Spain has set a new demographic record: as of 1 July 2025, the country’s population stands at 49,315,949, the highest figure ever recorded, according to the National Institute of Statistics. In the second quarter of 2025 alone, the population grew by 119,811, and by 508,475 over the year.
The main driver of growth was an increase in the number of foreigners. In three months, the number of residents born outside Spain increased significantly, while the number of native Spaniards decreased by 18,120. There are now 7,050,174 foreigners living in the country, an increase of 95,277 in a quarter. In addition, the number of Spanish citizens born abroad increased by 24,534.
Among the new arrivals, citizens of Colombia, Morocco and Venezuela predominate: in the second quarter of 2025, 36,100 Colombians, 25,000 Moroccans and 21,600 Venezuelans arrived in Spain. At the same time, 9,800 Colombians, 9,700 Spaniards and 9,200 Moroccans left the country.
Population growth was recorded in all autonomous communities of the country and in Ceuta, with the exception of Melilla, where a decline was recorded.
The leaders in terms of growth were Aragon (0.91%), the Valencian Community (0.50%) and the Balearic Islands (0.42%). Experts emphasise that without migration, Spain would face a demographic decline, as natural growth remains negative.
The decline in the birth rate and the ageing of the population within the country are offset by the influx of migrants. Thus, migration remains a key factor in the country’s demographic development. According to experts, its role in maintaining the size and structure of Spain’s population will continue in the coming years.
