

23.8 Million Non-Citizens Recorded Living in EU in 2022, Representing 5.3% of Its Population
Such figures increased from the 2.9 million permits issued in 2021 and the three million in 2019. At the same time, there was also a surge in new asylum applications, totalling 875,000, a 52 per cent rise compared to 2022 and a 38 per cent increase from 2019,AtoZSerwisPlus.com reports.
EU Registered 5.3% Of Non-EU Citizens in 2022
As of January 1, 2022, the EU hosted a population of 23.8 million non-EU citizens, constituting 5.3 per cent of 447 million inhabitants within the 27-nation bloc. As the UNRIC data shows, three-quarters of this non-EU demographic was distributed across key nations, with Germany, Spain, France, and Italy emerging as primary residence hubs.
Considering the inclusion of EU citizens, who frequently migrate within the bloc, the proportion of foreign nationals in the EU climbs to 12.5 per cent. As a result, Switzerland leads with 30.2 per cent non-nationals, followed by Australia (29.2 per cent), Iceland (20.1 per cent), Norway (16.1 per cent), and the United States (13.5 per cent).
As of November 27, 2023, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) has documented 264,000 irregular entries into the EU through land or sea routes, marking an increase from the nearly 190,000 recorded in 2022 and 150,000 in 2021.
According to UNRIC, in 2021, the EU Commission reported 2.26 million people migrating to the EU from other continents. In this regard, the outbound migration from the EU in 2021 reached 2.5 million people, either relocating to destinations outside the EU (1.12 million) or changing countries within the EU’s borders (1.4 million).
Furthermore, within the EU, 13.7 million people are EU citizens living in a member state other than their own. Luxembourg stands out with the highest proportion of non-nationals in its population at 47.1 per cent, along with the largest share of migrants from other European countries, accounting for 91 per cent of the total in 2021.
Further data provided by UNRIC also show that the EU Commission estimates that without inward migration flows, the EU’s population would have declined by 500,000 in 2019 due to a combination of deaths outnumbering births.
Migrants Easing Labor Shortfall in EU
The same authority noted that in 2022, 9.93 million non-EU citizens were actively employed within the EU, representing 5.1 per cent of the workforce. The employment rate for Europeans was higher at 77 per cent, compared to 62 per cent for non-Europeans.
In addition, the occupational distribution of non-EU workers in 2022 revealed over-representation in specific sectors, including hotels and restaurants (11.3 per cent compared to 4.2 per cent of all workers in the EU), construction (9.1 per cent compared to 6.6 per cent), administrative and support services such as call centres, logistics, and distribution (7.6 per cent compared to 3.9 per cent), and domestic work (5.9 per cent compared to 0.7 per cent).
For the Employer
Are you looking to Hire? Let us help you find the perfect candidates!
Step 1: Fill out the employer's questionnaire. Please provide us with the necessary details about your job requirements and company. We'll use this information to customise our services for you. Fill in the form.
Step 2: Choose the best offer. Once we receive your completed questionnaire, we'll prepare a tailored proposal for recruitment, employee leasing, or outsourcing services.
Step 3: Welcome your new employee. We'll utilise our extensive network and resources to find the ideal candidate for your business. Please don't worry; we'll ensure favourable conditions for you and the employee.
Take advantage of exceptional talent for your company. Complete the employer's questionnaire today, and let us handle your hiring needs.
How can AtoZ Serwis Plus assist you?
AtoZ Serwis Plus will provide the services listed below to get a European Country work visa:
- Counselling: Get AtoZ Serwis Plus’ free counselling services.
- Job services: Avail of AtoZ Serwis Plus’ job search services to find jobs in European Country
- Reviewing requirements: AtoZ Serwis Plus reviews all your European Country work visa requirements.
- Application process: We also help in completing your application process
- Requirements checklist: AtoZ Serwis Plus also helps you in arranging the requirements for a European Country work visa
- Complete visa application support
- Assistance with collecting supporting documentation
- Visa Interview Preparation – if required
- Updates and follow-up with the Consulate
Willing to work in a European Country? Talk to AtoZ Serwis Plus, Europe’s no. 1 overseas immigration consultant.
Would you like some advice? So that you know, the information I've included here is for you to review. You'll always need to consult with your legal and tax advisor(s) and follow their guidance. AtoZ Serwis Plus cannot assist with legal or tax matters. The information presented is not specific to any particular company or workforce nor reflects how AtoZ Serwis Plus products are distributed in any jurisdiction. Instead, it is general. AtoZ Serwis Plus makes no representations or warranties regarding this information's accuracy, completeness, or timeliness. It shall not be liable for any losses from using or relying on it. It is your responsibility to exercise caution when using this information.
Disclaimer: atozserwisplus.com is a FREE visa database and marketplace for immigration experts. This page's content does not provide legal advice. Before applying, kindly consult an expert.