the total. In Ireland, Denmark, and France, education was the most frequent reason for granting residence. France (118,404), Germany (112,500), and Spain (105,419) were top choices for non-EU students. Indian nationals constituted the largest group, with Germany issuing nearly 40 percent of their permits.
About 900,000 permits fell under “other reasons,” representing 23 percent of the total. This category includes international protection and permits for pensioners. Greece, Estonia, and Austria saw this as their most common basis for new permits. Afghan citizens formed the largest recipient group, with Germany granting 42 percent of these.
Ukrainians received the most first-time permits in 2025 (335,100). Indians followed with 227,600, and Moroccans with 202,100. Other significant groups included Brazilians, Belarusians, Colombians, and Turks.
A record 227,577 Indian citizens received first EU residency permits in 2025, the highest since 2013. More than 100,000 were for employment. Furthermore, over 91,000 US citizens obtained first permits, also a record high since 2013. Education was the primary reason for US nationals seeking residence.
About 44,000 UK citizens received permits, consistent with previous years. Similarly, approximately 15,700 Canadians and 9,000 Australians were granted first permits in the EU.
