Morocco Tops List of Residence Permit Recipients in France, New Data Shows

"As of January 1, 2018, INSEE estimates the number of foreigners residing in France at 4.76 million. They then represent 7.1% of the population," the DGEF said in a statement. In total, France issued 274,676 residence permits in 2019. With 34,929 residence permits, Morocco is the leading country of origin of the beneficiaries, followed by Algeria (27,391), Tunisia (19,596) and China (15,291). Côte d’Ivoire closes the podium with 9,424 residence permits.

As for the issuance of visas, it recorded a 1% decrease in 2019 compared to 2018. France granted around 3.5 million visas, mainly short-stay or transit visas. In 2019, the country refused 686,862 visa applications. Among the 15 nationalities to which France has issued the most visas, Morocco is the first Maghreb country on the list. It is ranked 3rd behind China (1st) followed by Algeria (4th). Tunisia occupies the 6th place in the ranking.

"Among the 4.76 million foreigners in France, 4.04 million are immigrants, i.e. born abroad. The others were born in France, mostly minors and will be able to become French when they come of age. The immigrant population reaches 6.42 million people, it includes the 2.45 million French born abroad, but who have obtained French nationality during their lifetime," explains the DGEF.