British Citizenship Requirements

There are several British citizenship requirements that must be met under the British Nationality Act (BNA) 1981 to prove your eligibility to naturalise as a British citizen.

The following guide for applicants looks at each of the statutory requirements that must be met for a successful application for British citizenship. We also look at the qualifying requirements for referees needed to endorse your citizenship application.

 

How to become a British citizen

 

Naturalising as a British citizen is a significant life event. It will not only allow you to hold a British passport to travel freely in and out of the UK, this will give you the opportunity to participate fully in the life of your local community, including the right to vote.

There are different ways to apply to naturalise as a British citizen based on your set of circumstances. You may be able to apply for British citizenship, for example, if you are either married to or in a civil partnership with a British citizen, so long as you have lived in the UK for the last 3 years and have been granted indefinite leave to remain (ILR) or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS). In either of these circumstances, you may be eligible to apply for citizenship immediately on the grant of ILR or settled status.

You may also be eligible to apply for British citizenship by way of naturalisation, even if you do not have a British spouse or civil partner, so long as you have lived in the UK with ILR or settled status under the EUSS for a period of 12 months before submitting your application.

If you are eligible in more than one way, you may be able to choose which way to apply, although it is always best to seek specialist advice to explore your available options. You may even be able to ‘register’ for British citizenship in certain circumstances, for example, where you are UK-born but are not automatically classed as a British citizen.

 

British citizenship requirements for naturalisation

 

The British citizenship requirements that must be met for naturalisation are set out under Schedule 1 to the BNA 1981, where these are divided into two different categories based on whether or not an applicant is married to or in a civil partnership with a British citizen.

If you are applying other than as the spouse or civil partner of someone British, you will need to meet the following British citizenship requirements under section 6(1) of the BNA:

 

• be aged 18 or over when you apply
• be of sound mind, so that you understand the step you are taking (although there is some discretion here, where someone else can apply on your behalf)
• be of good character, where any criminality, fraudulent behaviour, or other behaviour to suggest that you are unfit to be naturalised, may result in a refusal
• have sufficient knowledge of English (or Welsh or Scottish Gaelic)
• have sufficient knowledge of life in the UK
• intend to continue living in the UK as your principal home
• have lived in the UK for at least 5 years
• prove you were in the UK exactly 5 years before the date your application is received
• be free from any immigration time restrictions when you apply and have been free from such restrictions for the 12-month period prior to applying
  meet the other residence requirements.

 

 

Applying for British citizenship as the spouse or civil partner of a British citizen

 

If you are applying to naturalise as either the spouse or civil partner of a British citizen, under section 6(2) of the BNA, you will need to meet the following British citizenship requirements:

 

• be aged 18 or over when you apply
• be of sound mind, with the capacity to fully understand the implications of your decision to naturalise as a British citizen (although there is again some discretion here)
• be of good character, where again you must have observed UK laws, and have shown respect for the rights and freedoms of its citizens
• have sufficient knowledge of English (or Welsh or Scottish Gaelic)
• have sufficient knowledge of life in the UK
• have lived in the UK for at least 3 years
• be free from any immigration time restrictions on the date that you apply
• prove you were in the UK exactly 3 years before the date your application is received
• meet the other residence requirements.

 

 

Settled status when applying for British citizenship

 

One fundamental requirement for applicants seeking British citizenship is that they must be free from any immigration time restrictions on the date of their application. This means that at the time of applying for citizenship, an applicant should not have any limitations or restrictions on their stay in the United Kingdom, such as time-limited visas or immigration statuses.

The reasoning behind this requirement is to ensure that individuals who are granted British citizenship are making a permanent commitment to the country. By being free from immigration time restrictions, applicants demonstrate their intent to settle in the UK without the risk of being required to leave due to visa expiration or immigration status changes.

To meet this requirement, applicants should ensure that their immigration status is secure and that they have the legal right to reside in the UK indefinitely. This is typically achieved through having held EU settled status or indefinite leave to remain (or another immigration status that allows for permanent residence in the UK) for the relevant minimum period.

It’s important for applicants to carefully review their immigration status and ensure that they meet this requirement before applying for British citizenship, as failing to do so may result in the application being rejected or delayed.

 

Residence requirements for British citizenship

 

There are a number of aspects to the residence requirements in the context of British citizenship, including a lawful residence requirement, although recent amendments made to the provisions of the BNA by the Nationality and Borders Act 2022 mean that the requirements for lawful residence are generally easier to demonstrate than  previously.

To meet the lawful residence requirement under the amended rules, you must have been in the UK lawfully during the 5 years (or 3 years, if applying as the spouse or civil partner of a British citizen) before making your citizenship application ‘and’ have indefinite leave. If you are married to or in a civil partnership with a British citizen you can apply immediately on the grant of indefinite leave, otherwise you will need to wait 12 months before applying.

You should also not have broken any UK immigration laws, and must have been physically present in the UK exactly 5 years (or 3 years) before your application is received.

 

Absence rules when applying for British citizenship

 

When it comes to time spent overseas, you should not usually have spent any more than 450 days outside of the UK during the 5 years before applying (or more than 270 days during the 3 years before), or no more than 90 days outside of the UK in the last 12 months.

Applicants who have been absent from the UK for more than 90 days in any 12-month period during the qualifying period may be considered to have excessive absence. However, there are a number of exceptions to this rule, including:

 

• Absences for work or study: Absences for work or study are generally not counted towards excessive absence.
• Absences for medical reasons: Absences for medical reasons may not be counted towards excessive absence, if the applicant provides evidence to support their claim.
• Absences for compassionate reasons: Absences for compassionate reasons, such as to care for a sick relative, may not be counted towards excessive absence, if the applicant provides evidence to support their claim.

 

The Home Office will consider all of the relevant factors when assessing whether an applicant has excessive absence. These factors include the nature and reason for the absences, the length of the absences, and the impact of the absences on the applicant’s ties to the UK.

If an applicant is found to have excessive absence, they may be refused naturalisation. However, the Home Office may also grant the application, if they are satisfied that the applicant is otherwise of good character and fit to become a British citizen.

In special circumstances, some discretion may be exercised over presence in the UK on the first day of the qualifying period, as well as absences and immigration time restrictions in the last 12 months prior to applying, including due to health reasons or travel restrictions. You should explain any special circumstances when you apply based on the official online guidance as to how these might be considered. Take specialist advice if you are concerned about your eligibility under the residence and absence rules.

However, where it is unclear whether or not you meet the British citizenship requirements, where some discretion may need to be exercised by the caseworker handling your application, seeking advice from an immigration specialist is strongly recommended.

 

Good character requirements for British citizenship

 

The “good character requirement” is used to assess an applicant’s suitability for becoming a citizen of the United Kingdom. The requirement is set out in section 3(2)(c) of the British Nationality Act 1981, which states that a person is not eligible for naturalisation if they “have been convicted of an offence and sentenced to imprisonment, corrective training or detention for a period of twelve months or more, or to any such punishment imposed by a court outside the United Kingdom.”

It applies to all applicants for British citizenship aged 10 or over on the date the naturalisation application is made.

While the concept of good character is subjective and subject to interpretation, the UK government has outlined specific guidelines and standards to determine whether an applicant meets this requirement.

One of the primary aspects that the Home Office scrutinises in assessing an applicant’s character is their criminal record. Applicants are required to disclose any past criminal convictions, cautions, warnings or pending charges, both in the UK and abroad. This information is used to determine if an applicant poses a risk to the security and safety of the UK and its citizens. While minor offences may not necessarily disqualify an applicant, serious criminal convictions, such as those related to violence, sexual offences or terrorism, can be a significant hurdle in demonstrating good character.

Immigration history is another determining factor in evaluating an applicant’s character. This includes a review of an applicant’s compliance with immigration laws and regulations while residing in the UK. Overstaying visas, illegal entry and other immigration breaches can negatively impact an applicant’s character assessment.

There is no specific financial requirement for British citizenship applications. Unlike visa and settlement applications, where applicants must demonstrate a minimum income or savings, British citizenship does not have a formal financial threshold. However, under the good character requirement, the applicant’s financial history will be assessed, for example, to check they have paid their taxes and not been involved in fraudulent or dishonest financial activities. Tax evasion, fraudulent bankruptcies or evidence of engaging in illegal financial activities may be seen as inconsistent with the values of honesty and integrity expected of British citizens.

In addition to the specific factors outlined above, general behaviour and respect for the principles of British society are also considered when assessing an applicant’s character. Instances of anti-social behaviour, domestic violence, or involvement in activities that promote hatred or discrimination can be indicative of a failure to meet the good character requirement. Furthermore, an applicant’s participation in community and voluntary work, as well as their engagement in activities that contribute positively to society, can enhance their character assessment.

In February 2025, the UK Home Office updated its “good character” guidance, stipulating that individuals who have entered the UK illegally, particularly via dangerous routes such as small boat crossings or concealment in vehicles, will typically be refused British citizenship. This policy applies to all citizenship applications submitted from 10 February 2025 onwards, regardless of when the illegal entry occurred. Critics argue that this change contravenes the 1951 Refugee Convention, which prohibits penalising refugees for their manner of entry if they present themselves to authorities without delay and show good cause for their illegal entry or presence. The Home Office maintains that the updated guidance reinforces existing measures to deter illegal immigration, asserting that individuals entering the UK through unlawful means should not expect to obtain British citizenship.

 

KoLL requirements for British citizenship

 

The knowledge of language and life in the UK (KoLL) requirements can be broken down into two separate parts: being able to communicate in English (or Welsh or Scottish Gaelic) to an acceptable level, as well as passing the ‘Life in the UK’ test. If granted citizenship, you will be agreeing to accept the responsibilities which go with being British, not least to respect the laws, values and traditions of the UK. You must therefore understand what it means to be British and be able to adequately communicate with the wider community.

You must demonstrate both knowledge of language and life in the UK, unless you are 65 years or over, or have a long-term physical and/or mental health condition preventing you from doing so, where you would need a completed exemption form from a medical professional confirming your condition.

 

English language proficiency

 

You will not need to prove your knowledge of English (or Welsh or Scottish) if you are a national of a majority English-speaking country, although there are no other exemptions for citizenship, where you must show a relevant English language qualification, even if you were exempt when granted indefinite leave.

If you are not exempt from meeting the language requirement, you can take a secure English language test (SELT) with an approved test provider, or prove your knowledge by having a degree taught or researched in English. If you already have a certificate to at least B1 level on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, used as part of your application for indefinite leave, you can use this for your citizenship application, so long as this is still valid. You will need a certificate to prove your qualification or be able to view your results online, although test results are only valid for a period of two years.

 

Life in the UK test

 

You will have to satisfy the knowledge of life in the UK requirement by passing the ‘Life in the UK’ test, again with an approved provider, where you will need the pass reference number from your test certificate. This is a multiple-choice test about British traditions and customs, comprising 24 questions to be answered in 45 minutes, although you may need to spend several weeks preparing for this test.

 

Application requirements for British citizenship

 

An application for British citizenship made on the basis of either section 6(1) or 6(2) of the BNA must be made to UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). UKVI is the department of the Home Office responsible both for dealing with visas and British citizenship applications. You can apply yourself, or have an agent or legal representative apply on your behalf.

When applying for citizenship, you will need to provide a recent passport-size photograph of yourself and upload this (where applying online) or affix this to Form AN (where applying by post), together with a number of supporting documents to show that you meet each of the British citizenship requirements. You will need to include on your form endorsements from two referees to prove your identity. You may also need to re-enrol your biometric information (fingerprints and a photo), although there is no separate fee for this.

Having submitted your application and paperwork in support, paid the application fee (currently set at £1,630 per adult applicant, or £1214 per child) and re-enrolled any biometrics, the matter will be referred to an UKVI caseworker. At this stage, a number of checks will be carried out against the information provided in your application and supporting documents. Checks will also be conducted to ensure that both named referees are suitably qualified to act in this capacity. UKVI may contact each referee as part of their enquiries, ensuring that these individuals do not know of any reason why you should not be naturalised as a British citizen.

If your application is successful, where you should get a decision within 6 months, you will be required to attend a citizenship ceremony within 3 months of receiving your invitation. You will be required to pledge an oath of allegiance at this ceremony, promising to respect the rights, freedoms and laws of the UK. You will also receive your naturalisation certificate.

There will be an additional cost to attend the ceremony of £80 (where the application and ceremony fee are in addition to any test fees to meet the KoLL requirements). Importantly, you must send your biometric residence permit back to UKVI within 5 working days of getting your British citizenship certificate, otherwise risk a fine of up to £1,000.

 

British citizenship referees

 

When applying for British citizenship, you must provide two referees to prove your identity, regardless of the basis upon which you are applying. They must complete the relevant section of the application form, declaring that your photograph is a true likeness of you.

A referee must be someone who has known you on a personal basis for at least 3 years. Additionally, at least one referee must be a person with professional standing, while the other must be the holder of a British passport, and either a professional person or over 25. A professional person could be a civil servant or a member of a professional body, such as a solicitor or an accountant, provided they are not representing you in the context of your citizenship application. A list of acceptable professionals can be found on UKVI’s website.

Neither referee can be related to you or each other. They must also not have been convicted of an imprisonable offence in the last 10 years, or be employed by the Home Office.

 

How long do British citizenship applications take?

 

The Home Office advises it typically takes up to 6 months to hear a decision on a British citizenship application, although it may take longer if there are issues with your application or if you need to submit further documentation.

 

Can you pay for fast-tracked British citizenship processing?

 

Premium, priority or fast-tracked processing is not available for naturalisation applications. The best way to avoid delays in processing is to ensure your application is complete, comprehensive and without errors.

 

British citizenship ceremony

 

The Citizenship Ceremony is the final step in the process of becoming a British citizen, and it plays a significant role in welcoming new citizens into the community and instilling a sense of belonging and commitment to the United Kingdom. It is a mandatory and symbolic event that signifies an individual’s successful journey towards British citizenship.

Once an applicant’s citizenship application is approved, they will receive an invitation from their local council to attend a Citizenship Ceremony. The ceremony is usually held at a local council office, town hall, or other designated venues.

During the ceremony, applicants are required to take an oath of allegiance or make an affirmation of allegiance to the United Kingdom. This pledge emphasizes an individual’s commitment to uphold the values, laws, and principles of the UK. Following the oath, applicants often pledge their loyalty to the British monarchy.

The ceremony is a celebratory occasion that typically involves the presentation of a Certificate of Naturalisation, which officially confirms an individual’s British citizenship. It is also an opportunity for new citizens to learn more about British history, culture, and society.

After the ceremony, new citizens have the chance to interact with fellow citizens, local officials, and council representatives. The sense of community and belonging is reinforced as they celebrate their new status and identity as British citizens.

The Citizenship Ceremony is an important and inclusive part of the naturalisation process, emphasizing the values of democracy, respect, and integration. It marks the culmination of the journey to becoming a British citizen, fostering a sense of pride and commitment among new citizens as they contribute to the multicultural and diverse fabric of the United Kingdom.

 

Need assistance?

 

DavidsonMorris are UK immigration and citizenship specialists. We have an extensive track record in supporting and guiding applicants through the British citizenship requirements and application process.

For expert advice, and to avoid errors and issues with your British citizenship application, contact us.

 

British citizenship requirements FAQs

 

Who is eligible for British citizenship?

Eligibility depends on factors such as birth in the UK, descent from British parents, or residence in the UK for a qualifying period. Most applicants must have Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or Settled Status before applying.

 

How long do I need to live in the UK before applying?

For most applicants, you must have lived in the UK for at least 5 years, or 3 years if applying as the spouse or civil partner of a British citizen.

 

Do I need Indefinite Leave to Remain before applying?

YIn most cases, you must hold ILR or Settled Status under the EU Settlement Scheme for at least 12 months before applying for citizenship, unless you are married to a British citizen.

 

What is the Life in the UK test?

The Life in the UK test is a mandatory exam that assesses knowledge of British history, culture, and laws. You must pass this test before applying for citizenship.

 

Do I need to meet an English language requirement?

Applicants must prove their English proficiency unless exempt due to age or a medical condition. This can be demonstrated through an approved English language test or a recognised qualification.

 

Can I apply if I have been outside the UK for long periods?

There are restrictions on absences. Generally, you should not have spent more than 450 days outside the UK in the last 5 years, or 270 days in the last 3 years if applying as a spouse. In the final 12 months, absences should not exceed 90 days.

 

Can I hold dual citizenship?

The UK allows dual citizenship, but some countries do not. If your home country does not permit it, you may have to renounce your original nationality.

 

How much does British citizenship cost?

As of 2025, the application fee for naturalisation is £1630 for an adult applicant or £1214 per child. Fees are subject to change, so always check the latest Home Office guidance.

 

How long does the British citizenship application take?

Processing times vary, but most applications take around 6 months. Delays can occur due to missing documents, background checks, or high application volumes.

 

What happens after my application is approved?

Successful applicants must attend a citizenship ceremony, where they take the Oath of Allegiance and receive their Certificate of Naturalisation.

 

Does British citizenship automatically grant me a British passport?

You apply separately for a British passport after obtaining citizenship. You can do this through HM Passport Office.

 

Glossary

 

 

Term	Definition
British Citizenship	Legal status that grants an individual full rights as a British national, including the right to live and work in the UK without restrictions.
Naturalisation	The process by which a non-British national can apply to become a British citizen after meeting specific residency and eligibility criteria.
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)	A status that allows a person to live and work in the UK without immigration restrictions, often a prerequisite for applying for citizenship.
Settled Status	A form of ILR granted to EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens under the EU Settlement Scheme, allowing them to stay in the UK permanently.
Good Character Requirement	A key eligibility criterion for naturalisation, assessing an applicant’s criminal record, financial history, and overall behaviour in the UK.
Life in the UK Test	A mandatory test assessing knowledge of British history, culture, and laws, required for ILR and citizenship applications.
English Language Requirement	Applicants for British citizenship must prove their English proficiency through an approved test or a recognised qualification.
Residence Requirement	Applicants must have lived lawfully in the UK for a specific period, usually five years, with no excessive absences.
Dual Citizenship	The status of holding British citizenship while retaining citizenship of another country, permitted under UK law but subject to restrictions in other countries.
British Nationality Act 1981	The primary legislation governing British citizenship, defining different categories of nationality and the process of naturalisation.
Child Registration	A process allowing children under 18 to apply for British citizenship based on parental nationality or long-term residence.
Referees	Individuals who must confirm an applicant’s identity and good character as part of the citizenship application process.
Citizenship Ceremony	A formal event where successful applicants swear allegiance to the UK and receive their British citizenship certificate.