With official figures revealing that over 6,100 U.S. citizens applied for UK citizenship in 2024—including 1,708 applications between October and December—more than double the number from 2004, immigration expert Sacha Wooldridge from UK law firm Birketts said this trend reflects growing interest in relocating to the UK.

Sacha Wooldridge, Head of Immigration and a Partner at Birketts, said: "The UK and London in particular has long been favoured by celebrities and the world’s internationally wealthy – favoured for being English speaking, its close proximity to Europe for easy access holidays to Paris and Italy, a similar Western culture and lifestyle (and yes even a temperate climate!). We see US families move to the UK for the world-class education for their children, high-end restaurants and shopping, and for global business people, it offers a secure legal and financial system and convenient time zone meeting the needs of all family members."

She said that while some Americans consider European countries with golden visa programs—such as Spain, Italy, and Portugal—these locations often prove less viable for full-time residency due to language barriers and lifestyle differences. Despite Brexit, many U.S. nationals still perceive the UK as a gateway to Europe.

She also said that popular relocation spots for U.S. citizens include West London areas like South Hampstead and Notting Hill, particularly due to their proximity to the highly regarded American School in London and other prestigious independent schools. These neighborhoods also offer a family-friendly environment with essential amenities close by, reducing the need to travel into central London.

West London is further favored for its accessibility to Heathrow Airport, making travel between the U.S. and London convenient for business professionals, she said. Additionally, those in the creative industries benefit from the short commute to Pinewood Studios, while others enjoy easy weekend getaways to the Cotswolds, often taking advantage of Soho House memberships.

She said a significant number of U.S. nationals also have Irish or British ancestry, allowing them to claim British citizenship. Many are now applying for UK passports to secure their right to live in the country—similar to the surge in UK nationals applying for Irish passports after Brexit. However, U.S. citizens cannot immediately apply for British citizenship, even if married to a UK national. They typically must reside in the UK for five years before becoming eligible.

Previously, many U.S. residents in the UK relied on permanent residency rather than full citizenship, but she said there is a growing preference for British passports to ensure long-term mobility and secure future options for their children. She added that recent changes to the UK’s non-domiciled tax rules may also be influencing citizenship applications, as some individuals seek to manage tax liabilities while maintaining the option to return to the UK in the future.