Top 10 African countries that received the highest number of EU residence permits in 2023

A key destination for many African migrants is the European Union (EU), a bloc of 27 nations that stands as one of the most influential economic powers globally, shaping trade and development on an international scale.

African migration to the European Union (EU) has been a prominent aspect of global migration patterns over the last century, influenced by economic opportunities, political instability, and social dynamics.

This movement has played a critical role in shaping policies, economies, and societal trends in both Africa and Europe.

The World Migration Report highlights that approximately 21 million Africans were residing in other African countries, marking a notable increase from 2015, when around 18 million lived outside their country of origin but within the continent.

This aligns with findings from the Mo Ibrahim Foundation, which challenge the narrative of Africa as a continent of mass exodus. The report says, “Despite common perceptions, Africa is not a continent of mass exodus and African migrants are not overwhelming Europe. In fact, just 3% of the African population were living outside their home country in 2020 – compared to 8.5% of the European population.”

However, the routes many Africans take to migrate remain a significant concern. Key pathways include the Central Mediterranean Route, the Western Mediterranean Route, and the Eastern Mediterranean Route, all of which are fraught with danger.

Some of these migration routes rank among the most hazardous in the world, with thousands of migrants and refugees risking their lives each year in pursuit of safety, economic opportunities, or a better future. This underscores the extreme measures individuals are willing to take to escape challenging conditions.

Upon settling in the EU, many Africans are among the millions granted first-time EU residence permits. According to Eurostat, the EU issued a record 3,741,015 first-time residence permits in 2023—the highest figure since 2013.

Based on Eurostat data, the table below highlights the top 10 African countries whose citizens received the highest number of EU first-time residence permits in 2023.

Morocco topped the list among African countries, with over 170,000 residence permits issued to its migrants.

Globally, it ranked fourth, following Ukraine (307,313), Belarus (281,279), and India (207,966).