Romania: immigration

How many residence permits does Romania issue?

Romania issued 74,664 first residence permits to non-EU citizens in 2025, up from 57,111 in 2024 and 56,920 in 2023, according to Eurostat's first residence permits table.

First permits are those issued to people for the first time or after a gap, for work, family, study or other reasons. Permits are counted when issued, so they show inflows rather than how many foreigners live in Romania.

Official sources: first residence permits table

How many people seek asylum in Romania?

1,145 people applied for asylum in Romania for the first time in 2025, down from 2,265 in 2024 and 9,875 in 2023, according to Eurostat's asylum applicants table.

People fleeing Ukraine are mostly covered by EU temporary protection, which is counted separately and does not require an asylum application. Asylum claims in Romania are handled by the General Inspectorate for Immigration.

Official sources: asylum applicants table

How many foreign-born people live in Romania?

In 2024, the share of people born abroad in Romania was 3.4%, according to the UN Population Division. It was 1.1% in 2015. Across Europe & Central Asia the middle value was 11.7%, and Romania placed 44th highest of 52. Of 193 countries with 2024 data, 109th highest.

What is net migration in Romania?

The latest figure from the UN Population Division, for 2025, is -29,041. The peak was 89,076 in 2022 and the low -144,368 in 2008. Europe & Central Asia median: 158; Romania is 45th highest of 52. Of 193 countries with 2025 data, 160th highest.

How many refugees live in Romania?

UNHCR puts the number of refugees in the country in Romania at 206,671 in 2025. That is the highest since at least 2005. Europe & Central Asia median: 62,365; Romania is 11th highest of 50. Worldwide: 34th of 169.

How many refugees come from Romania?

According to UNHCR, the number of refugees from the country living abroad in Romania was 3,130 in 2025. Its high point since 2005 was 2005, at 11,495; its low point was 2018, at 1,155. Europe & Central Asia median: 533; Romania is 17th highest of 49. World rank, highest first: 85th of 189.

How much money do migrants send home to Romania?

In 2025, personal remittances received in Romania was 2.5% of GDP, according to the World Bank. Its high point since 2005 was 2019, at 3.3% of GDP; its low point was 2011, at 0.4% of GDP. Across Europe & Central Asia the middle value was 1.4% of GDP, and Romania placed 15th highest of 47. Worldwide: 56th of 127.