In 2023, EU countries issued a record 3.7 million first residence permits to third nationals, the highest number since data collection began in 2013. These permits allow foreign nationals to live in a specific country for a set period of time and for reasons such as work, study, family, or humanitarian purposes. Ukrainian nationals received the highest number of permits, followed by Belarusians and Indians. Russians also received a significant number of permits, mainly for family reasons. There were more work-related permits issued compared to humanitarian ones, with work permits accounting for 33.8% of the total.
Education saw a significant increase in the number of permits granted in 2023, with Indians, Chinese, and Americans receiving the most permits for educational purposes. Moroccans were the top recipients of family-related permits, making up more than 50% of them. Belarusians, Syrians, Afghans, and Ukrainians received the most permits for humanitarian reasons. Overall, work permits were the most common type of permit issued, followed by family reasons, humanitarian reasons, and education.
The data from Eurostat shows that the number of first residence permits issued in 2023 was the highest on record, indicating an increase in the number of foreign nationals living in EU countries. The majority of permits were granted for work and family reasons, with a significant number also issued on humanitarian grounds. Ukrainians, Belarusians, and Indians received the most permits, with Russians also receiving a substantial number of permits for family reasons.
The increase in permits for education suggests that more foreign nationals are coming to EU countries for study purposes. Indians, Chinese, and Americans were the top recipients of educational permits in 2023. In terms of family permits, Moroccans were the most common recipients, while Belarusians, Syrians, Afghans, and Ukrainians received the most permits for humanitarian reasons. Overall, work permits accounted for the largest share of permits issued, followed by family, humanitarian, and education reasons.
The data from 2023 highlights the diverse reasons why foreign nationals choose to live in EU countries, with work and family being the most common motivations. The high number of permits issued also suggests that EU countries are increasingly open to welcoming foreign nationals for various purposes. The increase in educational permits indicates a growing interest in studying in EU countries, particularly among nationals from India, China, and the United States. Additionally, the significant number of permits issued for humanitarian reasons underscores the importance of providing refuge and support to those in need. Overall, these statistics paint a picture of a diverse and inclusive EU that is open to foreign nationals for a variety of reasons.
