EU Foreign-Born Residents Reach Record 64.2 Million in 2025

The number of foreign-born residents in the European Union reached a record 64.2 million in 2025, marking an increase of 2.1 million from the previous year and highlighting the bloc's enduring draw as a migration destination.

The figure, detailed in a report released on Wednesday by the Centre for Research and Analysis on Migration at RFBerlin, draws on data from Eurostat and the United Nations Refugee Agency. It represents a significant rise from 40 million in 2010, driven by sustained inflows tied to economic opportunities and labor needs across the continent. Researchers note that these patterns reflect not only ongoing arrivals but also the EU's fluid job markets, which continue to attract workers and those seeking protection.

Germany stands out as the largest host country, with nearly 18 million foreign-born residents, about 72 percent of whom are of working age. This demographic supports the nation's workforce and contributes to long-term economic stability, according to the analysis. "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 report's authors.