Edinburgh has seen the highest number of applications to the EU Settlement Scheme in Scotland, new Home Office figures have revealed.
According to newly-released official statistics up to the end of December 2019, 32,930 applications have been lodged in the capital.
Elsewhere in Scotland, Glasgow City saw 23,070 applications, Aberdeen City 13,580 while Fife received 7,040.
The top four nationalities in Scotland are Polish (47,160), Italian (11,000), Romanian (10,850) and Spanish (9,210).
The EU Settlement Scheme is designed to make it straightforward for EU citizens and their family to stay after Brexit – guaranteeing their rights in UK law.
Security Minister Brandon Lewis said: “EU citizens are an integral part of our society, culture and community and the scheme guarantees their rights in UK law.
“It’s free, straightforward and I encourage all EU citizens living in Scotland to apply today.”
Internal figures show that there have been more than three million applications to the scheme in less than a year since it was fully launched.
It comes as Edinburgh Council ruled to continue flying EU flag above City Chambers despite Brexit.
MSPs also voted to keep the EU flag flying over Scottish Parliament following a last-minute vote.
The UK formally left the European Union on January 31 following the 2016 Brexit referendum.
