How to Apply for British Citizenship (Naturalisation)
After 5 years of residence (12 months with settled status or indefinite leave), pass the Life in the UK testLife in the UK Test — The 24-question computer test on British history, traditions, and government required for most citizenship and settlement applications.Click for official info ↗ and an English test, apply on Form AN with referees, and attend a citizenship ceremony to become British.
The Steps
Follow these in order
Each card shows the phase, expected time, and any cost. Data checked against official UK sources(2025-Latest).
0 of 8 steps
- Before You Go 1 hour
Check you meet the residence requirement
You generally need 5 years of continuous residence in the UK, physically present on the day 5 years before applying, with no more than 450 days absent overall and 90 days in the final year. If married to a British citizen you need only 3 years and no waiting period after settlement. You must have held settled status for the last 12 months (not required for spouses).
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- Before You Go Ongoing
Prepare translations and the Life in the UK test
Non-English documents (marriage certificates, divorce decrees from abroad) need certified English translations for the application. For the Life in the UK testLife in the UK Test — The 24-question computer test on British history, traditions, and government required for most citizenship and settlement applications.Click for official info ↗ itself: study the official handbook in your own language first if helpful — community groups offer study materials in Hindi, Nepali, Portuguese, Spanish and others — but the test is only in English (or Welsh/Scottish Gaelic), so drill the English questions before booking. There is no interpreter option, so if English is a barrier, consider ESOL classes with citizenship content (an accepted route for some). You can read this guide in Hindi, Nepali, Português (Brasil), or Español via the language dropdown above.
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- Before You Go Book + study: 2–6 weeks
Pass the Life in the UK test
A 24-question, 45-minute computer test on UK history, traditions, and law. Pass mark 75%. Book online (£50) at one of 30+ test centres; you need a photo ID and proof of address. You can retake it, but each attempt costs £50. Exemptions: under 18, 65+, or certain long-term physical/mental conditions.
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- Before You Go Varies
Meet the English language requirement
You need B1 CEFR speaking and listening — via a SELT (Secure English Language Test, e.g. IELTS Life Skills), a degree taught or researched in English, or being a national of a majority-English-speaking country. Exemptions: 65+, or a long-term physical or mental condition that prevents you learning English.
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- Fill / Prepare 1–2 weeks
Complete Form AN and gather referee declarations
Apply online (or on paper Form AN). You need two referees: one of professional standing (teacher, civil servant, etc.) and one a British citizen aged 25+ who has known you 3 years. Both sign your photo and declarations. Declare all absences, convictions, and immigration history — omissions are the top refusal cause.
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- Submit & Pay 1 day
Submit, pay, and give biometrics
The 2025 fee is £1,580 (single adult). Pay online, upload or post documents, and give biometrics at a UKVCAS service point (some carry an extra appointment fee). Processing takes up to 6 months — do not book ceremony travel until approved.
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- Wait Up to 6 months
Wait for the decision
Most decisions arrive within 6 months; complex cases take longer. You may be invited to an interview. If approved, you get an invitation to a citizenship ceremony within 3 months of the decision letter.
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- Receive 1–2 hours
Attend the ceremony and apply for a passport
At the ceremony (usually your local council, £80) you take the Oath (or Affirmation) of Allegiance and receive your certificate of naturalisation — your proof of citizenship. You can then apply for a British passport. Keep the certificate safe forever; replacements are slow and costly.
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FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
I have settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme. Can I naturalise?
Yes — settled status counts as settled residence for naturalisation. You need 5 years of continuous residence (6 years total including 12 months settled, typically), the Life in the UK testLife in the UK Test — The 24-question computer test on British history, traditions, and government required for most citizenship and settlement applications.Click for official info ↗, and the English requirement, same as ILR holders.
Do I lose my original citizenship?
Britain allows dual nationality, but your origin country may not. Check its rules before applying — some countries automatically strip citizenship when you naturalise elsewhere, others require you to renounce first.
What if my application is refused?
Unlike visa refusals, naturalisation refusals have no formal appeal — the Home OfficeUK Home Office — The government department responsible for visas, immigration, and citizenship in the UK.Click for official info ↗ can reconsider (£372 fee) or you can apply again. Refusals are commonly due to failed tests, unexplained absences, or minor undeclared convictions. Consider legal advice before reapplying.
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