Migration remains one of Europe’s most politically contested issues, yet EU countries issued more first residence permits to non-EU citizens last year than in any year since records began in 2008.

According to Eurostat, around 3.9 million first residence permits were issued across the EU in 2025, a 10.1% increase, or 355,350 more permits, compared with 2024.

Among new permits issued in 2025, employment led the way, at 33.6% of the total, up 16.1% on the year. Family reunification followed, up 14.1% to 28.1%, and education grew 9% to reach 15.5%.

Only one category shrank: permits for other reasons, including international protection, fell 0.9%.

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