In 2025, Spain experienced a significant shift in migration trends. From January to mid-December, 35,935 people crossed the border illegally and entered the country. That’s almost 25,000 fewer than the previous year. The decrease amounts to 40.4%—a figure that surprised even seasoned analysts.
The majority of migrants still opt for the sea route. However, this year, the number arriving by sea dropped particularly sharply. Over 12 months, 32,212 people landed on the Spanish coast and islands, which is 44.3% fewer than in 2024. The number of boats crossing the sea also decreased: 1,209 compared to 1,727 the year before.
Flows to the mainland and the Balearic Islands
Interestingly, 14,627 migrants reached mainland Spain and the Islas Baleares by sea, a slight increase over last year—a rise of 4.1%. Of these, 7,332 people arrived on the mainland, down 11.8% from a year earlier. In contrast, the Balearic Islands saw a 27.3% increase, receiving 7,295 migrants. The number of boats docking in the Balearics also grew: 400 compared to 342 in 2024.
Meanwhile, the mainland saw a decline in the number of arriving vessels: 539 compared to 727 the previous year. This data suggests migration routes are gradually shifting, and the Balearic Islands are becoming an increasingly popular destination for those attempting to enter Spain illegally.
Canary Islands: sharp decline
The most significant decrease in migrant arrivals was recorded in the Canary Islands (Islas Canarias). In 2025, 17,555 people arrived here—almost half as many as in 2024, when the archipelago received 43,737 migrants. The number of boats reaching the Canaries also dropped more than twofold: 259 compared to 643 the previous year.
Experts attribute this sharp drop in arrivals to changes in migration routes and increased maritime controls. For a long time, the Canary Islands remained one of the main destinations for migrants from Africa, but this year the situation has shifted.
Situation in Ceuta and Melilla
Amid a general decline in the number of undocumented migrants, Spain’s autonomous cities of Ceuta (Ceuta) and Melilla (Melilla) are seeing the opposite trend. Over the past year, 3,723 people arrived by land—a 50.2% increase over last year. Ceuta received 3,396 migrants, or 1,010 more than the previous year. Melilla saw 327 arrivals, also exceeding last year’s figures.
Few people choose the sea route to these cities. In 2025, only 5 people reached Ceuta by sea, 82.1% fewer than in 2024. In Melilla—25 people, 19% more than a year ago. These numbers confirm that the land border with Morocco remains one of the most vulnerable points for illegal crossings.
Overall trends
Overall, 2025 has seen a sharp decline in the number of illegal migrants arriving in Spain. This drop is particularly noticeable in the Canary Islands and along maritime routes. At the same time, the Balearic Islands and the land borders at Ceuta and Melilla are seeing an increase. Migration patterns continue to shift, and authorities are closely monitoring emerging trends.