Naturalisation as a British Citizen (Adult)
Naturalisation is the process through which adults who have lived in the UK for a certain period and wish to obtain British citizenship can do so.
This process applies to adults who hold Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or Settled Status under the EU Settlement Scheme and meet specific eligibility conditions.
Becoming a British citizen offers many advantages, including the right to apply for a British passport, access to certain benefits and financial support, and the ability to vote in all UK elections.
Who Can Apply for British Citizenship by Naturalisation?
To qualify for naturalisation, you must meet these general requirements:
- Be 18 or older
- Have lived in the UK lawfully for the required time period
- Have been in the UK on the first day of the qualifying period
- Be free from immigration time restrictions for at least 12 months (unless applying as a spouse/civil partner of a British citizen)
- Intend to make the UK your permanent home
- Have passed the Life in the UK test
- Meet the English language requirement
- Be of good character
How to Apply for UK Citizenship If You Are Not Married to a British Citizen
If you are not married to a British citizen, you must:
- Be aged 18 or over
- Have lived and been physically present in the UK for at least 5 years before applying
- Not have been in breach of immigration laws during the 5-year period
- Hold Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or Settled Status for at least 12 months before applying
- Not have had more than 450 days outside the UK in the last 5 years
- Not have had more than 90 days outside the UK in the last 12 months
- Intend to continue living in the UK
- Have passed the Life in the UK test
- Demonstrate English language proficiency (B1 level or above)
- Be of good character
Can I Apply for British Citizenship Straight After ILR?
Timing Requirements for Different Applicant Categories
- If you are not married to a British citizen, you must hold ILR for at least 12 months before applying
- If you are married to a British citizen, you can apply immediately after obtaining ILR
How Many Days Can I Stay Outside the UK for British Citizenship?
UK Residence Requirements for British Citizenship
- 450 days in the last 5 years (if not married to a British citizen)
- 270 days in the last 3 years (if married to a British citizen)
- 90 days in the last 12 months for all applicants
What Is the Good Character Requirement for British Citizenship?
Understanding the Good Character Criteria
Applicants must:
- Have no serious criminal convictions
- Not have any serious financial issues (e.g., unpaid taxes, bankruptcy, or fraud)
- Not have been involved in deception or terrorism
Is There Flexibility in the Criteria for Naturalisation as a British Citizen?
Discretionary Considerations in Naturalisation Applications
In some cases, discretion may be applied if:
- The applicant exceeds absence limits due to exceptional circumstances
- The applicant fails to meet certain requirements due to reasons beyond their control
Can EEA/EU Nationals and Their Family Members Apply for Naturalisation?
EU Citizens' Path to British Citizenship
EU nationals must first obtain Settled Status under the EU Settlement Scheme and then:
- Hold Settled Status for 12 months before applying (unless married to a British citizen)
- Meet the residence and absence criteria as stated above
Who Can Be a Referee for a British Citizenship Application?
Requirements for Naturalisation References
You must provide two referees who meet the following criteria:
- One must be a British citizen and either a professional person or over the age of 25
- The other must be a professional person of any nationality
- Both referees must have known you personally for at least 3 years
- Referees must not be related to you, related to each other, your solicitor or agent representing you, or employed by the Home Office
How Much Does It Cost to Apply for British Naturalisation?
Fees and Additional Costs for UK Citizenship
The standard application fee for adults: £1,735 (subject to change)
Additional costs:
- Life in the UK test (£50)
- English language test
- Citizenship ceremony fee (included in the application fee, but private ceremonies may incur additional charges)
The standard application fee for a child: £1,219 (subject to change)
How Long Does It Take to Get British Citizenship?
Processing Timeline for Naturalisation Applications
Processing times usually take up to 6 months
Delays may occur if additional checks or documents are required
Can I Leave the UK While Waiting for My Citizenship Application?
Travel Considerations During the Application Process
Yes, you can travel, but:
- You must maintain valid immigration status until your application is approved
- Avoid long absences that could impact your biometric appointment or citizenship ceremony attendance
What Happens After Applying for British Citizenship?
Next Steps Following a Successful Application
- You will be invited to provide biometric details
- If successful, you will receive an invitation to attend a Citizenship Ceremony
- After the ceremony, you can apply for a British passport
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