British Citizenship in the United Kingdom
Reviewed by the Commoner Law Editorial Team. Sourced from UK Acts of Parliament, statutory instruments, and official guidance. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
British citizenship by naturalisation is available to people who have held Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) for at least 12 months and meet the residence, good character, language, and knowledge requirements. The application fee is £1,580 plus an £80 citizenship ceremony fee. Spouses and civil partners of British citizens can apply after 3 years of residence (with at least 12 months of ILR).
The UK permits dual citizenship — you do not need to give up your existing nationality to become British. Once naturalised, you can apply for a British passport, vote in all UK elections, and stand for public office. British citizenship provides permanent security of status and cannot be removed except in very limited circumstances (national security, fraud, or if the person has another citizenship).
When does it apply?
This applies when:
- You have held ILR for at least 12 months and meet the residence requirements
- You are the spouse or civil partner of a British citizen and have held ILR for at least 12 months
- You are the child of a British citizen born outside the UK and want to register as a citizen
Requirements for naturalisation:
- General route: Must have lived in the UK for 5 years before the application, with ILR held for the last 12 months. Must not have been outside the UK for more than 450 days in the 5-year period, or more than 90 days in the final 12 months. Must be of good character. Must pass the Life in the UK test. Must meet the English language requirement at CEFR B1.
- Spouse/civil partner of a British citizen: 3 years of residence in the UK (instead of 5), with ILR held for the last 12 months. Must not have been outside the UK for more than 270 days in the 3-year period, or more than 90 days in the final 12 months. Same good character, Life in the UK, and language requirements.
- Good character: No unspent criminal convictions, no involvement in war crimes/terrorism, no history of immigration offences (overstaying, deception), no serious financial issues (bankruptcy), and generally no pending criminal matters.
- Dual citizenship: Fully recognised since 1949. You do not need to renounce your other nationality, and the UK will not require you to choose.
Fees:
- Naturalisation application (adults): £1,580
- Citizenship ceremony fee: £80
- Registration (minors under 18): £1,214
- Life in the UK test (if not already passed for ILR): £50
- British passport (first adult passport): £82.50 (online) or £93 (postal)
What to Do If You Want to Apply for British Citizenship
Step 1: Calculate your residence. For the general route, you need 5 years in the UK with no more than 450 days of absence and no more than 90 days in the final year. For spouses, 3 years with no more than 270 days of absence. Use a travel history log and passport stamps to calculate precisely.
Step 2: Ensure you have passed the Life in the UK test. The same test pass used for ILR is valid for the citizenship application, so you do not need to retake it. If you have not yet passed it, book and pass the test before applying.
Step 3: Confirm your English language evidence. CEFR B1 is required, and the same evidence used for ILR is accepted. If you have a degree taught or researched in English, this satisfies the requirement.
Step 4: Apply using Form AN (Application for Naturalisation as a British Citizen) online at gov.uk/apply-citizenship-indefinite-leave-to-remain. Pay the £1,580 fee. Provide: your current BRP, valid passport, Life in the UK test pass certificate, English language evidence, two referees (one must be a professional person, neither can be a relative or lawyer), and details of your residence and absences.
Step 5: Wait for a decision. Standard processing takes approximately 6 months. There is no formal priority service for citizenship, though the Home Office has discretion. You will receive a letter confirming approval and inviting you to attend a citizenship ceremony.
Step 6: Attend the citizenship ceremony within 3 months of your invitation. You will take the Oath of Allegiance (or Affirmation) and the Pledge, and receive your Certificate of Naturalisation. Apply for your first British passport using Form DS online at gov.uk/apply-first-adult-passport.
What should you NOT do?
Don't apply too early. You must have held ILR for at least 12 months at the date of your application. Applying before 12 months results in refusal. Check the date on your ILR grant letter or BRP.
Don't exceed the absence limits. For the general route: no more than 450 days absent in 5 years and no more than 90 days in the final 12 months. For the spousal route: no more than 270 days in 3 years. These limits are strictly enforced, and excess absences lead to refusal. The Home Office does have discretion to waive excess absences in exceptional circumstances, but this is rarely exercised.
Don't have unresolved criminal matters. Pending criminal charges, unspent convictions, or ongoing investigations can delay or prevent naturalisation. The Home Office conducts criminal record checks. Declare all convictions, cautions, and fixed penalty notices, even if you think they are minor. Failure to disclose is itself a good character issue.
Don't choose your referees carelessly. You need two referees who have known you for at least 3 years. One must be a professional (doctor, lawyer, teacher, civil servant, etc.). Neither can be a relative, your immigration lawyer, or an employee of the Home Office. If a referee is found to have given a false reference, both the applicant and referee may face legal consequences.
Don't delay attending the ceremony. You must attend the citizenship ceremony within 3 months of your invitation date. If you fail to attend, your application may be treated as withdrawn. You can request to reschedule at a different council if needed.
Common Questions
When does british citizenship apply?
This applies when:You have held ILR for at least 12 months and meet the residence requirementsYou are the spouse or civil partner of a British citizen and have held ILR for at least 12 monthsYou are the child of a British citizen born outside the UK and want to register as a citizenRequirements for naturalisation:General route: Must have lived in the UK for 5 years before the application, with ILR held for the last 12 months. Must not have been outside the UK for more than 450 days in the 5-year period, or more than 90 days in the final 12 months. Must be of good character. Must pass the Life...
What should I do if I have held ILR for 12 months and want to naturalise as a British citizen?
Step 1: Calculate your residence. For the general route, you need 5 years in the UK with no more than 450 days of absence and no more than 90 days in the final year. For spouses, 3 years with no more than 270 days of absence. Use a travel history log and passport stamps to calculate precisely.Step 2: Ensure you have passed the Life in the UK test. The same test pass used for ILR is valid for the citizenship application, so you do not need to retake it. If you have not yet passed it, book and pass the test before applying.Step 3: Confirm your English language evidence. CEFR B1 is required, and...
What mistakes should I avoid with british citizenship?
Don't apply too early. You must have held ILR for at least 12 months at the date of your application. Applying before 12 months results in refusal. Check the date on your ILR grant letter or BRP.Don't exceed the absence limits. For the general route: no more than 450 days absent in 5 years and no more than 90 days in the final 12 months. For the spousal route: no more than 270 days in 3 years. These limits are strictly enforced, and excess absences lead to refusal. The Home Office does have discretion to waive excess absences in exceptional circumstances, but this is rarely exercised.Don't hav...