British Citizenship Application

If you wish to settle in the UK and apply for British Citizenship, our experienced immigration solicitors can help.

You can become a British citizen either by birth or you can apply for naturalisation if you are aged 18 or over. Generally, to be eligible to become a British national, you need to prove that you have been in the UK on Indefinite Leave to Remain or EU Settled Status for a certain period of time.

What is British Citizenship?

British citizenship grants you the right to live and work in the UK without immigration restrictions, and to apply for a UK passport. Becoming a British citizen also provides the right to hold a British passport, travel visa-free to numerous countries, and receive consular support worldwide.

Who Can Apply for British Citizenship?

To apply for British citizenship, applicants generally need to meet one of the following categories:

  • Naturalisation: This is the most common route for adults to apply for British citizenship by naturalisation who have lived in the UK for several years and meet the residency and good character requirements.
  • Citizenship by Birth or Descent: Individuals born to British parents or born in the UK before a certain date may automatically be British citizens.
  • Registration: This route is available for certain groups, including children born in the UK to non-British parents after a specific period or individuals with historical connections to the UK.
  • British Overseas Territories: Individuals who are residents of a British Overseas Territory may be eligible for British citizenship through a specific route.

What are the british citizenship requirements?

Based on the British Nationality Act, those who wish to apply for Naturalisation must meet the following eligibility requirements:

  • Being over 18 years old
  • Meeting residency requirements
  • Passing the Life in the UK Test
  • Proving English language proficiency
  • Having “good character”

Residency Requirements

To qualify for naturalisation, you must have lived in the UK for at least 5 years (or 3 years if married to a British citizen) without long absences. You must also hold indefinite leave to remain (ILR) or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme.

During the residency period, you must not have spent more than 450 days outside the UK in the last 5 years, or 90 days in the last year. Failure to meet these criteria can delay your application.

Good Character Requirement

The good character requirement involves checks on your criminal record, financial history, and general conduct in the UK. If you have a serious criminal conviction, unpaid taxes, or a history of immigration violations, your application may be refused.

English language requirement

To become a British citizen, you must demonstrate knowledge of English, Welsh, or Scottish Gaelic. The most common way to do this is by passing an approved B1 English language test. However, exemptions are available for applicants over 65 or those with a long-term physical or mental condition.

Life in the UK Test

The Life in the UK Test is a mandatory requirement for most applicants. It covers British culture, history, and traditions. To pass, you’ll need to prepare thoroughly, as the questions can be tricky.

If you are unsure whether you meet these requirements, you can seek guidance from our British citizenship lawyers to assess your eligibility.

Documents Required to apply for British Citizenship

When applying for British citizenship, you’ll need to provide several key documents, such as:

  • Proof of English proficiency (test results or exemption documentation)
  • Proof of identity (passport and biometric residence permit)
  • Proof of residency (utility bills, council tax statements)
  • Referees declaration (you need to provide two referees declaration)

How can I apply for British citizenship Online?

You can apply for British citizenship either online or using a paper application. Online applications are generally faster, but both options require you to provide detailed information about your life in the UK, as well as supporting documents.

If you are confident that you are eligible for British citizenship and have met all the necessary requirements, you can now begin the application process. The application must be completed online and you will need to provide all required documents as evidence of your eligibility and identity. Before submitting your application, ensure that you have answered all the questions truthfully and provided all necessary information.

Form AN Application for naturalisation as a British citizen

Once you have submitted your application, you will need to attend a biometric appointment to provide your fingerprints and photograph.

After your biometric appointment, you will need to wait for the Home Office to process your British citizenship application. The processing time will vary depending on the circumstances of your application.

Applying for British citizenship can be a complicated process, but with the right information and preparation, it can be a smooth and successful experience.

How long does it take to get British citizenship?

Processing times for British citizenship applications can vary depending on a variety of factors. Typically, the waiting period is around six months from the time of submission of the application.

It’s important to note that certain situations may result in longer processing times, such as if additional documentation or information is required. In some cases, the waiting period can be up to 12 months or longer. If you have any concerns about the processing time of your application, you can ask a question from our immigration lawyers.

What are the advantages of british citizenship?

Becoming a British citizen comes with a number of benefits that can significantly improve your life in the UK. Here are some of the main advantages:

BenefitsDescription
Right to vote and stand for public officeAs a British citizen, you have the right to vote in all UK elections and referendums. You can also stand for public office, including becoming a Member of Parliament.
Access to more job opportunitiesSome jobs in the UK are only available to British citizens, particularly those in the public sector. By becoming a citizen, you open up more job opportunities that may be otherwise unavailable to you.
Unrestricted travelBritish citizens have the right to travel and live throughout the UK without any restrictions. You also have the right to enter and exit the UK freely without needing a visa.
Access to public funds and benefitsAs a British citizen, you are entitled to receive certain public funds and benefits, including social security, housing, and healthcare. This can provide an important safety net in times of need.
Greater securityBritish citizenship provides greater security and stability. You will have the right to remain in the UK indefinitely and will no longer be subject to immigration restrictions or the risk of deportation.

By becoming a British citizen, you will also be able to obtain a British passport, which can make international travel easier and more convenient.

Evidence of residence to apply for British Citizenship

If your application for British Citizenship is based on the length of your lawful residence in the UK then you will need to supply evidence about how long you have lived in the UK. Supporting British Citizenship documents showing evidence of residence include:

  • Your passport
  • Letter from your employer or employers saying when you started work including your P60
  • Letter from educational establishment setting out your periods of study
  • Letter from a government departments indicating your presence in the UK for a specified period.

Various applications for british citizenship

  1. Naturalisation
  2. Registering A Child As A British Citizen – MN1 Application
  3. Registering A Child As A British Citizen After 10 Years – Form T

Good character requirement for citizenship application

The guidance applies to applications for registration and naturalisation from those who are aged 10 or over at the time the application is made. You usually need to prove you’re of good character before you can apply for citizenship. The Home Office look at a range of things to decide this. For example, the Home Office might decide you’re not eligible if you have:

  • unpaid taxes in the UK
  • an NHS debt 
  • been declared bankrupt
  • a serious or recent criminal record
  • broken a condition of your leave in the last 10 years – for example working or claiming public funds without permission

It’s important to be honest and include anything that’s relevant to your application – for example, a criminal conviction. If the Home Office finds you’ve left something out, they might refuse to accept your application.

Referees for British citizenship application

You’ll need to give the names of 2 referees on your application. These are people who know you and can help prove your identity. 

Both of your referees should have known you personally for more than 3 years. They must not be: 

  • your relative
  • your solicitor or agent 
  • employed by the Home Office 

They can’t be a referee if they’ve had a criminal conviction in the last 10 years, unless a certain period of time has passed. This is called the ‘rehabilitation period’. For example, the rehabilitation period for a fine is 1 year. You can find the rehabilitation periods on GOV.UK.  

Your referees should include: 

  • a person who has ‘professional standing’ – for example, a civil servant of any nationality
  • a person who is a British passport holder and either has professional standing or is over the age of 25

The Home Office has a list of people they accept as referees – they’re called ‘acceptable professional persons’. 

Before you apply, check the list and the rest of the rules for referees in the nationality guidance on GOV.UK. The list of who can be a referee is under ‘Commonly used terms’.

English language test for british Citizenship

You will need to prove that your English language ability is to at least the level of B1 in order to be eligible for British citizenship.

Pass The Life In The UK Test for citizenship application

You need to pass the Life in the UK Test before you apply for citizenship. The test asks questions about UK laws and the legal system, working and other details of life in the UK. You can do the test any time before you apply.

How Many Days Can I Stay Outside The UK For British Citizenship Application?

To qualify to make a British citizenship application, you must ensure that you meet the criteria for continuous residence in the UK and have not lived overseas for a significant period in the time prior to making your application.

You must ensure you have not spent more than 450 days outside the UK during the five years before your citizenship application. In addition, you must not have spent more than 90 days away in the last 12 months.

It is also important that you have not broken any UK immigration rules during your qualifying period – such as living in the UK without a visa or settled status.

British Citizenship Application forms

To apply for British citizenship, you must complete the Form AN – Application for Naturalisation as a British citizen – if you are an adult applying. Children should use form MN1.

If you are applying for British citizenship by marriage, then you will need to provide evidence of your relationship and show it is genuine.

How much it costs to apply for British citizenship?

You usually pay £1,735 to apply for adult citizenship or £1,214 for children. You will not get most of your money back if your application is refused – for example, if you’re not eligible or you sent the wrong documents

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British Citizenship frequently asked questions

How long does it take to process a British citizenship application?

Processing times typically range from 3 to 6 months, depending on the complexity of the application.

Can I apply for British citizenship if I have a criminal record?

Having a criminal record does not automatically disqualify you, but it can affect your chances under the good character requirement.

Does UK allow dual citizenship?

When you naturalise as a British citizen you may also be able to retain your original citizenship and become a dual British citizen.

How can I get UK citizenship in 3 years?

You can apply for British citizenship by ‘naturalisation’ if you:

  • are 18 or over.
  • have indefinite leave to remain
  • are married to, or in a civil partnership with, someone who is a British citizen.
  • have lived in the UK for at least 3 years before the date of your application.
What is the fastest way to get British citizenship?

If you have been living in the UK for 5 years or more and had Indefinite Leave to remain for a minimum of 12 months you may be eligible to apply for Citizenship.

What is the new rule for British citizenship?

The Nationality and Borders Act 2022 introduces a change in that regard. As of 28 June 2022, where an individual who holds indefinite leave to enter or remain in the UK applies to naturalise as a British citizen, the Home Office will not require to examine the individual’s immigration history.

Is dual citizenship allowed in the UK?

Dual citizenship (also known as dual nationality) is allowed in the UK. This means you can be a British citizen and also a citizen of other countries. You do not need to apply for dual citizenship.

How much is British citizenship 2024?

You usually pay £1735 to apply for adult citizenship or £1214 for children. If you’re applying for citizenship as an adult, you’ll also have to pay: £50 to do the Life in the UK Test, and around £150 if you have to do an English test

Do I need to have lived in the UK for a certain amount of time to apply for British citizenship?

Yes, you typically need to have lived in the UK for at least five years before you can apply for British citizenship, or three years if you are married to a British citizen.

What happens if I fail the Life in the UK Test?

If you fail, you can retake the test as many times as needed, but each attempt requires a new booking and fee.

What should I do if my British citizenship application is refused?

If your application is refused, you may be able to appeal the decision or reapply in the future. It’s important to seek legal advice if you are considering appealing the decision.

What are the basic eligibility requirements for British Citizenship?

You need to be 18 or over. Be of “good character” (e.g., no serious criminal record).Have lived in the UK for a certain period (typically 5 years).Meet the English language requirements. Pass the Life in the UK test. Not have broken any UK immigration laws.

What is naturalisation?

Naturalisation is the process by which non-British adults can apply to become British citizens, provided they meet the eligibility criteria, such as residency, English language skills, and knowledge of life in the UK.

Can children apply for British Citizenship?

Yes, children can apply for British citizenship in certain circumstances, usually through a process called “registration.” This can apply if they were born in the UK to non-British parents who have since become settled or citizens.

What is the Life in the UK test?

The Life in the UK test is a requirement for most people applying for British citizenship. It is a test on British traditions, history, and everyday life. Applicants must pass the test as part of the naturalisation process.

How long does it take to become a British citizen?

After applying, it typically takes around 6 months for a decision on British citizenship applications. However, times can vary depending on the complexity of the case.

Do I need to give up my previous nationality to become a British citizen?

The UK allows dual citizenship, so you may not need to give up your original nationality. However, this depends on whether your home country allows dual nationality.

Can I apply for British citizenship through marriage?

Yes, if you are married to a British citizen, you may be eligible to apply for naturalisation after 3 years of residence in the UK, provided you meet the other requirements.