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Around 10.7 million people living in the UK were born outside the country, representing approximately 16% of the total population.

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This figure is based on the latest UK Census (2021–2022), which remains the most reliable source for understanding the size of the immigrant population.

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However, immigration statistics are often misunderstood. Headlines about “net migration” refer to movement flows—not the total number of immigrants living in the UK.

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What Counts as an “Immigrant” in the UK?

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There is no single official legal definition of “immigrant” used across all UK data.

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Foreign-Born Population (Most Common Definition)

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• People born outside the UK.
• Includes individuals who later become British citizens.
• Used by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) and Census.

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Foreign Nationals

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• People who do not hold British citizenship.
• Smaller group than foreign-born population.

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👉 In most cases, “immigrants” refers to the foreign-born population.

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How Many Immigrants Are in the UK in 2026?

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Latest Reliable Estimate

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• 10.7 million foreign-born residents.
• Approximately 16% of the UK population.

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This is based on Census data, which remains the most accurate long-term dataset.

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Immigration vs Net Migration: Key Differences

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Important Definitions

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• Immigration → People entering the UK.
• Emigration → People leaving the UK.
• Net migration → Difference between the two.
• Immigrant population → Total number living in the UK.

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Why This Matters

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Net migration can fall, but the total number of immigrants may still remain high. These metrics measure different things.

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How Has Immigration Changed Over Time?

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Long-Term Trends

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• Early 2000s: ~8–9% foreign-born population.
• 2021–2022: ~16%.

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This means the immigrant population has nearly doubled over two decades.

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Key Drivers

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• EU expansion (mid-2000s).
• Skilled worker migration.
• International students.
• Post-Brexit immigration system.
• Global events (e.g. COVID-19).

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Where Do Immigrants Live in the UK?

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Highest Concentrations

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• London → Over 40% foreign-born.
• South East England → Second highest.

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These regions account for a large share of the UK’s immigrant population.

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Lowest Concentrations

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• North East England.
• Wales.
• Northern Ireland.

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Which Countries Do UK Immigrants Come From?

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Top Countries of Birth

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• India.
• Poland.
• Pakistan.
• Romania.
• Ireland.

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These countries account for a significant proportion of the UK’s immigrant population.

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Why Different Sources Show Different Numbers

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Common Reasons

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• Different years of data.
• Different definitions (foreign-born vs nationality).
• Survey estimates vs Census data.
• Confusion with net migration.

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👉 Census-based data is the most accurate for population size.

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Why This Matters for Employers

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Immigration trends directly impact:

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Workforce Planning

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• Talent availability.
• Skills shortages.

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Sponsorship Demand

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• Skilled Worker visas.
• Health and Care Worker visas.

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Compliance & Costs

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• Sponsor licence requirements.
• Immigration cost forecasting.

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Annaizu helps businesses navigate these challenges with compliance-first solutions.

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👉 Official UK data: https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity
👉 Annaizu immigration insights: https://www.annaizu.com/

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Conclusion

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The UK is home to a significant and growing immigrant population. Understanding the difference between migration flows and population size is essential for accurate interpretation of immigration data.

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For employers, policymakers, and researchers, these insights are critical for planning, compliance, and long-term strategy.

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FAQs

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How many immigrants live in the UK?

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Around 10.7 million people, or 16% of the population, are foreign-born.

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Is net migration the same as the number of immigrants?

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No. Net migration measures yearly movement, not total population.

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Has immigration increased in the UK?

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Yes. The foreign-born population has grown significantly over the past 20 years.

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