British Citizenship and Naturalisation

Naturalisation: the requirements

Naturalisation under section 6 of the British Nationality Act 1981 is the usual route to citizenship for adults. You must:

• hold indefinite leave to remain or settled status (for at least 12 months, unless married to a British citizen);
• have lived in the UK for 5 years before the application date (3 years if married to a British citizen) and been physically present in the UK on the date 5 (or 3) years before the application;
• have spent no more than 450 days outside the UK in those 5 years (270 in 3 years) and no more than 90 days in the final 12 months, with discretion for modest excesses;
• have had no breach of immigration law during the qualifying period;
• pass the Life in the UK test and show English at B1 or above;
• be of good character;
• intend to make the UK your home (unless applying as a spouse).

The decision is discretionary. Where a requirement is not strictly met, the Home Office may exercise discretion in your favour, but only if the application asks for it and explains why.

Good character: where applications fail

The good character requirement covers criminal convictions, fixed penalty notices, financial soundness (bankruptcy, unpaid tax, county court judgments), deception in previous applications, and immigration breaches. Since February 2025 the guidance says that anyone who entered the UK illegally, or arrived by a dangerous journey, will normally be refused regardless of how long ago it happened. Overstaying within the last 10 years, working in breach of conditions, and even minor driving offences can also lead to refusal.

Our approach is to disclose everything and address it. Non-disclosure is itself a ground for refusal and can lead to deprivation of citizenship later. Where there is an issue, we set out the facts, the relevant guidance and the reasons for discretion, and we advise honestly if it is better to wait until a conviction is spent or a period has passed.

Children and registration

Children born in the UK to a parent who was settled or British at the time are British automatically. Others may be entitled to register: children born in the UK who have lived here for 10 years, children born in the UK whose parent later settles, and children of British parents born abroad in some circumstances. Registration is often a matter of entitlement rather than discretion, and the fee can be waived for children who cannot afford it. We check whether your child is already British before you pay for an application they do not need.

How we work

1. Eligibility and good character review

   We check your residence, absences, immigration history and any issues, and give you a clear view of prospects and timing.

2. Evidence and referees

   Passports and travel history, Life in the UK and English evidence, and two referees who meet the strict criteria.

3. Application

   We complete the application, draft representations on any discretionary point, and submit with the biometric enrolment.

4. Ceremony and passport

   Once approved, we explain the citizenship ceremony, dual nationality considerations and applying for your first British passport.

Fees and costs

Figures from the Home Office fee table effective 8 October 2026, checked September 2026.

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Frequently asked questions