Migrations, Who's Moving to Costa Blanca? A 2025 Profile of International Communities

Migration, Who's Moving to Costa Blanca? A 2025 Profile of International Communities

The Costa Blanca region—stretching through Alicante, Benidorm, and into parts of Murcia—has become one of Europe’s most international enclaves. As of 2025, nearly one in three residents in some towns is foreign-born, with the area continuing to attract people from across Europe and beyond. This editorial explores the most prominent foreign national groups living in the region and why Costa Blanca remains a top destination for those seeking sun, security, and a slice of the good life.

🇬🇧 British & Irish: The Longstanding Pillars

British nationals are the largest foreign group in Costa Blanca, especially in towns like Benidorm, Torrevieja, and Jávea. They began settling here en masse in the early 2000s, drawn by the warm climate, affordable property, and familiar expat communities.

Irish residents have followed similar paths, often choosing smaller coastal villages and countryside properties for retirement or second homes. Both groups benefit from the extensive English-speaking infrastructure in the region, including media, healthcare, and legal services.

🇳🇱 Dutch & Belgian Nationals: Seeking Stability and Sun

Residents from the Netherlands and Belgium often cite the relaxed Mediterranean pace of life, combined with lower living costs and high-quality healthcare, as key reasons for relocation. Many choose inland towns like Pinoso or coastal villages like Moraira and Albir for peace, safety, and scenic views.

Dutch and Belgian expats are especially active in property investment, often purchasing larger villas or new-build homes. Their communities tend to be well-organized, with cultural associations and support networks.

🇫🇷 French: Cross-Border Charm

The French population in Costa Blanca has grown steadily, especially post-Brexit. French nationals appreciate the similar cultural roots, proximity to home, and Spain’s favorable property tax conditions compared to France. Alicante and Murcia cities are becoming hubs for French-speaking professionals and retirees alike.

🇩🇪 German: Sun, Health, and Efficiency

German residents, a major foreign group especially in areas like Calpe and Denia, have long viewed Costa Blanca as a health haven. Spain's combination of outdoor lifestyle, top-tier hospitals, and value-for-money housing draws both retirees and digital nomads from Germany.

Germans are known for preferring modern, energy-efficient homes and are strong contributors to the region’s eco-development push.

🇷🇴 Romanians: The Working Backbone

Romanian nationals form a significant and growing portion of the resident population, particularly in the working-age bracket. Many have settled in both urban centers and rural areas, contributing heavily to sectors like construction, agriculture, and hospitality. Over time, many families have established roots, with second-generation Romanians growing up fully bilingual.

🇷🇺 Russian: From Investors to Settlers

While recent geopolitical shifts have changed migration trends, Russians once represented a booming property-buying force, particularly in coastal luxury zones. From Altea Hills to Orihuela Costa, Russian investors historically targeted upscale properties. Today, the community is smaller but still present, especially among long-term residents.

🇺🇸 Americans: Digital Nomads and Retirees on the Rise

American interest in Spain—particularly Costa Blanca—has grown sharply in the past five years. Remote workers, retirees, and lifestyle migrants are increasingly exploring Spain’s Non-Lucrative and Digital Nomad Visas. Many are attracted to Alicante and Murcia for their mix of cosmopolitan living and affordable healthcare.

🌍 Rest of the World: A Global Tapestry

Costa Blanca is also home to communities from Latin America (notably Colombians and Argentinians), Asia, North Africa (particularly Moroccans), and other parts of Europe. This mix enriches the region’s culture, cuisine, and economy, making it one of the most diverse in all of Spain.

🏡 How “Spanish Prime Property” Helps You Settle In

Whether you’re British, Dutch, Romanian, or American, relocating to Costa Blanca involves more than buying a house. That’s where expert support matters.

Spanish Prime Property offers a full suite of relocation services tailored for international buyers and movers:

• Visa & Residency Support: Help with Digital Nomad, Golden Visa, and Non-Lucrative Visa applications.

• International Mortgages: Connections with lenders who understand foreign income structures.

• Currency Exchange: Secure better-than-bank rates on large transfers.

• Removals & Logistics: End-to-end support for shipping, customs, and local setup.

• Local Integration: Help with utilities, healthcare registration, and navigating Spanish bureaucracy.

🌍 Foreign Resident Populations in Costa Blanca (2000–2025)

📈 Alicante Province

Migrations, who's moving to Costa Blanca, Alicante has experienced significant growth in its foreign resident population over the past 25 years.​

Foreign Residents by Nationality (2024):

Nationality	Residents	% of Foreign Population
United Kingdom	99,225	29.2%
Morocco	41,425	12.2%
Ukraine	40,154	11.8%
Russia	16,961	5.0%
Germany	16,928	5.0%
Italy	16,107	4.7%
Bulgaria	13,554	4.0%
Colombia	12,580	3.7%
Algeria	12,194	3.6%
France	11,835	3.5%
Others	142,908	42.0%

Total Foreign Residents: 485,008 (24% of total population)

Source: TodoAlicante​TodoAlicante+2TodoAlicante+2TodoAlicante+2

📈 Murcia

Murcia's foreign resident population has also seen notable changes.​

Foreign Residents by Nationality (2022):

Nationality	Residents
Morocco	17,655
Ukraine	4,352
Ecuador	3,232
Colombia	3,170
Bolivia	2,455
United Kingdom	2,392
Romania	1,871
China	1,867
Bulgaria	1,666
Venezuela	1,564
Algeria	1,406
Italy	1,147
Others	12,452

Total Foreign Residents: 57,229 (12.3% of total population)

Source: Wikipedia - Murcia​Wikipedia, la enciclopedia libre

📈 Benidorm

Benidorm is known for its diverse international community.​

Foreign Residents by Nationality (2022):

Nationality	Residents	% of Total Population
United Kingdom	3,874	18.8%
Romania	2,221	10.8%
Colombia	1,096	5.3%
Morocco	1,006	4.9%
Russia	884	4.3%
Algeria	839	4.1%
Italy	728	3.5%
Bulgaria	624	3.0%
Ukraine	555	2.7%
Others	8,793	42.6%

Total Foreign Residents: 20,620 (29.6% of total population)

Source: Wikipedia - Benidorm​

📊 Growth Trends (2000–2025)

While specific year-by-year data is limited, the overall trend indicates a steady increase in foreign residents across the Costa Blanca region. The United Kingdom consistently leads in numbers, with significant communities from Morocco, Ukraine, and other European and Latin American countries also establishing themselves in the area.​

🏡 Why Foreign Nationals Choose Costa Blanca

• Climate: Over 300 days of sunshine annually.

• Cost of Living: More affordable than many Western European countries.

• Healthcare: High-quality medical services.

• Community: Established expatriate networks.

• Accessibility: Proximity to major European cities.​

🛠️ Facilitating the Move: Services for Foreign Residents

Relocating to a new country involves numerous logistical and legal considerations. Real estate specialists in the region offer comprehensive services to assist newcomers, including:​

• Visa Assistance: Guidance on residency and work permits.

• Property Acquisition: Support in finding and purchasing real estate.

• Financial Services: Assistance with international mortgages and currency exchange.

• Relocation Logistics: Coordination of moving services and settling-in support.