Top 3 Destinations for Spain Expats (2023 Data via 2025 OECD Report)
The report estimates that 80,000 Spanish citizens left for other OECD countries in 2023, up 3% from the year before:
| Country of Origin | Destination Country | # of Migrants |
|---|---|---|
| Spain | Germany | ~14,400 (18% of overall Spanish outflow) |
| Spain | Netherlands | ~10,400 (13% of overall Spanish outflow) |
| Spain | France | ~9,600 (12% of overall Spanish outflow) |
Spain is the #1 destination for expats from the UK, Italy, Sweden, Norway, Ireland, Switzerland, the Netherlands, and more. But Spanish people themselves head north. Germany takes the top spot, followed by the Netherlands and France.
So if Spaniards are headed to Germany, the Netherlands, and France, where are those countries sending their people?
Emigration of German citizens (to OECD countries) was 145,000 in 2023. ~18% went to Switzerland, 14% to Austria, and 13% to Poland.
Emigration of Dutch citizens (to OECD countries) was 42,000 in 2023. ~21% went to Spain, 18% to Belgium, and 13% to Germany.
Emigration of French citizens (to OECD countries) was 104,000 in 2023. ~19% went to Switzerland, 16% to Spain, and 11% to Belgium.
| Country of Origin | Top Destination Country | # of Migrants |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | Switzerland | ~26,100 |
| Netherlands | Spain | ~8,820 |
| France | Switzerland | ~19,760 |