Foreign-born population – 2024 | 18.4% of the population | Main countries of birth: |
8.8 million, 52% women | Evolution since 2014: +48% | Morocco (12%), Colombia (10%), Venezuela (7%) |
International Migration Outlook 2025
In 2024, Spain received 368 000 new immigrants on a long-term or permanent basis (including changes of status and free mobility), ‑1.8% compared to 2023. This figure comprises 32% immigrants benefitting from free mobility, 6% labour migrants, 39% family members (including accompanying family) and 5% humanitarian migrants. Around 70 000 permits were issued to tertiary-level international students and 55 900 to temporary and seasonal labour migrants (excluding intra-EU migration). In addition, 190 000 intra-EU postings were recorded in 2023, a 27% increase compared to 2022. These posted workers are generally on short-term contracts.
Colombia, Morocco and Venezuela were the top three nationalities of newcomers in 2023. Among the top 15 countries of origin, Morocco registered the strongest increase (9 700) and Ukraine the largest decrease (‑57 000) in flows to Spain compared to the previous year.
In 2024, the number of first asylum applicants increased by 2.2%, to reach around 164 000. The majority of applicants came from Venezuela (65 000), Colombia (40 000) and Mali (11 000). The largest increase since 2023 concerned nationals of Mali (9 300) and the largest decrease nationals of Colombia (‑13 000). Of the 90 000 decisions taken in 2024, 56% were positive.
Emigration of Spanish citizens to OECD countries increased by 3% in 2023, to 80 000. Approximately 18% of this group migrated to Germany, 13% to the Netherlands and 12% to France.
In November 2024, Spain approved a new Regulation on Foreigners, a comprehensive overhaul of its immigration regulations. Effective 20 May 2025, the reforms aim to harmonise national rules with European Union legislation while streamlining visa procedures, enhancing migrant inclusion, and addressing labour shortages. The new regulation highlights work, training, and family as the three levers of inclusion for migrants in Spain. Key measures include clearer visa rules, improved labour market access, extended family reunification rights, and new pathways to residency for undocumented migrants.
All initial visa authorisations are now valid for one year, with renewals for four years. The job-seeker visa was extended from three months to one year to give applicants more time to find employment in selected sectors. A new five‑year residence permit was introduced for non-EU family members of Spanish citizens, and eligibility for family reunification permits was extended to cover de facto couples and expanded family ties. The reforms also clarified long-term residency rules and simplified the process of changing from one residence status to another. International students can now work up to 30 hours per week and benefit from streamlined access to employment pathways after graduation. The reform also improves and strengthens the rights and guarantees of foreign seasonal workers.
The new regulation also established five updated “arraigo” pathways to help undocumented migrants regularise their stay via social, family, work, or training pathways. These pathways offer a clearer route to employment and integration. Within the next few years, Spain’s extensive regularisation programmes seek to integrate a large number of undocumented migrants into the formal economy, where they can help address labour shortages in key sectors.
In December 2024, Spain adopted the 2025 GECCO Order to support circular migration. The order introduced seasonal work permits that offer workers protection and support. Participants in circular migration schemes can now obtain authorisations valid for up to four years, allowing them to work for up to nine months each year, provided they return to their home country between seasons.
In February 2025, the Spanish Government announced new regulations on Spanish citizenship abroad aimed at improving support for overseas citizens and encouraging their return. This includes measures for emergency repatriation, talent attraction and a new voluntary return plan.
Spain also opened a public consultation on the Intercultural Integration and Coexistence Plan in February 2025, aiming to gather ideas and experiences from citizens, organisations, and associations. Building on the Strategic Framework for Citizenship and Inclusion against Racism and Xenophobia 2023‑2027, this initiative aims to promote equality, social cohesion, and civic participation. Specific areas of action include education, social services and health, housing and employment.
In April 2025, Spain formally ended its Golden Visa programme, discontinuing all residence‑by-investment routes. This followed concerns about housing affordability and the limited economic return of such schemes.
For more information, see www.inclusion.gob.es/.
