FOI reference: FOI-2026-3593
You asked
I would like to request the following information:
- Estimates of the number of UK nationals currently living or working abroad for periods exceeding three months, broken down by calendar year from 2021 to 2025.
- Where available, a breakdown by destination region (e.g. Middle East, Europe, Asia-Pacific, North America).
- Where available, any data distinguishing between those who have permanently relocated and those working abroad on a temporary or contractual basis.
We said
Thank you for your Freedom of Information request.
The method for producing emigration estimates of British nationals is based on Registration and Population Interaction Database (RAPID) data from the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP).
RAPID data provide a single view of citizens' interactions across multiple sources, including DWP, HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) and local authorities. This data source does not contain any information on why someone has left the UK or where they have gone.
Our estimates are also only produced for long-term international migration, meaning 12 months or more. We also do not hold or produce information on why UK nationals move abroad.
You may be interested in our most recent Long-term international immigration, emigration and net migration flows publication, which was released in May.
If you have any queries about our data, please do not hesitate to contact pop.info@ons.gov.uk.