The number of European Union nationals applying for UK citizenship doubled in 2017 to almost 30,000 , with Poles and Germans among the biggest groups of applicants . according to Home Office figures , obtained under the Freedom of Information act , more than 700 applications last year were made on grounds of residency , while those applying for UK citizenship through marriage totaled 280 . The data also revealed 168,913 permanent residence permits were granted , more than ever before .
The number of European Union nationals applying for UK citizenship doubled in 2017 to almost 30,000, with Poles and Germans among the biggest groups of applicants. According to Home Office figures, obtained under the Freedom of Information Act, more than 15,000 applications last year were made on grounds of residency, while those applying for UK citizenship through marriage reached 4,342. The data also revealed 168,913 permanent residence documents were issued, more than ever before.