Alicante continues to attract people from around the world, with the province's foreign-born population reaching a record 656,680 residents in July 2026. The latest figures highlight the Costa Blanca's growing international appeal and reinforce Alicante's position as one of Spain's most popular destinations for overseas residents.
According to the latest Continuous Population Statistics from Spain's National Statistics Institute (INE), almost one in three people living in Alicante province was born outside Spain.
For the Costa Blanca property market, this growing international population is particularly significant, as many overseas residents choose Alicante not only as a holiday destination but also as a place to establish a permanent home.
Alicante's International Population Continues to Grow
The latest figures show that Alicante's foreign-born population reached 656,680 on 1 July 2026, setting a new record.
The increase has been particularly noticeable over the past year. More than 9,000 additional foreign-born residents were recorded during the second quarter alone, while the year-on-year increase was approximately 40,000 people.
Interestingly, the province's population growth during the quarter was driven overwhelmingly by people born outside Spain. The Spanish-born population increased by only around 900 people during the same period.
This demonstrates just how important international migration has become to Alicante's demographic growth.
Nearly One in Three Residents Was Born Abroad
With 656,680 foreign-born residents, Alicante has one of the strongest international communities in Spain.
The distinction between foreign-born residents and foreign nationals is important. A person can be born outside Spain but subsequently obtain Spanish nationality.
The latest figures show that Alicante had 550,809 foreign nationals, also a record high and the third-highest total among Spanish provinces.
This means the international influence of Alicante extends well beyond temporary tourism. Thousands of people from overseas are choosing to live, work, retire or invest in the province.
Why Are So Many Foreigners Choosing Alicante?
Alicante's popularity is hardly surprising.
Located on Spain's Costa Blanca, the province offers a combination of Mediterranean beaches, warm weather, established international communities, excellent infrastructure and a comparatively relaxed lifestyle.
Alicante is also well connected internationally through Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández Airport, making it relatively easy for residents to travel between Spain and their home countries.
The region also offers a wide variety of coastal towns and inland communities, meaning international buyers can choose between lively city living, traditional Spanish towns, golf resorts and quieter Mediterranean communities.
Spain's official tourism service describes Alicante as being at the heart of the Costa Blanca and highlights its Mediterranean coastline, beaches, golf courses, historic attractions and year-round tourism appeal.
Alicante's Growing International Community and the Property Market
The record foreign-born population could also have important implications for the Alicante property market.
Many international residents need somewhere to live, whether they are purchasing a permanent home, relocating for work, retiring to Spain or investing in a second property.
This creates sustained demand across different parts of the market, including:
- Apartments near the beach
- Modern new-build properties
- Villas with private pools
- Golf properties
- Retirement homes
- Townhouses
- Investment properties
- Homes close to international schools and amenities
For overseas buyers, Alicante can offer something that is increasingly difficult to find in many European destinations: a combination of Mediterranean lifestyle and established international infrastructure.
Costa Blanca Remains Popular With International Buyers
The growth isn't limited to Alicante city itself.
The wider province includes some of the Costa Blanca's best-known destinations, including Benidorm, Torrevieja, Jávea, Dénia, Calpe, Altea and Orihuela Costa.
These locations have developed strong international communities over many years, creating established networks of restaurants, businesses, services and amenities catering to residents from across Europe and beyond.
For someone considering a move to Spain, this can make the transition considerably easier.
Rather than moving into an unfamiliar environment with few international services, newcomers can find communities where multiple languages are commonly spoken and where overseas residents are already an established part of everyday life.
Alicante Is Becoming Increasingly International
The latest population figures also form part of a wider trend across Spain.
Spain's national population reached a record 49.57 million residents on 1 January 2026, with the number of people born outside Spain exceeding 10 million for the first time.
Alicante is therefore part of a broader national trend, but its position on the Mediterranean coast makes the province particularly attractive to international residents.
For many people, moving to Alicante is about more than employment or population growth. It is about the lifestyle.
Mediterranean Living
The appeal is easy to understand:
Sunshine. Beaches. Outdoor living. Golf. Restaurants. Culture. Good transport connections.
Alicante's coastline provides opportunities for swimming, walking, cycling and enjoying the Mediterranean throughout much of the year, while towns and cities across the province offer a mixture of modern amenities and traditional Spanish culture.
What Does This Mean for People Looking to Buy Property in Alicante?
For property buyers, demographic growth is an important factor to watch.
A growing population can support demand for housing, rental accommodation, local businesses and services. When that growth is being driven significantly by international residents, it can also indicate strong long-term demand from overseas buyers and tenants.
For anyone considering buying property in Alicante or on the Costa Blanca, the latest figures provide another reason to look closely at the region.
The province is not simply attracting tourists for a few weeks each year. Increasing numbers of international residents are choosing to make Alicante their home.
That distinction could prove particularly important for the area's property market over the coming years.
Alicante's International Future
With 656,680 foreign-born residents and nearly one-third of the province's population born outside Spain, Alicante has reached another demographic milestone.
The continuing growth of its international population reflects the enduring appeal of the Costa Blanca as a place to live, work, retire and invest.
As Alicante continues to attract residents from around the world, its property market, local economy and communities are likely to become increasingly international.
For buyers considering a move to Spain, the message is clear: Alicante is no longer simply a popular holiday destination — it is a truly international place to call home.