British Citizenship

Becoming a British citizen gives you the right to live, work, and study in the UK without restrictions. It also gives you access to a British passport and the full rights available to UK nationals. Our team advises on all routes to British citizenship, including naturalisation, registration, and applications for spouses of British citizens.

Who can apply for British Citizenship?

Most adults apply through naturalisation. You may be eligible if you are 18 or over, you hold Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or EU Settled Status, you meet the required residence period, you pass the English language requirement, you pass the Life in the UK Test (unless exempt), you meet the Good Character requirement and you have not breached immigration laws. Some applicants qualify through registration, particularly children or those with a British parent.

British Citizenship by Naturalisation

If you are not married to a British citizen

You must show 5 years of continuous residence, no more than 450 days outside the UK during that period, no more than 90 days outside the UK in the year before applying, ILR or Settled Status held for at least 12 months, good character, English language ability and a Life in the UK Test pass.

If you are married to a British citizen

You must show 3 years of residence in the UK, no more than 270 days outside the UK in that period, no more than 90 days outside the UK in the final 12 months, ILR or Settled Status, good character, English language ability and a Life in the UK Test pass.

Life in the UK Test

Most applicants must pass the Life in the UK Test. It is a computer-based test with questions taken from the official handbook Life in the United Kingdom: A Guide for New Residents. You must show valid ID and attend an approved test centre. Exemptions apply in certain age or medical circumstances. We will advise you if an exemption applies.

Routes to British Citizenship

We advise on citizenship by naturalisation, citizenship by marriage, citizenship by birth or descent, registration routes for children and adults, and statelessness applications. Each category has specific requirements, and we confirm the correct route before preparing your application.

British Citizenship vs Indefinite Leave to Remain

ILR allows you to live and work in the UK without time limits, but ILR can be lost after long absences. It does not give you the right to vote or apply for a British passport. Citizenship provides a British passport, the right to vote, no loss of status due to long absences, and full rights as a UK national. You can usually apply for citizenship after holding ILR for at least 12 months, unless applying as a spouse of a British citizen.

When can I apply for British Citizenship after ILR?

You can apply after 12 months of ILR if you are not married to a British citizen. You can apply immediately after receiving ILR if you are married to a British citizen, subject to residence rules. You must also meet the absence limits, good character requirement, English language requirement and the Life in the UK Test requirement.

FAQ – British Citizenship

Do I need ILR before applying for British citizenship?
Yes. Most applicants need ILR or Settled Status. Spouses of British citizens do not need to wait 12 months after obtaining ILR.

How long must I live in the UK before applying?
Usually 5 years. For those married to a British citizen, 3 years.

How much time can I spend outside the UK?
No more than 450 days in a 5-year route or 270 days in a 3-year route. In the final year, no more than 90 days.

Do I need to take the Life in the UK Test?
Yes, unless exempt. We will confirm whether you qualify for an exemption.

Can previous immigration issues affect an application?
Yes. Any breach of immigration rules can lead to refusal under the Good Character requirement.

What documents do I need?
You will need proof of identity, ILR/Settled Status, residence evidence, English language proof and your Life in the UK Test pass. We confirm the exact documents for your case.

How long does the Home Office take?
Most applications take 2–6 months, depending on background checks.

Speak to our Immigration Solicitors

For clear advice on your application and the evidence you need, call 01204 371414 or email [email protected]. You can also complete our online enquiry form for a prompt response.