The European Union witnessed a significant increase in first residence permits issued to non-EU citizens in 2023. The number of permits surged to a record high of 3.7 million, reflecting a significant 4.7% increase compared to the previous year, according to data released by Eurostat, the EU Statistics Agency.
Employment Remains the Primary Reason
Employment continued to be the primary reason for seeking residence permits, accounting for 33.8% of the total issuance. However, there was a slight decrease of 0.4% in this category compared to 2022.
Family and Protection Reasons Gain Ground
Residency Permits issued for family reasons were the second most common, comprising 26.4% (986,453) of the total, showing a notable 6.4% increase. Meanwhile, permits granted for international protection made up 25.6% (956,646), reflecting a 5.3% rise.
Education Category Experiences Rapid Growth
The education category experienced the most significant growth, with a substantial increase of 13.5%. This category accounted for 14.3% (534,558) of all permits issued.
Also Read: EU Updates Long-Term Residency Rules for Third-Country Nationals
Top Nationalities Receiving EU Residence Permits
In 2023, Ukrainian citizens topped the list of non-EU nationals receiving first residence permits, with 307,313 permits granted. Belarusian citizens closely followed, securing 281,279 permits, while Indian nationals claimed the third spot, obtaining 207,966 residence permits in the European Union.
Reasons for Residence Permits by Nationality
Eurostat data highlights that the leading reasons for residence permits varied significantly by nationality, revealing key insights into the diverse motivations and trends driving non-EU citizens to seek residence in the European Union.
1. Employment: Employment was the leading reason for residence permits among Ukrainian (71.7%), Belarusian (52.3%), Indian (45.2%), and Turkish (31.8%) citizens, highlighting the EU’s appeal for job-seekers from these countries.
2. International Protection: Residence permits for international protection were most prevalent among Syrian (77.3%) and Afghan (85.1%) nationals, reflecting ongoing conflicts and humanitarian needs driving migration to the EU.
3. Family Reasons: Family reunification was the primary reason for residence permits among citizens of Morocco (50.3%), Russia (39.4%), and Brazil (35.3%), emphasizing the EU’s role in supporting family connections.
4. Education: Chinese nationals received the majority of their residence permits for education purposes (37.8%), showcasing the EU as a preferred destination for higher education and academic opportunities for Chinese students.
Also Read: Top 10 EU Countries for Job Prospects and Work Permits
Germany Leads EU in Residence Permits Issuance
The 2022 Eurostat report noted a significant 26% increase in first residence permits compared to 2021, reaching levels not seen since 2009. That year, 42% of permits were issued for employment purposes (243,617), reflecting an 18% rise from the previous year.
Germany issued the most residence permits in the EU, with 538,690 first permits, followed by Spain, Italy, and France, which issued over 300,000, 337,788, and 324,200 permits, respectively.
Final Words
This surge in residence permits highlights the EU’s ongoing demand for skilled labor, family reunification, and the provision of protection, positioning the EU as a significant destination for non-EU citizens seeking residence for various reasons.
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