Spain News

Considering a move to sunny Spain? Whether you’re dreaming of the Costas, the vibrant cities, or the tranquil countryside, you might be wondering about the population mix. Just how international is Spain? How many other expats, particularly from the UK, might you encounter? Understanding the demographics, including the percentage of foreign residents, can give you a better feel for the country’s diversity.

This post breaks down the latest statistics on Spain’s foreign population, providing context for Brits thinking about making Spain their home.

What Percentage of Spain’s Population is Foreign?

Spain has long been a magnet for people from across the globe, thanks to its climate, lifestyle, and economic opportunities (both past and present). This is reflected in its population statistics.

According to the latest available data from Spain’s National Statistics Institute (Instituto Nacional de Estadística – INE), typically updated semi-annually or annually (always check INE for the most current figures):

• As of the start of 2024, foreign nationals represented approximately 18.1% of the total population residing in Spain.
• This translates to roughly 8.78 million foreign residents out of a total population exceeding 48.6 million people.

Important Note: Statistics evolve. The figures mentioned are based on data available around early 2024. Always refer to the official INE website for the most up-to-date numbers.

This percentage signifies that nearly one in five people living in Spain is a foreign national, making Spain a significantly diverse and multicultural country, especially compared to historical levels. The foreign population has been a key driver of Spain’s overall population growth in recent years.

Who Are the Foreign Residents? A Look at Nationalities

The foreign population isn’t one monolithic group; it’s incredibly diverse. While figures fluctuate slightly year on year, the largest groups of foreign nationals residing in Spain consistently include:

1. Moroccans: Often the largest single nationality group.
2. Romanians: Historically a very large group, particularly after Romania joined the EU.
3. Colombians: Numbers have significantly increased in recent years.
4. Italians: A large and established EU community.
5. British (UK Citizens): Remain one of the most significant groups, particularly from Western Europe.
6. Venezuelans: Numbers have also seen substantial growth due to the situation in their home country.
7. Chinese: A long-established and growing community.
8. Ukrainians: Numbers saw a sharp increase following the Russian invasion.

Where do Brits fit in?

• Despite Brexit, UK nationals remain one of the largest groups of foreign residents in Spain, numbering several hundred thousand officially registered residents (the exact number fluctuates – INE data from early 2024 showed around 400,000-450,000 residents born in the UK, though not all necessarily retain UK nationality, and official residency figures for current UK nationals might differ slightly).
• This official figure likely underestimates the true number with links to the UK, as it doesn’t always capture non-resident property owners or those who haven’t updated their residency status correctly post-Brexit.
• Brits form a particularly significant portion of the foreign population in specific coastal areas and islands.

The mix includes both EU citizens (who benefit from freedom of movement, although residency registration is still required) and non-EU citizens (who navigate different visa and residency requirements).

Where Do Foreigners Live in Spain? Regional Variations

The foreign population isn’t evenly spread across Spain. Concentrations are highest in:

• Coastal Regions: Particularly the Mediterranean coast (Catalonia, Valencia region – including Costa Blanca, Andalusia – including Costa del Sol) and the islands (Balearic and Canary Islands). These areas attract people for tourism, lifestyle, retirement, and related job opportunities.
• Major Cities: Madrid and Barcelona have large, diverse international populations due to economic opportunities, universities, and cultural attractions.
• Agricultural Areas: Some inland areas also have significant foreign populations working in agriculture.

Regions like Galicia, Asturias, Castile and León, or Extremadura generally have lower percentages of foreign residents compared to the coasts and major cities.

Trends Over Time: A Growing Diversity

Spain’s foreign population has grown dramatically over the last 20-25 years. While there have been fluctuations (e.g., during the economic crisis around 2008-2013), the overall trend has been significant growth. Recent years have seen notable increases from Latin American countries.

Brexit has introduced complexities for UK nationals, requiring visas and formal residency processes that didn’t exist before. While this may have impacted new flows from the UK compared to pre-Brexit levels, the established British community remains substantial.

What Does This Mean for UK Expats Considering the Move?

• Spain is Diverse: You will be moving to a country with a significant international presence. This contributes to a vibrant, multicultural atmosphere in many areas.
• Established UK Community: You are not alone! Brits form a large and well-established expat group. In many popular areas, you’ll find British shops, bars, clubs, and readily available English-speaking services. This can ease the transition.
• Integration Opportunity: While the UK community offers familiarity, the overall diversity provides ample opportunity to meet people from Spain and all over the world. Learning Spanish remains highly recommended for deeper integration and daily life.
• Services are Adapting: Due to the high number of foreigners, many official bodies, banks, and service providers (especially in high-concentration areas) are increasingly equipped to deal with non-Spanish speakers, although bureaucracy can still be challenging.

Conclusion:

With nearly one-fifth of its residents being foreign nationals, Spain is undeniably a diverse and international country. The foreign population percentage stands at around 18.1% (as of early 2024), encompassing millions of people from across Europe, Africa, the Americas, and Asia.

For Brits considering the move, this means entering a multicultural environment where UK citizens represent one of the largest and most established expat groups, especially in coastal and island regions. While navigating post-Brexit residency is essential, the significant foreign presence contributes to Spain’s dynamic character and ensures you’ll find a blend of familiar support networks and diverse new experiences.