Citizenship exam mock tests — CIPLE, DELE, DELF, CELI, DTZCIPLE A2 mock test online — Portuguese citizenship and residencyDELE A2 mock test online — Spanish citizenship and nationalityInburgering A2 (Netherlands) mock test online — eligible Dutch civic-integration and naturalisation routesEllinomatheia A2 (Cyprus) mock test online — Cyprus residency and naturalisation pathways requiring Ellinomatheia A2CCE A2 (Czech) mock test online — Czech permanent-residence language equivalence (CCE A2+) and general A2 certification — citizenship language proof starts at CCE B1 on ÚJOPDTZ B1 (Germany) mock test online — German permanent residence and citizenshipDELF B2 (France) mock test online — French citizenship and residencyCELI 2 (B1) mock test online — Italian citizenship and residencyCAPLE — Portuguese language certificationInstituto Cervantes — DELE Spanish examsContact Prep2go — support@prep2go.study
All news
FlashItalySeptember 21, 2026

920,000 Britons Hold EU Residency Permits by End of 2025, Concentrated in Three Countries

PublishedEditorial policy

By the end of 2025, 920,000 British citizens held residency permits across EU countries, indicating a sustained post-Brexit trend. A significant majority of these permits are concentrated in just three member states, suggesting popular, well-trodden paths for UK nationals.

EU ResidencyBritish CitizensPost-BrexitImmigration StatisticsИталияResidency Permits

Key takeaways

  • 920,000 British citizens held EU residency permits by the end of 2025, reflecting a long-term post-Brexit trend rather than a temporary migration surge.
  • A majority of these permits are concentrated in three EU countries, indicating popular, established routes for British nationals, but also potentially higher competition.
  • While the statistics confirm the viability of obtaining EU residency, applicants must remember that each EU country has unique rules and processes.

Post-Brexit Residency Trends for UK Nationals in the EU

By the close of 2025, a substantial 920,000 British citizens had successfully obtained residency permits (ВНЖ) across various European Union member states. This figure highlights a sustained trend following Brexit, demonstrating that many UK nationals have chosen to establish long-term roots within the EU rather than making temporary moves.

Data from The Local indicates that a significant majority of these permits are concentrated in just three EU countries. While the specific nations are not named in this report, this concentration suggests that British applicants often gravitate towards established routes and destinations where infrastructure for expatriates may be more developed. For those considering EU residency, this implies both well-trodden paths and potentially higher competition in these popular locations.

This statistic offers valuable insight for British citizens currently holding or planning to apply for EU residency. It confirms that the process is viable and many have successfully navigated it. However, it is crucial to remember that each EU country maintains its own specific immigration rules and requirements. The popularity of a destination does not necessarily simplify the application process, and in some cases, it might even introduce additional complexities.

Sources

Based on Emigro corridor reporting. Primary links below.

Was this brief helpful?

Turn policy news into a study plan

Browse language decks

Keep vocabulary moving while your residence or citizenship timeline changes.

Start here