The sharp increase in residents recorded at the start of 2026 is already affecting Spain’s economy, labor market, and social sphere. For the first time in the country’s history, the number of people born outside of Spain has exceeded 10 million. This milestone is transforming the usual face of cities and provinces and raising new questions about the future of national identity and integration.
Updated data shows that as of January 1, 2026, Spain’s population stands at 49,570,725—an all-time record. In the last quarter of 2025, the population grew by 81,520, with this entire increase driven by migration. Meanwhile, the number of people born in Spain itself continues to decline, highlighting the importance of migration for demographic trends.
Migration growth
Among the country’s new residents, those born abroad stand out: they now number 10,004,581. This figure includes not only foreigners but also those who have already obtained Spanish citizenship. Such an increase is explained by active naturalization processes and a steady inflow of new migrants. As a result, the share of foreigners among Spain’s total population has reached 14.6%—a new record.
In recent months, there has been a notable rise in the number of nationals from Colombia, Venezuela, and Morocco. In the fourth quarter of 2025 alone, 36,600 Colombians, 27,000 Venezuelans, and 22,000 Moroccans arrived in Spain. These groups are forming new communities that are already making a significant impact on the cultural and economic life of major cities.
Structural changes
Interestingly, the number of people with foreign citizenship (7,243,561) is lower than the number of those born abroad. This is because many migrants eventually obtain Spanish citizenship, yet continue to be part of the multicultural community. In the last quarter, the number of foreigners increased by 56,431 people, confirming the steady upward trend.
The share of foreigners in Spain’s population continues to grow, a process that is driving changes in social infrastructure, education, and the labor market. New residents bring not only traditions and language, but also new needs, prompting both public and private institutions to adapt.
Impact on society
Record figures for migration and demographic growth are sparking lively debate among experts and policymakers. Some see this as a chance to revitalize the economy and address an aging population, while others note new challenges for the education, healthcare, and social support systems. In any case, Spain now faces the need to rethink many established approaches to integrating and supporting new citizens.
In recent years, the country has already experienced periods of significant migrant influx, but the current surge stands out for its scale and speed of change. Previous waves of migration from Latin America and North Africa led to the emergence of new cultural centers and the transformation of urban environments. Similar trends were seen in other European countries, but for Spain, this current record is particularly striking against the backdrop of declining birth rates among the local population.
