Where in Europe Has the Most Foreigners: Ranking Countries with the Highest Share of Foreign Residents Ranking of European countries by share of foreign residents in 2026. Luxembourg leads at 45%, followed by Cyprus and Malta. Data from Eurostat and Statista. Topics: News, Technology.

Where in Europe Has the Most Foreigners: Ranking Countries with the Highest Share of Foreign Residents

In 2026, interest in migration processes in Europe shows no signs of fading: government agencies, analysts, and the business community are constantly tracking which countries attract the most foreign residents. According to the latest data from the European Statistical Office (Eurostat) and the analytical resource Statista, the highest percentage of foreign-born residents is found in small but economically dynamic states.

Key figures

The highest proportion of foreign residents — more than 45% of the total population — is recorded in Luxembourg. This is confirmed by the EU study — Auslanderanteil in den EU-Landern | Statista, which states that Luxembourg attracts migrants thanks to high salaries, a favorable tax regime, and the country’s small size, making foreigners a noticeable part of the population.

Cyprus and Malta follow Luxembourg, where the share of foreigners reaches 38% and 35%, respectively. These island nations are actively developing their financial sectors as well as “golden visa” programs, attracting investors and qualified professionals.

In larger EU countries, the share of foreign residents is more modest but still significant. In Germany and France, the figure is in the range of 12-15%. Here, labor migrants from Turkey, North Africa, and Eastern Europe play a notable role.

In Italy, Spain, and Poland, the share of foreigners stands at approximately 10%, 11%, and 9%, respectively. These figures reflect the influx of citizens from former Soviet countries, North Africa, and Latin America, as well as the growing number of students and professionals seeking opportunities in more developed economies.

It is worth noting that in Slovenia, Greece, and Portugal, the share of foreigners remains very low — less than 3%. This is due to limited labor market opportunities and less attractive conditions for investors.

“Migration in Europe is not just statistics, but a living process that shapes the socio-economic landscape of the continent.” — Eurostat, 2026

Summary data by country

Country	Share of foreigners
Luxembourg	45%
Cyprus	38%
Malta	35%
Germany	13%
France	12%
Italy	10%
Spain	11%
Poland	9%
Slovenia	2%
Greece	3%

This data helps to better understand what factors attract migrants: economic stability, open programs for investors, demographic policy, and, of course, the standard of living. For countries with a high percentage of foreigners (Luxembourg, Cyprus, Malta), an important task remains the integration of new residents into society, ensuring access to education and healthcare, and supporting cultural diversity.

At the same time, states with a lower share of migrants face challenges related to demographic aging and the need to attract labor to maintain economic activity. The development of programs to attract qualified professionals and students may become a decisive factor here.

Outlook for the coming years

According to forecasts published in the analytical review Auslander in Europa – Vergleichszahlen – Politik und Zeitgeschichte, over the next decade the share of foreign residents in Luxembourg may decrease slightly to approximately 43% due to tighter immigration rules, while in Cyprus and Malta it will remain at current levels thanks to the continuing “golden visa” policy.

In larger EU countries, moderate growth is expected: Germany could reach approximately 15%, France approximately 14%, and Italy approximately 12% by 2035, driven by both economic growth and the expansion of programs to attract international students and IT professionals.

What matters most?

For policymakers and the business community, the key factors remain:

1. Creating favorable conditions for investment and labor migration
2. Supporting integration programs, including language training and professional retraining
3. Developing infrastructure that meets the needs of a growing multinational population
4. Monitoring demographic trends and adapting social policy

Ultimately, the level of foreign residents in each country serves as an indicator of its openness, economic attractiveness, and ability to adapt to global challenges.