In 2014, EU Member States issued 2,3 million first residence permits to third-country nationals (2% decrease compared to 2013).

The distribution of the total first residence permits in 2014 was to some extent balanced between the main reasons: family related reasons (29%), education reasons (21%), occupation reasons (25%) and other reasons (25%). Family related reasons predominate, and significantly in some Member States, such as in Belgium (52,7%)

Ukrainians were the top non-EU citizens granted first residence permits in the EU, followed by citizens of the United States, Chinese, Indians and Moroccans. These five citizenships account for about 40% of all permits issued in the EU.

Various (combinations of) factors influence the choice of the destination country, including language ties, geographical proximity, historical links and established migrant networks.

Please find detailed information on residence permits statistics with Eurostat.