British Citizenship & Naturalisation

Who can apply

Adults usually become British by naturalisation after holding settled status. Children, and some adults with a claim through birth or descent, become British by registration instead.

Main requirements for adults

• Settled status, such as Indefinite Leave to Remain
• A qualifying period of residence in the UK
• Absences within the limits for citizenship
• Good character
• Knowledge of language and life in the UK
• An intention to continue living in the UK

Good character

The Home Office looks at criminal records, immigration history, finances and honesty in earlier applications. Past overstaying or a previous refusal does not always prevent citizenship, but it has to be disclosed and addressed.

Children

A child born in the UK may be British automatically or may be entitled to register, depending on the parents' status at the time of birth and afterwards. Children born abroad can sometimes be registered alongside a parent.

Documents commonly required

• Passports and proof of settled status
• Life in the UK test pass
• English language evidence
• A list of absences from the UK
• Details of two referees

After approval

Adults attend a citizenship ceremony. You can then apply for a British passport, which is a separate application.