Spain entered 2025 with a new demographic record: the population now stands at 49,128,297. Over the past year, the population grew significantly, but not due to births. The main factor was migration and the steady increase in the number of foreigners granted residency. One in five residents was born abroad, and the number of foreigners with official status has surpassed 6.5 million.
Of the total population, 39.6 million are people born in Spain. The remaining nearly 10 million are foreigners, many of whom have not yet obtained citizenship but have residency permits. Their settlement patterns are uneven: most prefer regions with strong economies and a high standard of living.
Leaders by number of foreigners
Cataluña, Madrid, Valencia, and Andalucía are the autonomous communities attracting the largest numbers of foreigners. Cataluña is home to over 1.44 million foreigners, Madrid has more than 1.12 million, Valencia nearly 970,000, and Andalucía over 850,000. These regions are traditionally considered the country’s economic hubs, which explains their popularity with migrants.
In 2024, the largest increase in the foreign population came from Colombia, Venezuela, and Morocco. The number of Colombians rose by 98,000, Venezuelans by 52,500, and Moroccans by 48,000. Overall, the largest foreign groups remain Moroccans (969,000), Colombians (677,000), and Romanians (609,000), followed by Italians, Venezuelans, and Britons.
Geography of settlement
Colombians most often choose to live in Madrid, Barcelona, and Palma de Mallorca. Venezuelans prefer Madrid, Barcelona, and Alicante. Moroccans tend to concentrate in Madrid, Barcelona, and Malaga. The British, on the other hand, mainly settle along the coast—in Andalucía and Valencia. One standout is the city of Orihuela (Alicante province), where most British residents are over 60 years old.
Other popular coastal cities with a high proportion of Britons include Benalmádena, Estepona, Fuengirola, Valencia, Palma de Mallorca, Malaga, Marbella, Mijas, Vélez-Málaga, Torremolinos, Cartagena, and Arona. These cities have long become distinct ‘enclaves’ of the British community.
Cities with the fastest growth
In relative terms, the highest population growth has been recorded in Torrevieja, Gandía, and Benidorm. These cities on the Costa Blanca and Costa Brava continue to attract not only foreigners but also Spaniards seeking better living and working conditions. Infrastructure is rapidly developing here, new housing is being built, and local authorities are focusing on integrating new residents.
The demographic map of Spain is changing before our eyes. Migration and its appeal to foreigners are becoming key growth drivers, while traditional economic centers and coastal cities have become major magnets for the country’s new residents.
