Illustrative photo ‹ › Last year, 862,190 individuals with residence permits under Spain's foreigner regime were of Moroccan nationality. Alongside Ukrainians (9%), Colombians (8%), Chinese (7%), and Venezuelans (6%), these groups constitute more than half of the total, according to the latest data from Spain's State Secretariat for Migration. The report notes a 9% overall increase in 2025, bringing the total to 3,497,284 by December. In its latest note, the agency reveals that 47% of those with valid residence permits in the country hold long-term permits. The same source highlights that foreign nationals experienced the highest annual increase (+33.5%). There is also a notable rise (29.3%) in the number of Colombians with valid residence permits. Furthermore, the report indicates that the fifteen nationalities most frequently obtaining residence permits account for 78% of all foreign nationals under the foreigner regime as of December 31, 2025. African countries represent 35%, followed by Central and South American countries (33%), Asia (16%), and non-EU/EFTA European countries (15%). In terms of gender distribution among these nationals, Portugal has the lowest percentage of women (38%), while Morocco and Colombia both have the highest at 60%. These figures underscore the growing gender gap within the Moroccan community. Over the past decade, the proportion of Moroccan women has increased by 10 points, reaching 50%. Morocco is also among the most represented countries among holders of family member cards, alongside Colombia, Argentina, and Venezuela. According to the department, this group is predominantly female (59%).
