More Russians are settling in the EU with each year of war in Ukraine

Eurostat reports that by the end of 2025, 876,600 Russian nationals held valid EU residence permits, marking a significant increase since the Ukraine invasion. Germany, Spain, and Estonia are the top host countries. Southern Europe saw the most growth, while some EU states like Latvia and the Czech Republic experienced declines due to strict migration policies. Outside the EU, countries like Serbia and Kazakhstan have seen substantial increases in Russian populations. Emigration patterns reveal distinct waves, with many young, educated Russians leaving to escape conscription and political repression. The economic impact on host countries has been mixed, with some experiencing GDP growth due to the influx of Russian migrants, who often work remotely or start businesses. Return rates to Russia remain low, with various estimates suggesting around 10-45% of emigrants have returned, often due to employment challenges and legal issues.