Naturalisation As A British Citizen After Indefinite Leave to Remain 2025

You can apply for Naturalisation as a British Citizen after 1 year of indefinite leave to remain, unless you are married to a British Citizen. The British citizenship application process will require you to show you meet the Naturalisation eligibility requirements.

British naturalisation is the process through which individuals who are not British by birth can become British citizens. This status allows them to hold a UK passport and enjoy the same rights and privileges as any British citizen, such as living, working, and accessing public services without immigration restrictions. It can be a costly process, and you will lose your fee if your application is refused. There is also no right of appeal for Citizenship application refusal. With so much at stake, it will be important to get your application right the first time.

Our experienced solicitors for British Citizenship provide affordable and fast services for you to apply for naturalisation as a British citizen after you have been granted indefinite leave to remain in the UK.

What is naturalisation as a British citizen?

Naturalisation is the process to become a British citizen after ILR. It is one of the most easy and common way to become a British citizen. To obtain British citizenship by naturalisation, you must have ILR and lived in the UK for a certain period of time. You will need to meet certain other requirements as listed below.

British naturalisation is the process through which individuals who are not British by birth can become British citizens. This status allows them to hold a UK passport and enjoy the same rights and privileges as any British citizen, such as living, working, and accessing public services without immigration restrictions.

Eligibility for British Naturalisation in 2025

To apply for Naturalisation as a British Citizen, you need to satisfy certain requirements set by the Home Office. Here are the main eligibility requirements for those holding Indefinite Leave to Remain:

General Eligibility:

• Age: Applicants must be 18 or older.
• Residency:
  • Lived in the UK for at least 5 years.
  • Held Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or Settled Status under the EU Settlement Scheme for at least 1 year.
  • For spouses or civil partners of British citizens: residency for 3 years is sufficient, and the additional 1-year ILR requirement does not apply.
• Absence Restrictions:
  • Absent from the UK for no more than 450 days in the 5 years before applying.
  • Absent for no more than 90 days in the 12 months before applying.
• Physical Presence: Be physically present in the UK 5 years (or 3 years for spouses of British citizens) before the application date.
• English Language Proficiency: Meet the language requirement through an approved qualification, a degree taught in English, or other accepted evidence.
• Life in the UK Test: Pass a test to demonstrate knowledge of British history, culture, and values.
• Good Character: Show respect for UK laws, pay taxes, and disclose any criminal records.
• Sound Mind: Be capable of understanding the application process (exceptions apply for those with mental health conditions, provided it is in their best interest).
• Intent to Reside: Intend to live in the UK following naturalisation.

Residence Requirement

• Time Spent in the UK: Applicants must have lived in the UK for at least 5 continuous years before applying for naturalisation. Those married to British citizens may apply after 3 years of residency.
• Time Since Obtaining ILR: You must have held ILR for at least 12 months (unless married to a British citizen, where this 12-month requirement is waived).
• Absence Limits: During the qualifying period, applicants cannot be absent from the UK for more than 450 days over five years (or 270 days over three years if married to a British citizen) and no more than 90 days in the 12 months before applying.

Age and Character Requirements

• Minimum Age: Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
• Good Character: The Home Office requires all applicants to demonstrate “good character.” This typically involves passing background checks related to criminal records, financial stability (no significant debt), and adhering to UK laws.

Language Proficiency

Life in the UK Test: A mandatory Life in the UK Test must be passed, covering British customs, traditions, and historical knowledge.

English Language Requirement: Proficiency in English is essential for naturalisation. Applicants must pass an approved English language test at the B1 CEFR level or higher. Those with degrees taught in English or from majority English-speaking countries may be exempt.

Documents required to apply for naturalisation

To obtain British citizenship by naturalisation, you will need to provide several documents in the support of your naturalisation application depending on your personal circumstances.

You must provide the following documents when you apply for British citizenship by naturalisation:

• Your current passport or the valid ID document
• Your BRP card (if have been issued to you)
• Proof you have Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or settled status
• List of absences from the UK
• Proof of knowledge of English or English language test certificate
• Life in the UK test certificate

Read the guidance for the full list of documents you’ll need to provide in the support of your British citizenship application.

How many days can I stay outside the UK to qualify for British Citizenship?

In order to qualify for naturalisation as British citizen, you will need to have spent not more than 90 days outside the UK during the 12 months period immediately before the date of your application for British Citizenship by Naturalisation. 

• If you are not married to a British citizen, you will also need to have not been away from the UK for more than 450 days days during the preceding 5 years.
• If you are married to a British citizen, you will need to have spent not more than 270 days outside the UK in the previous 3 years.

British passport application after naturalisation as a British citizen

Once you receive your certificate of naturalisation as a British citizen, you can apply for your first British passport. You cannot apply for you British passport without certificate of naturalisation as a British citizen.

How to apply for Naturalisation?

You can either apply online or by post for Naturalisation as a British citizen if you are meeting the eligibility requirements according to the British Nationality Act 1981.

UK citizenship processing time after biometrics

You should get a decision on your British citizenship application within 3-6 months.

Why choose us for your naturalisation application as a British citizen?

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)