Asylum applications across the European Union fell markedly in October 2025, highlighting a slowdown in new arrivals even as repeat claims increased significantly, according to
the latest figures released by Eurostat.
EU member states recorded 62,010 first-time asylum applications from non-EU citizens during the month. This represents a 28% drop compared with October 2024, when 86,470 people applied for the first time, and a 6% rise compared with September 2025, which saw 58,495 applications.
At the same time, authorities registered 14,495 subsequent asylum applications, pointing to a sharp rise in repeat claims. This figure is 80% higher than in October 2024, although it declined by 10% compared with September 2025.
Venezuelans top asylum nationalities
For the third consecutive month, Venezuelans formed the largest group of first-time asylum seekers, with 8,140 applications lodged in October. They were followed by Afghans (5,920), Bangladeshis (3,400) and Syrians (2,915), reflecting ongoing political and economic instability in several regions.
Four countries shoulder most applications
A majority of first-time asylum seekers concentrated in just four EU countries. Spain (12,885), Italy (12,650), France (11,245) and Germany (8,815) together received 74% of all first-time applications submitted in the EU during the month.
When population size is taken into account, the picture shifts slightly. Across the EU, there were 13.8 first-time asylum applicants per 100,000 residents in October 2025. Greece recorded the highest rate, with 58.1 applicants per 100,000 people, followed by Cyprus (33.9) and Spain (26.3).
Unaccompanied minors remain a concern
The data also highlight the continued arrival of vulnerable children. In October, 1,710 unaccompanied minors applied for asylum for the first time in the EU. The largest numbers came from Somalia (245), Egypt (215), Eritrea (200), Afghanistan (190) and Venezuela (180).
In terms of destination countries, the Netherlands received the most applications from unaccompanied minors (350), followed by Greece (325), Germany (245) and Spain (215).
Eurostat’s monthly figures underscore a complex migration picture: while overall first-time asylum claims are easing, pressure on asylum systems remains high due to repeat applications and the continued arrival of children traveling alone. Photo by Ggia, Wikimedia commons.