2
 Applications

Main citizenships

Key facts (April 2026)

 

  • Just under 54,000 applications for international protection were lodged in the EU+ in April 2026, the lowest monthly level since July 2021 and over a fifth less than the 2025 average.
  • Around 18% of all applications were repeated in the same EU+ country, broadly in line with recent months.
  • Afghans lodged the most applications, with around 6,300, followed by Venezuelans with around 5,000 and Bangladeshis with around 2,800.
  • Afghan applications were the lowest since September 2024, while Venezuelan applications were the second lowest since August 2024.
  • Syrian applications continued to decline, reaching around 1,700, the second lowest number on record.
  • In contrast to the general downward trend, Haitian applications remained at a record level and Sudanese applications increased compared with March.
  • Iranians lodged just 540 applications, ranking 30th among all citizenships. This was almost a third lower than in March and does not indicate a sustained increase. 

Around 52,000 applications for international protection were lodged in the EU+ in May 2026. This was 3% fewer than in April, which indicates a broadly stable month-to-month trend, but it was 19% lower than in May 2025. The latest figure therefore confirms that applications remained at a very low level compared with most of the recent period covered by the chart.


This chart shows applications lodged in the EU+ over the past two years, distinguishing between first-time applicants, repeated applicants and cases where the application type was unknown. Most applications continued to be lodged by first-time applicants. In May 2026, around 16% of all applications were repeated in the same EU+ country, compared with around 18% in April. Repeated applications therefore continued to form a sizeable minority of the overall EU+ caseload, although their share was slightly lower than in the previous month.


Afghans lodged the most applications in May 2026, with around 5,600, of which 35% were repeated in the same EU+ country. Afghan applications decreased by 12% compared with April and were 16% lower than in May 2025. They continued to decline from the sharp peak reached in September 2025, which had been driven largely by repeated applications from Afghan applicants already present in the EU+. Despite this decline, Afghans remained the largest applying citizenship in the EU+. Read a recent EUAA Country of Origin Information (COI) report on Afghanistan: Major Legislative, Security-related, and Humanitarian Developments.


Venezuelans ranked second, with around 4,600 applications, of which just 2% were repeated. The number of applications represented a decrease of 9% compared with April and 45% compared with May 2025. Venezuelan applications therefore fell further after the marked decrease already recorded in April, reaching the lowest level in the last two years. Even so, Venezuelans remained one of the two largest applicant groups in the EU+. Read recent EUAA COI query reports on Venezuela: Humanitarian and Socio-Economic Situation and the Treatment of Returnees back to Venezuela. 


Bangladeshis ranked third for the eight successive month, with around 3,000 applications, of which just 5% were repeated. The number of applications represented an increase of 9% compared with April, but the May 2026 level remained 6% lower than in May 2025. The increase partly offset declines among other main citizenships, although Bangladeshi applications remained below some of the higher levels recorded during late 2025 and early 2026. Read a recent EUAA COI query report on Bangladesh: Procedure for Persons of Rohingya Origin.
 

Egyptians, Turks, Sudanese and Malians each lodged around 1,800 applications in May 2026. Egyptian applications increased compared with April, while applications by Turkish nationals declined slightly. Sudanese and Malian applications were broadly stable compared with April. However, their longer recent patterns differed: Sudanese applications were almost twice as high as in May 2025, whereas Malian applications were only moderately higher than a year earlier. Repeated applications were rare among Sudanese applicants, accounting for just 3% of the total, but were more common among Turkish nationals, where they accounted for 28%.


Pakistanis, Somalis and Syrians completed the top 10, each lodging around 1,500–1,600 applications. Pakistani applications increased by 29% compared with April, though from a lower base, and were also higher than in May 2025. Somali applications were broadly stable compared with April. Syrian applications declined further, reaching around 1,500, and remained far below the levels recorded during much of 2024 and 2025. Around 14% of Syrian applications were repeated.


Haitian applications fell from the record levels recorded in March and April, decreasing by 25% to around 1,500 in May. However, this level was still 21% higher than in May 2025. Almost half of all Haitian applications were repeated in the same EU+ country, with repeated applications accounting for 47% of the total. Read recent EUAA COI query reports on Security Situation in Port-au-Prince and Situation of Women without Support Network in Port-au-Prince.


Most of the overall decrease in May was driven by fewer applications from Afghans, Haitians and Venezuelans, with smaller declines among Congolese (DR), Ukrainians, Syrians, Nigerians and Turks. These decreases were partly offset by increases among Pakistanis, Bangladeshis, Chinese and Sri Lankans, as well as smaller increases among Egyptians, Moroccans, Peruvians and Colombians. Overall, the month-to-month decline was limited because decreases among several high-volume citizenships were counterbalanced by increases among other groups.
 

Taken together, the May 2026 analysis confirms that asylum applications remained at a very low level. Afghans and Venezuelans continued to be the two largest applying citizenships, although both declined compared with April. Bangladeshis remained third and increased moderately, while several other citizenships clustered at around 1,500–1,800 applications. Syrian applications continued to fall and remained far below their previous prominence, while Sudanese applications remained elevated compared with a year earlier. The situational picture therefore shows a mixed pattern: continued decreases for some previously dominant citizenships, broad stability for others, and increases from lower bases among some mid-volume groups.


Iran

Iranian nationals lodged around 520 applications in May 2026, remaining a relatively small contributor to the overall EU+ asylum inflow. This was broadly stable compared with April, when around 540 applications were lodged, and almost unchanged compared with May 2025. Over the past 12 months, Iranian applications have fluctuated from month to month, but they have remained well below the levels recorded among the main applying citizenships. 


In May 2026, Iranian applications were distributed between Germany, with around 160 applications, France and Sweden, each with around 60–70, and other EU+ countries together, with around 220 in total. This distribution was broadly in line with recent months, although the volumes remained modest across the main destinations shown separately in the data.


According to Frontex data on detections of Iranian nationals irregularly crossing the EU external border, there were just 61 detections in April (latest data), far below levels recorded in mid-2025, when monthly detections reached around 500. This suggests that, based on the latest available border data, there is no evidence of a renewed increase in irregular border-crossings comparable to the levels seen in 2025.
A key question is whether the current context could generate a different dynamic and lead to significant flows towards the EU+. Previous increases, such as those observed following government crackdowns in 2022–2023, were gradual rather than abrupt and remained limited in scale compared with other major displacement situations. That said, given Iran’s large population of around 90 million, even a relatively small proportion seeking protection in the EU+ could translate into substantial application volumes over a short period of time. At present, however, Iranian applications remain comparatively low and should continue to be monitored. 
 

At EU+ level, developments among the main citizenships show a clear divergence between increasing and declining groups. Among the largest citizenships, Afghan applications increased by 37%, from around 85,000 to 116,000. Venezuelan applications remained broadly stable (4% lower) from around 84,000 to 81,000, while Bangladeshis were also stable, with around 38,000 applications in both periods.

Several other citizenships recorded notable increases. Sudanese applications more than doubled, increasing by 107%, from around 11,000 to 22,000. Malian applications increased by 34%, from around 16,000 to 22,000. More moderate increases were recorded among Haitians, up by 25%, and Somalis, up by 17%. Egyptian applications were broadly stable, increasing by 4%.

These increases were outweighed by large decreases among several previously high-volume citizenships. Most importantly, Syrian applications declined by 74%, from around 113,000 to 29,000, representing by far the largest reduction among the main citizenships. Colombian applications also fell sharply, by 60%, from around 39,000 to 16,000. Other substantial decreases were recorded for Ukrainians, down by 43%, Turks by 37%, Peruvians by 30%, Moroccans by 17%, Iraqis by 16%, Guineans by 18%, and Pakistanis and Congolese (DR), both by 10%.

While EU+ level trends provide an overall picture, important differences emerge across the main receiving countries. EU+ level trends can conceal substantial changes in individual EU+ countries, as the main citizenships applying in each country often differ markedly.

For example:

  • In Italy, Bangladeshis were the largest citizenship shown in the 12 months to May 2026, with around 27,000 applications, broadly similar to the previous period. Peruvians ranked second among the citizenships shown, with around 14,000 applications, down by 11%. Egyptians recorded one of the clearest increases among the larger groups in Italy, rising by 46%, from around 9,700 to 14,000. Pakistanis were stable at around 11,000, while Moroccans decreased by 21%, to around 8,300. Some smaller groups increased strongly from lower bases, including Nepalese and Algerians.
  • In France, Haitians were the largest citizenship shown in the latest 12-month period, with around 16,000 applications, up by 25%. Afghan applications were stable at around 14,000, while Congolese (DR) applications remained sizeable despite decreasing by 9%, to around 12,000. The largest absolute decrease among the main groups shown in France concerned Ukrainians, whose applications fell by 43%, from around 16,000 to 8,900. Sudanese applications increased by 41%, from around 5,300 to 7,500, making them one of the main increasing groups in France.
  • In Spain, Venezuelans accounted for by far the largest caseload shown in the 12 months to May 2026, with around 76,000 applications, broadly stable compared with the previous period. Malian applications increased strongly, by 58%, from around 11,000 to 18,000, representing one of the largest absolute increases in Spain. By contrast, Colombian applications fell by 66%, from around 29,000 to 9,800. Peruvians and Senegalese also recorded large decreases, falling by 70% and 69%, respectively. Some smaller groups increased, including Somalis, Sudanese, Burkinabes and Chinese, but from much lower bases.
  • In Germany, Afghans accounted for the largest caseload among the citizenships shown in the 12 months to May 2026, with around 69,000 applications, up by 127% from around 30,000 in the preceding 12-month period. This was the clearest increase visible in Germany and the largest absolute increase among the country examples. By contrast, Syrian applications fell by 75%, from around 56,000 to 14,000, while Turkish applications declined by 48%, from around 23,000 to 12,000. 
  • In Greece, Afghans were the largest citizenship shown in the 12 months to May 2026, despite decreasing by 24%, from around 15,000 to 12,000 applications. Sudanese applications increased very sharply, from around 2,200 to 9,700, while Bangladeshi applications rose from around 1,500 to 5,700. These were among the clearest increases in Greece, although both started from lower bases than Afghans or Syrians in the previous period. Egyptian applications remained sizeable but decreased by 13%, to around 7,900. Syrian applications fell by 86%, from around 19,000 to 2,600, representing the largest absolute decrease among the groups shown for Greece. Smaller groups such as South Sudanese and Indonesians also increased sharply from very low bases.

Taken together, the 12-month comparison shows large reductions among several previously high-volume citizenships, especially Syrians, Colombians, Turks, Ukrainians and Peruvians. These decreases were only partly offset by increases among Afghans, Sudanese, Malians, Haitians and Somalis. At the same time, the country-level charts show that EU+ trends are not uniform: some citizenships are concentrated in specific countries, and changes in one national system can differ substantially from the overall EU+ pattern.

Destinations

 

Key facts (May 2026)

 

  • In May 2026, applications were concentrated in a small number of EU+ countries: Italy received 11,000 applications, followed by France with 9,900, Spain with 8,200, Germany with 7,900 and Greece with 4,100. 

  • Together, these five countries received around 80% of all applications lodged in the EU+. 

  • The main receiving countries had markedly different caseload compositions, with a remarkable lack of overlap between the citizenships that tended to apply in each country.

  • Several citizenships lodged the vast majority of their applications in a single EU+ country, including:

    • Venezuelans in Spain (92%), 

    • Malians in Spain (87%), 

    • Haitians in France (almost 100%), 

    • Peruvians in Italy (85%) and 

    • Congolese (DR) in France (75%).

  • Other citizenships were more dispersed across several EU+ countries, including Turks, Sudanese, Somalis and Syrians. 

  • In May 2026, applications for international protection remained concentrated in a small number of EU+ countries. Italy received around 11,000 applications, equivalent to 22% of all applications lodged in the EU+. France received around 9,900 applications, followed by Spain with around 8,200, Germany with around 7,900 and Greece with around 4,100. Together, these five countries accounted for around 80% of all applications lodged in the EU+. The Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, Ireland and Austria each received smaller shares.

The composition of applications differed markedly across the main receiving countries. In Italy, applications were concentrated among Bangladeshis, Egyptians, Peruvians, Pakistanis  and Moroccans. In France, Haitians, Afghans, Congolese (DR), Ukrainians and Sudanese were among the main citizenships. In Spain, applications were dominated by Venezuelans and Malians, with Colombians also among the larger groups. In Germany, Afghans accounted for a particularly large share of applications, while Turks and Syrians also lodged sizeable numbers. In Greece, the main citizenships included Bangladeshis, Sudanese, Afghans and Nepalese. This points to a remarkable lack of overlap between the citizenships that tend to apply in the main receiving countries, reflecting localised patterns.

Certain citizenships tend to lodge the vast majority of their applications in a single EU+ country. In May 2026, 92% of Venezuelan applications were lodged in Spain, amounting to around 4,200 applications. Similarly, 87% of Malian applications were lodged in Spain, with around 1,500 applications. Haitians were almost entirely concentrated in France, where around 1,400 applications were lodged. Peruvians were also highly concentrated, with 85% of their applications lodged in Italy, corresponding to around 1,100 applications. Congolese (DR) applications were strongly concentrated in France, which received 75% of the total, or around 740 applications.

Other citizenships showed somewhat broader distributions. Afghans lodged around 2,800 applications in Germany, representing 50% of all Afghan applications in the EU+, while France, Switzerland, Greece and Italy also received smaller shares. Bangladeshis lodged most applications in Italy, with around 1,800, or 61% of the total, but Greece also received a sizeable share, with around 790 applications. Egyptians were mainly concentrated in Italy, with 62% of the total, while Greece received a further 22%. By contrast, Turkish, Sudanese, Somali and Syrian applications were more dispersed across several EU+ countries, even where one destination accounted for the largest share.

These concentrations can also be seen in the Overview section. They show that EU+ totals can mask highly specific destination patterns: countries with similar overall numbers may receive very different mixes of citizenships, while some citizenships remain highly concentrated in one national system. The destination data therefore reinforce the importance of interpreting EU+ level application trends alongside country-specific caseload composition.

Per capita

 

Key facts (April 2026)

 

  • At EU+ level, the 52,000 applications lodged in May 2026 translated into 112 applications per million inhabitants, or roughly 1 application for every 8,900 people. 
  • Greece had the highest per capita level, with 394 applications per million inhabitants, followed by Cyprus with 263, Italy with 194, Ireland with 185 and Switzerland with 179. 
  • Several other countries were above the EU+ average, including Spain, Luxembourg, Belgium, France, Latvia and the Netherlands. 
  • Germany received one of the largest absolute numbers of applications, with around 7,900, but was below the EU+ average in per capita terms, with 94 applications per million inhabitants. 
  • By contrast, Cyprus and Ireland received far fewer applications in absolute terms but ranked among the highest countries per capita. 
  • Romania, Slovakia and Hungary recorded among the lowest per capita levels, with 3 or fewer applications per million inhabitants.

Evaluating which EU+ countries receive the most applications for asylum is important; however, a simple like-for-like comparison is not always appropriate, as EU+ countries vary considerably in the size and capacity of their asylum and reception systems. As a rough measure, the number of applications lodged in each country can therefore be compared with its population size and expressed as applications per million inhabitants. This should not be interpreted as a full measure of asylum-system capacity, but it helps to show how the distribution of applications differs once population size is taken into account.

In May 2026, taking the whole EU+ into consideration, around 52,000 applications and a population of around 466 million translated into 112 applications per million inhabitants, or approximately 1 application for every 8,900 people.

The chart below shows the number of applications lodged in each EU+ country per million inhabitants. In May 2026, Greece recorded the highest per capita level, with 394 applications per million inhabitants. Cyprus followed with 263 applications per million inhabitants, while Italy, Ireland and Switzerland also recorded high relative levels, with 194, 185 and 179 applications per million inhabitants, respectively. Spain, Luxembourg, Belgium, France, Latvia and the Netherlands were also above the EU+ average.

Per capita analysis also shows how countries with very different total numbers of applications can experience similar relative levels. For example, Italy received around 11,000 applications, while Ireland received around 1,000. However, because of their different population sizes, both countries recorded relatively similar per capita levels, at around 194 and 185 applications per million inhabitants, respectively. Similarly, France and Latvia received very different absolute numbers of applications, around 9,900 and 260, but their per capita levels were almost the same, at around 144 and 141 applications per million inhabitants, respectively.

Conversely, some EU+ countries that received many applications in absolute terms had lower relative levels when population size was taken into account. Germany received around 7,900 applications, one of the highest absolute totals in the EU+, but this translated into 94 applications per million inhabitants, below the EU+ average. Austria was also below the EU+ average, with 84 applications per million inhabitants, while Slovenia was close to the average, with 99 applications per million inhabitants.

At the lower end of the distribution, several EU+ countries recorded very low per capita levels. Romania had 3 applications per million inhabitants, while Slovakia and Hungary each recorded around 1 application per million inhabitants. These countries also received relatively few applications in absolute terms.

Overall, the per capita perspective gives a different picture from the absolute number of applications. Italy, France, Spain and Germany were among the main receiving countries in absolute terms, but their relative levels differed considerably. Greece, Cyprus, Ireland and Switzerland ranked higher when applications were assessed in relation to population size, while Germany was below the EU+ average despite receiving one of the largest numbers of applications.

As well as receiving applications for international protection, EU+ countries also provide support through temporary protection to persons displaced by Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Overall, the EU+ hosts about 4.38 million beneficiaries of temporary protection, with the largest numbers in Germany and Poland. However, according to Eurostat at the end of May 2026, the ratio of temporary protection beneficiaries from Ukraine relative to the population was the highest in Slovakia (26.8 per 1 000 people), ahead of Poland (26.5) and Cyprus (25.9). For more information, read a recent UNHCR report: Transitioning from Temporary Protection: Projected Stay, Legal Pathways, and Policy Options for Refugees from Ukraine.