The number of immigrants living across the European Union has reached a historic high, with 64.2 million foreign-born residents recorded in 2025. The figure, published in a new report by the Centre for Research and Analysis on Migration at RFBerlin, marks an increase of around 2.1 million in just one year.
Drawing on data from Eurostat and the UNHCR, the report highlights how migration has steadily reshaped Europe over the past decade. Back in 2010, the total stood closer to 40 million, underlining the scale of change.
Germany remains the bloc’s largest host country, with close to 18 million foreign-born residents. But it is Spain that is now drawing attention for the speed of its recent growth.
Spain’s surge in foreign-born residents
According to the same report, Spain has experienced one of the fastest increases in foreign-born population in the EU, adding roughly 700,000 people in a short period.
That brings the total number of foreign-born residents in Spain to around 9.5 million: a figure that reflects people born outside the country, including many who may now hold Spanish nationality.
This distinction matters. Official headlines often refer to “foreign population” as those without Spanish citizenship, which produces a slightly lower figure, closer to nine million. But when measured by place of birth, the true scale of Spain’s international community is significantly higher.
A visible shift in daily life
For foreign residents already living in Spain, these figures simply confirm what is visible on the ground.
From Barcelona to the Balearics and along the Costa del Sol, international communities are no longer niche, they are part of the mainstream. Schools, workplaces and neighbourhoods are increasingly multilingual, reflecting a country that is becoming more diverse by the year.
Whether it’s remote workers from across Europe, Latin American families settling long-term, or retirees seeking a better quality of life, Spain continues to attract people for a mix of economic opportunity and lifestyle appeal.
Growth driven by necessity
This surge is not just about desirability, it is also about demographic reality.
Spain, like much of Europe, faces an ageing population and low birth rates. As a result, population growth is now heavily dependent on arrivals from abroad. The RFBerlin report notes that the majority of migrants are of working age, making them vital to the labour market and broader economy.
In practical terms, this means foreign residents are playing an increasingly central role in sustaining public services, filling workforce gaps and supporting long-term economic stability.
Pressure points and growing pains
But rapid population growth brings challenges too.
In some of Spain’s most sought-after regions, rising demand is putting pressure on housing, infrastructure and local services. Rental markets remain tight, prices continue to climb, and concerns around overdevelopment and tourism saturation are becoming more pronounced.
For foreign residents, this creates a complex picture: Spain remains one of Europe’s most attractive places to live, yet the very popularity driving that appeal is also contributing to strains in certain areas.
A long-term shift, not a short-term trend
What is clear from the data is that this is not a temporary spike.
Migration across the EU has been rising steadily for more than a decade, and Spain’s recent surge forms part of that broader, long-term pattern. The country is not just experiencing growth, it is undergoing a structural demographic shift.
What it means for foreign residents
For those who have made Spain their home, the takeaway is simple: this is no longer a fringe experience.
The foreign-born population is now a fundamental part of Spain’s identity: shaping its economy, culture and future direction. The “expat” label is becoming less distinct as international residents form an ever larger share of everyday life.
So whether you arrived recently or have been here for decades, the numbers tell a bigger story.
This isn’t just about statistics… it’s about how Spain is evolving, and where you fit within it.
