Smaller Western European countries have the highest proportion of residents born abroad, according to Eurostat data updated to 2025.
According to the survey, 46,7 million people who They live in the European Union. They were born outside the bloc. The number represents about 10% of the total population, estimated at 450 million.
The total increased by 1,9 million compared to the previous year.
Countries with the highest proportion of foreigners.
Luxembourg leads by a wide margin. In the country, 51% of the population was born outside the national territory.
Next in line are Malta, with around 32%, and Cyprus, with almost 28%.
Ireland has 23% of its residents born abroad. Austria has 22%.
Among the larger countries, Sweden and Germany each account for just over 20%.
Spain has 19,3% of its population born outside the country. Denmark registers 14,4%, France 14% and Italy 11,8%.
Outside the European Union, but within the Schengen Area or EFTA, Switzerland has 31,7% foreigners. Norway registers 18,7%.
At the other end of the spectrum, Poland, Romania, Bulgaria, and Slovakia have less than 5% of residents born abroad.
Absolute numbers
In total numbers, the most populous countries concentrate the largest number of foreigners.
Germany leads with 17,2 million. France has 9,6 million, Spain 9,5 million, and Italy 6,9 million.
Together, these four countries account for approximately 67% of all foreign residents in the European Union.
Nationality and mobility
Eurostat also analyzes nationality, as it can change throughout life.
In 2025, 30,6 million people in the bloc were citizens of countries outside the European Union. This represents 6,8% of the population.
Another 18 million were born in a European Union country different from the one where they currently live.
Growth trend
Over the past decade, the proportion of foreign residents has increased in most European countries.
The decline was recorded only in Latvia and Greece.
According to Eurostat, migration is influenced by economic, political, social, and environmental factors. The stability and economic prosperity of the European Union remain attractive factors.
Recent migration flows
In 2024, 4,2 million people arrived in the European Union from countries outside the bloc.
During the same period, 1,5 million moved between EU countries and 1,6 million left the bloc.
Spain recorded the highest number of entries, with almost 1,29 million people. Germany, Italy, and France followed.
These three countries also lead in the number of departures.
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