Spain positions itself within the European Union as the country with the highest relative immigration rate per capita, significantly surpassing major economies such as France, Italy, and Germany. Only smaller countries like Malta, Cyprus, or Luxembourg show higher percentages in comparison. This development, detailed in the latest economic report by the Bank of Spain, underscores the central role of immigration for the country’s demographic and economic future.
Why Spain? Geographic and Cultural Proximity as an Attraction
With a rate of 24 immigrants per thousand inhabitants – compared to just five in France and six in Italy – Spain is a preferred destination for migrants. The geographic and cultural proximity, especially to Latin America through shared language and historical ties, as well as the close relationship with Morocco, are crucial factors determining the origin of immigrants. This dynamic has led to immigration becoming a decisive factor for population growth in Spain, particularly as the national birth rate is below the death rate.
Population Growth Thanks to Immigration: A Look at the Numbers
Spain’s total population reached almost 49,153,849 million people in April 2025, an increase of almost 430,000 compared to the previous year. Data from the National Institute of Statistics (INE) shows that in the last twelve months, for every Spaniard registered in the continuous population statistics, almost five foreigners were counted. This development is crucial to counter the population decline and aging that could force drastic measures in many other European countries.
Challenges and Opportunities: The Future of Spanish Immigration Policy
Given the impending massive retirement of the baby boomer generation, Spain will need to significantly increase the influx of immigrants to maintain its current welfare level and pension payments. The Spanish government has already taken steps, such as the planned regularization of 900,000 undocumented foreigners. The simplified immigration law aims to facilitate entry and residence.
Despite the revitalizing effect of immigration, Eurostat predicts that Spain will still lose almost 280,000 inhabitants by 2050. The birth rate of the foreign population, which is on average younger than the Spanish population, offsets the general fertility rate. In the long term, however, cultural assimilation could lead to a reduction in the overall birth rate, necessitating a continuous influx of labor. The Independent Authority for Fiscal Responsibility (AIReF) projects that by 2050, a net inflow of 330,000 immigrants annually will be necessary to reach a population of 54 million, 18% of whom will be foreigners. It is expected that immigration from Sub-Saharan countries will gain importance compared to Latin America.
Factors Influencing Migration Flows: What Attracts People to Spain?
The Bank of Spain’s document, “Factors influencing migration flows to Spain and other advanced economies,” identifies several conditional factors for the increase in immigration. Political stability, the absence of conflicts in countries of origin, and an increase in GDP per capita tend to reduce emigration. Natural disasters, however, can increase emigration flows to OECD countries. Surprisingly, mild food crises do not significantly affect migration; in more severe crises, the effect can even be negative as the affected population has fewer resources available for migration.
Spain’s attractiveness as a destination country is determined not only by cultural proximity but also by economic and regulatory factors. A lower unemployment rate, higher average wage growth, and, most importantly, a more flexible migration policy that makes it easier to obtain stable residence status attract more immigrants. These indicators will continue to significantly influence the countries of origin for immigration to Spain and other developed countries in the future.
