Venezuelans become second-largest nationality arriving in Spain in 2026

Venezuelans have solidified their position as the second-largest nationality arriving in Spain during the second quarter of 2026, according to the latest data from Spain's National Statistics Institute (INE). Colombians remain the largest group of arrivals.

Spain's population reached a new record of 49,801,559 inhabitants by the end of the second quarter of 2026. Of this total, 42,364,016 are Spanish nationals, while 7,437,543 are foreigners. The country hosts 10,291,807 residents born abroad, a figure that includes both foreign nationals and those who have since acquired Spanish citizenship.

During the second quarter of 2026, 34,000 Colombian citizens arrived in Spain. Venezuelan arrivals numbered 23,300 in the same period. Earlier in the year, during the first quarter of 2026, 21,200 Venezuelans had arrived in Spain. However, approximately 5,900 Venezuelan citizens also departed Spain during the second quarter.

Moroccans ranked as the third-largest group of arrivals, with 21,100 citizens entering Spain. This follows a migratory crisis in late July where an estimated 50,000 to 70,000 Moroccans crossed into Spain's border city of Ceuta. Reports indicate these individuals voluntarily returned to Morocco days later. This crisis was reportedly fueled by Morocco's economic struggles, including high unemployment, and false rumors circulating on social media about the Spanish border reopening.