The number of first-time asylum seekers in the European Union (EU) fell sharply in 2025, with 669,400 non-EU nationals applying for international protection—a 27% drop

compared to 912,400 applications in 2024, according to data released by Eurostat.

Top countries of origin

Venezuelans accounted for the largest share of first-time applicants, submitting 89,500 applications, representing 13% of the EU total. They were followed by Afghan nationals (63,800 applications, 10%) and Syrians (40,000 applications, 6%), who had led asylum applications in the EU from 2013 to 2024.

Spain leads EU asylum applications

Spain received the highest number of first-time asylum seekers in 2025, with 141,000 applications—21% of the EU total. Italy (126,600, 19%), France (116,400, 17%), Germany (113,200, 17%), and Greece (55,400, 8%) rounded out the top five countries, together hosting 83% of all new applicants.

Highest applications relative top population

Measured per capita, Greece recorded the highest rate of first-time asylum applications in 2025, with 5.3 applicants per 1,000 people. Cyprus and Spain followed with 2.9 applicants per 1,000, ahead of Luxembourg (2.6) and Ireland (2.4).

Unaccompanied minors

Among the 21,125 applications from unaccompanied minors, Afghan nationals represented the largest share (13%, 2,690), followed closely by Eritrea, Syria, Egypt, and Somalia, each accounting for roughly 11% of applications. Germany received the most unaccompanied minor applications (4,925, 23%), followed by the Netherlands (3,615, 17%), Spain (3,210, 15%), Greece (3,030, 14%), and Belgium (1,615, 8%).

The decline in overall applications reflects changing migration patterns, with EU countries continuing to adjust policies and support services for incoming asylum seekers. Photo by Mstyslav Chernov, Wikimedia commons.