Senegal: immigration

How many Senegalese migrate to Spain and Europe?

EU countries issued 30,976 first residence permits to Senegalese citizens in 2025, up from 28,310 in 2024, according to Eurostat. Italy issued 9,433, Spain 9,159 and France 9,149.

A first permit is issued when a person is first allowed to live in a country, for work, family, study or other reasons, for at least three months. It does not count people who arrive irregularly. Eurostat's asylum data show 7,240 first-time asylum applications by Senegalese citizens in the EU in 2025, down from 12,745 in 2024; Spain received 3,300 in 2025 and 7,700 in 2024.

Official sources: Eurostat · asylum data

How many refugees are there in Senegal?

Senegal hosted 17,279 refugees and 1,543 asylum seekers on 31 May 2026, according to the UNHCR operational data portal, which uses government and UNHCR figures.

Senegal is also a country of departure and transit for migrants heading to Europe by sea and land; those flows are not counted in these totals. UNHCR's year-end 2025 figures, published through its population statistics database, show 17,259 refugees and 1,538 asylum seekers.

Official sources: UNHCR operational data portal

How much is a Senegalese passport?

An ordinary Senegalese passport costs 20,000 CFA francs and is valid for four years, renewable once, according to the Ministry of the Interior passport page. The fee is paid to the Directorate of Registration, Domains and Stamp Duty, which issues a receipt.

The ministry says applicants in Dakar must book an appointment at a police station after paying, and that waiting time for an appointment ranges from 2 to 25 days, depending on demand. The page lists the documents to bring. In September 2026 the ministry also began renewing ECOWAS biometric national identity cards.

Official sources: Ministry of the Interior passport page

How many immigrants live in Senegal?

1.5%: that is the share of people born abroad in Senegal for 2024, according to the UN Population Division. That compares with 1.8% in 2015. It is 30th highest of 48 in Sub-Saharan Africa, where the median is 2.2%. Worldwide: 141st of 193.

How many people move to Senegal each year?

The latest figure from the UN Population Division, for 2025, is -12,636. Since 2005 it has ranged from -69,888 (2010) to 38,386 (2019). Across Sub-Saharan Africa the middle value was -5,646, and Senegal placed 32nd highest of 48. Of 193 countries with 2025 data, 136th highest.

How many refugees does Senegal host?

According to UNHCR, the number of refugees in the country in Senegal was 17,259 in 2025. Its high point since 2005 was 2008, at 33,189; its low point was 2022, at 11,802. Across Sub-Saharan Africa the middle value was 35,241, and Senegal placed 27th highest of 45. World rank, highest first: 85th of 169.

How many refugees have fled Senegal?

According to UNHCR, the number of refugees from the country living abroad in Senegal was 13,028 in 2025. The peak was 26,584 in 2017 and the low 8,662 in 2005. Across Sub-Saharan Africa the middle value was 12,726, and Senegal placed 23rd highest of 48. World rank, highest first: 57th of 189.

How much money do migrants send home to Senegal?

According to the World Bank, personal remittances received in Senegal was 10.6% of GDP in 2023. Since 2005 it has ranged from 7.2% of GDP (2005) to 11.3% of GDP (2021). Sub-Saharan Africa median: 2.9% of GDP; Senegal is 6th highest of 39. Of 164 countries with 2023 data, 22nd highest.