How does Eurostat define immigrants within the EU?

Eurostat defines immigrants as residents or expected residents in EU Member States for at least 12 months. This definition captures a broad category of individuals who have made a significant commitment to living in a new country. By setting the threshold at 12 months, Eurostat distinguishes between temporary visitors and those who have established a more permanent or long-term presence.

This approach allows for a clearer understanding of demographics, social integration, and economic impacts associated with migration within the EU. It also aligns with various statistical methodologies and policies that aim to track population changes and migration trends accurately across different member states. Understanding who qualifies as an immigrant is crucial for policy formulation and resource allocation related to housing, employment, healthcare, and social services in host countries.