At ARC Legal, we are firmly committed to defending the rights of those seeking international protection. The right to asylum is a fundamental guarantee within the European Union, and from our law firm, we support individuals who are forced to leave their country of origin in search of safety and new opportunities.
In this context, it is important to analyze the evolution of asylum applications in Europe and to understand which nationalities and countries account for the largest number of cases. The latest data published by Eurostat for May 2025 allow us to better grasp these dynamics and the challenges faced both by applicants and by Member States.
In May 2025, a total of 54,780 non-EU citizens applied for asylum for the first time in EU countries. This figure represents a 30% decrease compared with May 2024 (77,945 applications), but a 12% increase compared with April 2025 (48,935 applications). In addition, there were 7,585 subsequent applications (from individuals who had already sought international protection before), marking a 20% rise compared with May 2024 (6,300) and a 4% increase from April 2025 (7,275).
After three consecutive months of decline in asylum applications, starting in February 2025, the data for May show an upturn in both first-time and subsequent applicants.
⏺️ Main nationalities of asylum applicants
Venezuelans topped the list of first-time applicants in May 2025, with 8,085 applications, followed by Afghans (4,575), Bangladeshis (3,095) and Syrians (2,935).
⏺️ EU countries receiving the highest number of applications
Four countries accounted for 77% of all first-time asylum applications in the European Union:
- Spain: 12,755
- Italy: 11,760
- France: 9,490
- Germany: 8,330
In relative terms, considering the population of each Member State, Greece registered the highest rate of first-time applicants (30.3 per 100,000 inhabitants), followed by Spain (26.0) and, in third place, Cyprus and Luxembourg (25.8 each).
⏺️ Applications from unaccompanied minors
In May 2025, a total of 1,960 unaccompanied minors applied for asylum for the first time in the EU. The main nationalities were Eritrea (410), Afghanistan (240) and Syria (215).
In terms of receiving countries, the highest numbers were recorded in:
- The Netherlands: 430
- Germany: 355
- Spain: 280
⏺️ What these numbers tell us
These data published by Eurostat confirm that, although migratory pressure within the EU fluctuates on a monthly basis, countries such as Spain continue to play a central role in receiving asylum seekers, particularly from Latin American nationalities. The increase in unaccompanied minors also highlights additional challenges in terms of protection and specialized care.
⏺️ Do you need legal support?
At ARC Legal, we support our clients with all types of immigration-related procedures in Spain. If you have questions about your situation or need legal guidance, we are here to help. Get in touch with us.
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Prefer to read this article in Spanish 🇪🇸? You can find it here: Solicitudes de asilo en la Unión Europea: evolución y principales nacionalidades en mayo de 2025
The information provided in this article is for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we strive to provide up-to-date and accurate data, immigration regulations are subject to change and to interpretation by the competent authorities. For personalized and up-to-date advice, we recommend consulting a specialized lawyer.