EU issues 3.5 million first residence permits to non-EU citizens in 2024

In 2024, the European Union issued 3.5 million first residence permits to non-EU citizens, marking an 8.3% decline of 315,700 permits compared to 2023, which recorded the highest number to date.

Employment was the primary reason for the issuance of residence permits, accounting for 31.9% or 1.1 million of all permits issued. This represents a decrease of 12.2%, or 155,500 permits, from the previous year. Family reasons accounted for 27.1% of the permits, totaling 950,600, reflecting a 6.5% drop of 65,800 permits compared to 2023. Other reasons, including international protection, made up 25.3% or 886,300 permits, with a 10.0% fall of 98,900. Education reasons accounted for 15.7% or 549,400 permits, which is the only category to see an increase, rising by 0.8% or 4,500 permits.

The highest number of first residence permits in 2024 was issued to citizens of Ukraine, totaling 295,600. This was followed by India with 192,400 permits, Morocco with 188,400, Syria with 185,900, Belarus with 174,800, China with 114,500, Turkey with 111,500, Colombia with 96,200, Bangladesh with 94,300, and Afghanistan with 86,300.

For further details, refer to the official report.