Naturalisation as a British citizen

A guide to naturalisation and British citizenship

Who is eligible to apply for naturalisation as a British citizen?

Those who have been granted Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK, also known as settlement permanent residence and settled status in the case of EEA nationals and their family members may be eligible to apply to naturalise as a British citizen.

What are the main requirements for an application for British Citizenship by naturalisation?

Applicants who want to apply for naturalisation as a British citizen must demonstrate that:

they are over 18 years old;
they are of good character and sound mind;
they have sufficient knowledge of English language and have passed a Life in the UK test;
they have not broken any immigration laws whilst in the UK;
they intend to make the UK their principal home;
they have spent less than 90 days outside of the UK in the last 12 months; and
they are settled in the UK and have been free from immigration control for at least 12 months unless married to a British citizen.

Applicants who want to apply for naturalisation as a British Citizen must also meet the residency requirement by demonstrating that:

they have lived in the UK for at least five years before the date of application; and
they have spent less than 450 days outside the UK during the five year period.

If an applicant is married or in a civil partnership with a British citizen, then the residency requirement is reduced. In this case, the applicant must demonstrate that:

they have lived in the UK for at least three years before the date of application; and
they have spent less than 270 days outside the UK during the three years.

In certain cases, it is possible for applicants who have been absent from the UK for longer periods of time to qualify.

Can British Citizenship ever be revoked?

Once acquired, British citizenship status cannot be revoked other than in exceptional circumstances.

If a child is born to those who have naturalised as British citizens, what is their citizenship status?

Children who are born to those who have naturalised as British citizens are themselves British citizens.

Can you hold dual nationality after becoming a British citizen by naturalisation?

Whilst the UK allows its citizens to hold dual nationality, many other countries require their citizens to give up their nationality when becoming British. We therefore recommend that prior to making an application to naturalise as a British citizen, applicants check the rules regarding nationality in their home country.

How our immigration solicitors can help you apply for naturalisation as a British citizen

The Home Office will carefully scrutinise an application for naturalisation as a British citizen. If it considers that the applicant does not intend to stay in the UK or if any of the other requirements have not been met, the application will fall for refusal. It is therefore essential that the application is prepared thoroughly and carefully.

We are experienced in preparing naturalisation applications to ensure a successful outcome. We will provide expert guidance and assistance to you throughout the process.

If you require legal assistance or would just like to discuss your situation with one of our experts on a no-obligation basis, please call us or complete our enquiry form below.

More FAQs

How long does it take for an application to become a British citizen by naturalisation take?

Most applicants are processed in under six months and we find that the majority of applications we prepare are granted within three months.

Is travel outside the UK allowed during the application process?

Yes, unlike applications for permission to stay in the UK, travel once an application to become a British citizen by naturalisation has been submitted is permitted.

Is there any flexibility in the criteria for British citizenship by naturalisation applications?

Yes, where there are exceptional circumstances, it may be possible to persuade the Home Office to grant the application. It is important to present strong evidence in such cases and our team can provide advice on this.

I am concerned that my absences from the UK are too high because of Covid-19. Is that a problem?

The Home Office has been sympathetic to the disruption that many people have suffered due to the coronavirus pandemic. We would recommend that you instruct us to review your absences in order to advise you if the application is likely to be approved.

Can EU nationals and their family members apply to become British citizens by naturalisation?

Yes, EU nationals and their family members who have Settled Status/Indefinite Leave to Remain can apply to naturalise as a British citizen in exactly the same way as non-EU nationals. The process is identical.