Insee Première ·
May 2025 · n° 2051
Between 2006 and 2023, the number of immigrants entering France increased and their
level of qualifications improved
In 2023, 347,000 immigrants arrived in France, compared with 234,000 in 2006. Over
this period, the number of immigrants entering the country has tended to increase,
reflecting the economic, geopolitical and health shocks that have hit the world.
The origins of immigrants have diversified: in 2023, Europe was the continent of birth
for 28% of new immigrants, compared with 44% in 2006. Africa was the leading continent
of origin, accounting for 45% of immigrants arriving in France in 2023.
The proportion of women among immigrants arriving in France has fallen slightly since
the 2010s, although they were still slightly predominant. In 2023, women accounted
for 51% of immigrants arriving in France, compared with 53% in 2006.
Immigrants entering France were increasingly qualified: 52% of immigrants aged 25
or over who entered the country in 2023 had higher education qualifications, compared
with 41% in 2006.