British naturalisation

British naturalisation is the process of becoming a British citizen. As a British citizen you have the right to live in the UK permanently and you are free to leave and re-enter the UK without restriction. Since 1 November 2005 applicants have been required to pass the Life in the UK test prior to applying for British Naturalization.

Unless you have a claim to British Citizenship based on your ancestry you will have to apply for British Naturalisation on the basis that you have spent five years in the UK, or three years in the UK as the spouse of a British citizen.

British naturalisation - eligibility

The eligibility criteria for British Naturalization differ depending on the circumstances under which you apply. Details of the qualifying criteria are outlined below.

If you are applying for British Naturalization on the basis of being in the UK for 5 or more years you must:

  • Have lived legally in the UK for 5 years - you must not have been away from the UK for more than 450 days during that time, or 90 days during the last year.
  • Have held Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK for at least 1 year at the time you make the application.
  • Be 18 years of age or over.
  • Be of good character.
  • Be of sound mind.
  • Have sufficient knowledge of English (or Welsh, or Scottish Gaelic).
  • Pass the Life in the UK test.
  • Intend to have the UK as your main home.

If you are applying for British Naturalisation on the basis of being the spouse of a British citizen you must:

  • Have lived legally in the UK for three years - you must not have been away from the UK for more than 270 days during that time, or 90 days during the last year.
  • Have Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK (permanent residence) at the time you make the application.
  • Be 18 years of age or over.
  • Be of good character.
  • Be of sound mind.
  • Have sufficient knowledge of English (or Welsh, or Scottish Gaelic).
  • Pass the Life in the UK test.

British naturalisation - multiple nationalities

UK nationality law allows you to have more than one nationality. However, you should check with the authorities of your original country before you apply for naturalisation, as some countries do not allow you to be a citizen of that country if you are a British citizen.