The European Union’s asylum system closed October 2025 with a clear picture of a slowdown in new applications, while internal dynamics remain highly relevant for Member States—particularly for first-reception countries such as Spain.
According to the latest monthly data published by Eurostat, in October 2025 a total of 62,010 first-time asylum applications were lodged in the EU by third-country nationals. This represents a 28% decrease compared with October 2024, when 86,470 applications were recorded, and a moderate 6% increase compared with September 2025.
This year-on-year decline confirms a trend of reduced pressure on asylum systems compared with the peaks observed in previous years, although overall volumes remain structurally high.
⏺️ Increase in subsequent applications: a trend to watch
Alongside first-time applications, 14,495 subsequent applications were registered in October 2025. This figure is particularly significant: it represents an 80% increase compared with October 2024, although it shows a slight 10% decrease compared with September 2025.
The rise in subsequent or repeat applications is often linked to previously rejected cases, changes in applicants’ personal circumstances, or new developments in countries of origin. This trend poses additional challenges for asylum authorities in terms of case management and processing capacity.
⏺️ Venezuela remains the main country of origin of asylum seekers
By nationality, Venezuelan citizens once again ranked as the largest group of asylum seekers in the EU in October 2025, with 8,140 first-time applications. They were followed by nationals of Afghanistan (5,920), Bangladesh (3,400), and Syria (2,915).
These figures consolidate Venezuela as one of the main countries of origin in international protection flows toward Europe, with a direct impact on the asylum systems of countries such as Spain.
⏺️ Spain among the main destination countries
Four Member States accounted for 74% of all first-time asylum applications in the EU: Spain (12,885), Italy (12,650), France (11,245), and Germany (8,815).
In relative terms, the EU average stood at 13.8 first-time applicants per 100,000 inhabitants. However, some countries recorded significantly higher rates: Greece topped the list with 58.1 applications per 100,000 inhabitants, followed by Cyprus (33.9) and Spain (26.3).
These figures confirm that Spain continues to be one of the main entry points and destination countries for applicants for international protection within the European area.
⏺️ Unaccompanied minors: a persistent reality
A total of 1,710 unaccompanied minors applied for asylum for the first time in the EU in October 2025. The main nationalities among these minors were Somalia (245), Egypt (215), Eritrea (200), Afghanistan (190), and Venezuela (180).
The EU countries receiving the highest number of asylum applications from unaccompanied minors were the Netherlands (350), Greece (325), Germany (245), and Spain (215), once again placing Spain among the Member States with the greatest responsibility for the reception and protection of this particularly vulnerable group.
⏺️ Lower pressure, but a system still under strain
Although the data show a significant reduction in first-time asylum applications compared with 2024, the overall volume of cases, the increase in subsequent applications, and the continued presence of unaccompanied minors demonstrate that the European asylum system remains under constant pressure.
For countries such as Spain, these figures confirm the need to maintain robust reception, processing, and protection structures, as well as to closely monitor developments in the main countries of origin of asylum applicants.
At ARC Legal, we continuously analyze these figures to understand their practical impact on asylum and international protection procedures in Spain. If you require advice on asylum or international protection in Spain, our firm can assess your situation, guide you through the procedure, and help you understand the legal pathways available based on your profile and circumstances.
Related publications
- Temporary protection in the EU: November 2025 overview for people displaced from Ukraine
- Safe countries of origin and safe third countries: the EU’s new asylum roadmap
- Spain exceeds 134,000 international protection applications and maintains a high level of decisions | Spain data, November 2025
¿Prefieres leerlo en español 🇪🇸? Puedes encontrarlo aquí: Asilo en la UE en octubre de 2025: menos solicitudes nuevas y más expedientes reiterados
The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, immigration and asylum regulations are subject to change and interpretation by the competent authorities. For tailored and current legal advice, we recommend consulting a specialized immigration lawyer.