Foreigners find their home on the Costa del Sol: in which municipalities in Malaga do they live en masse?
Why so many foreigners choose Málaga and the Costa del Sol
Málaga province currently has more than 1.77 million residents, of whom 414,316 people – or 23.4% – are foreign-born. This is well above the national average of 18.2%, and places Málaga fifth in Spain in terms of the absolute number of foreign-born residents. Only Madrid, Barcelona, Alicante and Valencia have more.
These figures confirm what many have known for some time: the Costa del Sol is a magnet for people from all over the world. Whether they are sun seekers, retirees, digital nomads or investors – the appeal of this region continues to grow. But where exactly do all these foreigners live? And which nationalities are most heavily represented?
Belgians and Dutch deliberately choose Málaga
Among foreign residents, Belgians and Dutch are also well represented. According to data from 2024, there are officially:
6,868 Dutch
4,584 Belgians
in the province of Málaga. In reality, that number is probably much higher, since by no means all foreigners formally register with the municipality. Many own a second residence that they use for part of the year.
Dutch and Belgians deliberately choose this region because of:
the pleasant climate and southern rhythm;
The good accessibility via direct flights to Málaga;
the high level of amenities (good health care, international schools, smooth internet);
as well as the presence of other compatriots and expatriate communities, which facilitates integration.
They settle mainly in coastal towns such as Marbella, Mijas, Benalmádena, Estepona and Torrox, but also in villages of character such as Cómpeta, Sayalonga and Frigiliana.
Benahavís: the absolute leader with 64% foreign residents
No. 1 in the province is Benahavís, a residential gem in the hills above Marbella. According to the most recent figures, as many as 64% of the population is made up of people born abroad. Of the 9,256 residents, only 3,337 are Spanish by birth. The largest foreign group are British (1,388), followed by Russians (556), as well as over 1,000 people from the Americas, with notable representation from both South America and the U.S.
Benahavís is loved by those looking for tranquility, privacy, luxury real estate and security – qualities that particularly appeal to Belgian and Dutch buyers.
Municipalities with more than 40% foreign residents
Besides Benahavís, there are numerous other municipalities where more than 40% of the population was born outside of Spain. These are located not only on the coast, but also inland:
Fuengirola (44.6%) – with more than 38,000 foreign residents, including many British, Finns, Moroccans and Latin Americans.
Cómpeta (44.5%), Alcaucín (44.4%) and Sayalonga (43.8%) – idyllic villages in the Axarquía where mostly British, German, Dutch and Belgian expats settle for the quiet village life with sea or mountain views.
Manilva (42.5%) and Torrox (42.2%) – popular destinations with Britons, Germans, Moroccans as well as many Dutch people, among others.
For those who dream of a vacation home or permanent move without ending up in a tourist mass, these municipalities offer an attractive mix of international atmosphere and Andalusian charm.
International hotspots: Marbella, Mijas and Benalmádena
These cities combine a high proportion of foreign residents (around 37%) with a large total population:
Marbella (38.2%) has nearly 61,000 foreigners, many of whom come from Morocco (7,708), Latin America (20,300), the UK (4,407), Ukraine (4,200), Russia (3,300) and the rest of Europe (more than 23,000).
➤ Many Dutch and Belgians also live here, opting for the exclusive urbanizations, golf resorts or beach apartments.Mijas (37.7%) has more than 34,700 foreign residents, with the largest group being the British (7,193), followed by Moroccans and Argentines. You’ll also find many Dutch speakers here, thanks in part to the large supply of homes with sea views, low community costs and central location.
Benalmádena (36.9%) has a strong presence of Argentines, British and Moroccans, but here too Dutch and Belgians are actively looking for apartments in the center or in the popular zones such as Arroyo de la Miel and Torrequebrada.
Smaller villages also attract foreign buyers
Villages such as Viñuela (41.6%), Comares (39.4%), Casares (36.8%), Frigiliana (36.6%) and Canillas de Albaida (36%) show that not only the big cities are popular. Here it is often active couples and retirees who consciously choose peace, space and a local atmosphere – with the possibility of still reaching the coast or an airport within half an hour.
What about safety and neighborhood spirit?
For many international buyers, especially those looking to move permanently or invest in property on the Costa del Sol, security and quality of life in the neighborhood is a decisive factor. It makes sense: a property is more than four walls – it’s about the people around it, the feeling that you can safely close the door behind you, and coming home to an environment that feels like the right match.
Fortunately, the province of Malaga offers many residential neighborhoods and urbanizations that offer just that: an international character, quiet surroundings, social control and good infrastructure. Think of gated communities, urbanizations with security or concierge services, but also authentic villages with a strong sense of community.
At MDR Luxury Homes, we listen carefully to your preferences and concerns. We guide you not only in finding a home, but also in making the right choice of region – with an eye on living comfort, safety and quality of life.
Málaga city and other larger municipalities
In the capital, Málaga, there are over 93,300 foreign residents, accounting for 15.75% of the population. The majority are from Latin America, followed by Europeans and Moroccans. In Alhaurín de la Torre the proportion of foreigners is slightly lower (about 15%), but there too we see an increase of Belgians, Dutch and families who choose tranquility and proximity to the city.
The coming years
INE expects that between 2024 and 2034 almost all of Malaga’s population growth will come from foreign residents. An increase of over 280,000 new foreign residents is predicted. Thus, the Costa del Sol continues to evolve as a top international location to live, invest and enjoy.
In conclusion
Whether you dream of a sunny retreat, a secure investment or a new lease on life in southern Spain – the province of Malaga remains one of the country’s most diverse and international regions. From lively coastal towns to quiet inland villages, there is something for everyone.
Those who find their place here quickly realize that the Costa del Sol is more than a destination – it is a way of life.
