From January to November 2012, 54 200 residence permits were issued, a 5% decline compared with the previous year. Out of these, 86% were issued to non-EEA nationals and the rest to EU nationals. The majority were temporary permits issued to non-EEA nationals (37 500), which means a decrease of 14% compared with the previous year. Residence permits were mostly granted for the purpose of employment or work, followed by family reunification and study. By the end of November 2012, the total population with a valid residence permit reached 106 600 persons, an increase of 6% compared with the previous year.