Who Can Apply for British Citizenship?
You may be eligible to apply for British citizenship by naturalisation if you:
- Are 18 or over
- Have lived in the UK for a specified qualifying period
- Hold indefinite leave to remain (ILR), settled status or another eligible immigration status
- Have met the Good Character requirement
- Meet the English language requirement
- Have passed the Life in the UK test
Different rules apply for people married to or in a civil partnership with a British citizen — we’ll explain which criteria apply to your situation.
Key Requirements and Criteria
Qualifying Period
Most applicants must have lived in the UK for at least 5 years, with no more than a limited number of days outside the UK during that period.
Settlement Status
You usually need indefinite leave to remain (ILR) or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme before applying.
Good Character Requirement
This means you should have no serious criminal record and no ongoing immigration issues. Certain past conduct may affect the outcome.
English Language Requirement
You must show your ability to understand and use English at the required level unless you are exempt.
Life in the UK Test
All applicants must pass this test, which assesses your understanding of British values, history and society.
How We Can Help
We assist with every step of the British citizenship application process:
- Assessing eligibility
We explain which route is correct for you and what you must demonstrate. - Preparing supporting documents
We help gather and organise certificates, ILR evidence, English language proof, and more. - Completing the application
We ensure forms are completed accurately and comprehensively. - Submission and follow-up
We handle the application submission and help respond to any follow-up requests.
You’ll work directly with your adviser throughout — no call centres, no hand-offs, just clear, consistent support.
Common Questions About British Citizenship
How long does the process take?
Processing times vary, but most naturalisation applications are decided within several months. We can give you up-to-date estimates based on current Home Office performance.
Can I include my family in my application?
Family members can apply at the same time as you, and in some cases applications can be submitted together as a group. However, each person must meet the eligibility requirements in their own right and will be assessed individually by the Home Office.
Separate application fees apply for each applicant. Children under 18 usually apply using the appropriate child registration form, even if submitted alongside a parent’s application.
We can advise on the most appropriate approach for your family’s circumstances.
What happens after citizenship is granted?
Once approved, you can register for a British passport, register to vote and enjoy all the rights of a British citizen.
If you have specific circumstances or concerns, we’re here to clarify your options.
