Moroccans Receive Second-Highest Number of EU Residence Permits in 2021

Given Morocco’s geographical proximity to Europe, Moroccans do not have too much difficulty getting there, even if for some, obtaining a visa remains a very difficult task. This proximity therefore leads to a strong migration of Moroccans and this was confirmed again in 2021, according to the figures available to the Directorate-General of the European Commission responsible for statistical information.

Last year, 150,100 residence permits were granted to Moroccans. Figures that make them the second nationality to have benefited from residence permits in Europe. Spain granted more than 75,050, of which 59% were for "family reunification." As for the Chinese, they received 43% of residence permits in Europe, generally for study purposes. The percentage obtained by Americans in the member countries of the European Union is 32%.

Poland is in the lead with 967,300 residence permits granted, followed by Spain with 371,800 residence permits, France with 285,200 residence permits. Italy has also joined the top quartet with 247,100 in 2021. However, countries like Germany, Lithuania and Croatia have regressed in terms of granting residence permits in 2021.