UK net migration: EU and EFTA nationals
UK net migration: EU and EFTA nationals stood at -42,000 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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net migration by nationality | |||||||||||
| EU and EFTA | -42,000 | -47,000 | -63,000 | -64,000 | -61,000 | -57,000 | -53,000 | -43,000 | -30,000 | -21,000 | |
| Non-EU | 350,000 | 381,000 | 511,000 | 676,000 | 825,000 | 903,000 | 1,005,000 | 1,031,000 | 1,045,000 | 1,047,000 |
Understanding UK net migration: EU and EFTA nationals
Tracking citizens originating from member states of the European Union alongside the European Free Trade Association, this metric records the net demographic contribution of these specific populations to the United Kingdom. The calculation captures the net flow resulting from EU and EFTA nationals arriving for long-term residence versus those departing the territory. Unlike non-EU figures or British citizen balances, this series highlights the specific migration dynamics associated with European regional mobility frameworks affecting the United Kingdom.
Reading this series effectively requires noting how policy shifts and changing legal frameworks alter long-term migration propensity over time. Seasonal peaks often correspond to agricultural cycles, academic semesters, or standard corporate recruitment periods across the United Kingdom. Analysts must avoid treating this European-specific net balance as identical to gross arrivals, as departures among this cohort can fluctuate independently in response to broader economic conditions.
Frequently asked questions
- Which countries are grouped into this specific migration category?
- It includes nationals from European Union member states and European Free Trade Association countries.
- What causes seasonal fluctuations in this European migration series?
- Variations often align with academic terms, seasonal employment cycles, and standard corporate hiring windows.
- Is a high gross arrival figure matched by the net migration total here?
- Not necessarily, because departures among this group can offset incoming volumes and alter the final net balance.