UK immigration: British nationals
UK immigration: British nationals stood at 110,000 people in Dec 2025, according to Office for National Statistics (ONS). It is one of the indicators in the International migration table (Value · Monthly), with a complete series running from Jun 2012 to Dec 2025. The complete series with an interactive chart, free to download.
This indicator in the International migration table
| Indicator | 12-2025 | 09-2025 | 12-2024 | 09-2024 | 06-2024 | 03-2024 | 12-2023 | 09-2023 | 06-2023 | 03-2023 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Immigration by nationality | |||||||||||
| British | 110,000 | 121,000 | 140,000 | 142,000 | 142,000 | 146,000 | 150,000 | 156,000 | 161,000 | 166,000 | |
| EU and EFTA | 76,000 | 83,000 | 91,000 | 94,000 | 94,000 | 99,000 | 103,000 | 112,000 | 124,000 | 133,000 |
Understanding UK immigration: British nationals
Measuring the gross inflow of individuals holding domestic citizenship, this series counts British passport holders returning to take up long-term residence in the United Kingdom. The data isolates returning nationals from foreign citizens entering the country, providing a focused view of domestic repopulation trends. Unlike broader immigration totals that encompass diverse global nationalities, this measure highlights the return behaviour of citizens moving back to the United Kingdom.
Evaluating this series requires understanding that return migration among citizens is often less responsive to standard visa regulations and more influenced by overseas economic conditions and personal life milestones. Revisions can occur when administrative records catch up with returning citizens who did not immediately register upon arrival. Researchers should compare these figures against British emigration data to understand the circular mobility patterns of citizens within the United Kingdom.
Frequently asked questions
- Who is counted within this gross immigration series for British nationals?
- It tallies citizens holding British passports who move back to live in the United Kingdom after residing abroad.
- Are these returning citizens subject to standard immigration visa controls?
- No, British nationals possess the right of abode and do not require visas to enter the country.
- Why might early estimates of returning citizens be subject to revision?
- Administrative lag can delay the official recording of citizens who return without immediately updating their residency status.