Romanians constitute the largest group of EU citizens residing in another member state without holding local citizenship—totaling 3.1 million individuals in 2024, or approximately 22% of all such residents, according to Eurostat data cited by Ziarul Financiar. They are followed by Italians and Poles, each accounting for around 1.5 million individuals, or 11% of the total.
This remarkable level of outward mobility among Romanians is largely driven by significant income disparities between Romania and wealthier host countries. It stands in stark contrast to the limited internal mobility within Romania itself—often criticized by business leaders and HR professionals—suggesting that domestic incentives to relocate for work remain insufficient.
Overall, 13.9 million EU citizens currently live in a member state other than the one in which they were born.
