Naturalisation

What Is Naturalisation?

Naturalisation is the process that allows non-British citizens to apply for British citizenship once they meet the required residence and legal criteria. Successful applicants become British citizens and may then apply for a British passport, subject to the relevant requirements.

Eligibility Criteria for Naturalisation

Residency Conditions:

To qualify for naturalisation under the standard route, you must generally meet all of the following:

• Have lived lawfully in the UK for at least 5 years before applying.
• Be free from immigration time restrictions when you apply and, under the standard 5-year route, generally have been free from immigration time restrictions for at least 12 months before applying. This 12-month requirement does not normally apply if you are married to or in a civil partnership with a British citizen.
• Have been physically present in the UK on the day exactly 5 years before the Home Office receives your application.
• Generally, have not been absent from the UK for more than 450 days during the 5-year qualifying period and no more than 90 days during the final 12 months.

If you are married to or in a civil partnership with a British citizen, the qualifying residence period is generally 3 years rather than 5 years.

• You must have been physically present in the UK exactly 3 years before the date your application is received.
• You should generally have been absent from the UK for no more than 270 days during the 3-year qualifying period and no more than 90 days during the final 12 months.
• You do not generally need to have been free from immigration time restrictions for 12 months before applying.

Good Character:

You must satisfy the good character requirement. The Home Office may consider matters such as criminal convictions, immigration breaches and other conduct when assessing whether you meet this requirement.

English Language Proficiency:

• You generally need to demonstrate sufficient knowledge of English, Welsh or Scottish Gaelic, unless you are exempt.
• Where English is required, an approved English language qualification may be used to demonstrate the required level.

Life in the UK Test:

• You must generally pass the Life in the UK Test, which assesses your knowledge of British life, history, government and traditions, unless you are exempt.

Intent to Reside:

• Under the standard naturalisation route, you must generally intend to continue living in the UK, the Crown Dependencies or a qualifying British Overseas Territory.
• This requirement does not apply in the same way to applicants who are married to or in a civil partnership with a British citizen.

Referees:

• Your naturalisation application must be endorsed by two referees.
• One referee can be of any nationality but must be a professional person.
• The other referee must hold a British citizen passport and must either be a professional person or be aged 25 or over.
• Each referee must have known you for at least 3 years.
• Referees must not be related to you or to each other, employed by the Home Office, or be your solicitor or agent representing you in the application.

How to Apply for Naturalisation

Prepare Your Documents:

1. Proof of identity, such as your passport or travel document.
2. Evidence of your residence and immigration status.
3. Proof of ILR, settled status or other qualifying status, where applicable.
4. Evidence that you have passed the Life in the UK Test, unless exempt.
5. Evidence of your English, Welsh or Scottish Gaelic language requirement, where applicable.
6. Details and declarations from your two eligible referees.
7. Any additional documents required to demonstrate that you meet the naturalisation requirements.

Complete the Online Application:

1. Fill out the online naturalisation application form, Form AN, available through the official UK government website.

Pay the Fee:

• The current total fee for an adult applying for naturalisation is £1,839.
• This consists of a £1,709 application fee and a £130 citizenship ceremony fee.

Biometric Appointment:

1. After submitting your application, you will be asked to provide your biometric information, including your fingerprints and photograph, through the applicable UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services process.

Submit Your Application:

1. Submit your completed application and supporting documents through the online application process. You will generally be able to upload your supporting documents online or have them scanned as part of the biometric appointment process.

Decision:

1. The Home Office will assess your application and make a decision. Applications are usually decided within 6 months, although some applications may take longer.

Citizenship Ceremony:

If your application is approved and you are aged 18 or over, you must attend a citizenship ceremony and make the required oath or affirmation of allegiance and pledge before becoming a British citizen. The £130 ceremony fee is included in the current naturalisation fee.

Latest Updates

Application Fee:

The current total fee for an adult naturalisation application is £1,839, including the £130 citizenship ceremony fee. The previous fee of £1,330 stated in the original article is outdated.

Processing Time:

The Home Office generally aims to make a decision on naturalisation applications within 6 months, although some applications may take longer depending on individual circumstances.

Life in the UK Test:

Applicants who are required to take the Life in the UK Test must pass it before applying for naturalisation. The requirement remains part of the current naturalisation process, subject to exemptions.

English Language Requirement:

Applicants must generally demonstrate sufficient knowledge of English, Welsh or Scottish Gaelic, unless an exemption applies. The specific evidence required depends on the applicant’s circumstances.

Residency Requirements:

The standard naturalisation route generally requires 5 years of residence, while applicants who are married to or in a civil partnership with a British citizen generally qualify under a 3-year residence requirement.

The relevant physical-presence and absence requirements must also be satisfied. Applicants under the standard route generally need to have been free from immigration time restrictions for at least 12 months, whereas this 12-month requirement does not generally apply to spouses or civil partners of British citizens.

Referee Requirement:

Applicants must provide two suitable referees who have known them for at least 3 years. One must be a professional person and the other must hold a British citizen passport and be either a professional person or aged 25 or over.

Written on: 24 August 2026