Citizenship exam mock tests — CIPLE, DELE, DELF, CELI, DTZCIPLE A2 mock test online — Portuguese citizenship and residencyDELE A2 mock test online — Spanish citizenship and nationalityInburgering A2 (Netherlands) mock test online — eligible Dutch civic-integration and naturalisation routesEllinomatheia A2 (Cyprus) mock test online — Cyprus residency and naturalisation pathways requiring Ellinomatheia A2CCE A2 (Czech) mock test online — Czech permanent-residence language equivalence (CCE A2+) and general A2 certification — citizenship language proof starts at CCE B1 on ÚJOPDTZ B1 (Germany) mock test online — German permanent residence and citizenshipDELF B2 (France) mock test online — French citizenship and residencyCELI 2 (B1) mock test online — Italian citizenship and residencyCAPLE — Portuguese language certificationInstituto Cervantes — DELE Spanish examsContact Prep2go — support@prep2go.study
Prep2Go.study
View plans
All news
FlashDenmarkSeptember 15, 2026

EU Issues Record 3.9 Million Residence Permits in 2025, Up 10% From Previous Year

PublishedEditorial policy

European Union countries granted a record 3.9 million residence permits to non-EU citizens in 2025, marking a 10% increase from the previous year. This surge, the highest since statistics began, reflects the EU's continued appeal, including Denmark.

EU ResidencyDenmark ImmigrationResidence PermitsEU Statistics

Key takeaways

  • Demand for EU residence permits is growing, but conditions vary by country. Denmark's specific requirements may differ from other EU states.
  • The record 10% increase in permits issued highlights Europe's continued openness, despite political rhetoric. Focus on specific country and permit type requirements.

Record Number of EU Residence Permits Issued in 2025

European Union member states issued approximately 3.9 million residence permits to citizens from non-EU countries in 2025. This figure represents a 10% increase compared to 2024 and is the highest number recorded since the EU began compiling such statistics.

The growth in permit issuance was observed across all EU countries, including Denmark, although specific figures for Denmark were not detailed in the report. This trend underscores the continued attractiveness of European nations for living and working.

Key factors contributing to this demand include economic opportunities, family reunification, and humanitarian reasons. While some regions may be tightening their immigration policies, the overall trend indicates an openness to new residents.

  • For non-EU citizens considering the EU, while demand for residence permits is increasing, conditions and requirements can vary significantly between member states. Denmark, for instance, may have different criteria than its neighbors.
  • The substantial 10% year-on-year increase demonstrates that European countries continue to welcome new residents, despite ongoing political discussions about stricter immigration controls. Applicants should focus on specific country requirements and permit types rather than general statistics.

Sources

Based on Emigro corridor reporting. Primary links below.

Was this brief helpful?

Turn policy news into a study plan

Browse language decks

Keep vocabulary moving while your residence or citizenship timeline changes.

Start here