Solicitar la ciudadanía británica (naturalización)
Cómo solicitar la ciudadanía británica por naturalización.
Visión general
Naturalisation is the process by which adults can become British citizens. It requires meeting residence, good character, and language requirements. The process takes around 6 months and costs £1,330 (plus £80 for the ceremony). Once granted, British citizenship gives you the right to vote, hold a British passport, and live and work in the UK permanently.
Quién puede usar este proceso
- You are aged 18 or over
- You have held indefinite leave to remain (ILR/settled status) for at least 12 months
- You have lived in the UK for at least 5 years (3 years if married to a British citizen)
- You have not been outside the UK for more than 450 days in the 5-year period (or 270 days in the 3-year period)
- You have not been outside the UK for more than 90 days in the last 12 months
- You are of good character (no serious criminal convictions, no immigration breaches)
- You meet the English language requirement (B1 level or above, or from a majority English-speaking country)
- You have passed the Life in the UK test
Proceso paso a paso
Check eligibility
Use the government's nationality checker tool at gov.uk to confirm you meet all requirements. Pay particular attention to the residence and absence requirements.
Pass the Life in the UK test
Book and pass the Life in the UK test at an approved test centre. The test costs £50 and consists of 24 multiple-choice questions. You need to score at least 75% (18 correct answers). You can retake it after 7 days if you fail.
- Study the official handbook 'Life in the United Kingdom: A Guide for New Residents'
- Take practice tests online before booking your real test
- Book early — test centres can be busy
Gather supporting documents
Collect your passport, BRP (biometric residence permit), proof of English language ability, Life in the UK test pass notification, and two referees' details. Referees must be professional people who have known you for 3+ years.
Complete the application form
Apply online at gov.uk using form AN. You will need to upload documents and pay the fee of £1,330.
- Have all documents ready before starting
- Double-check dates and personal details carefully
- You can save and return to the form
Attend biometric appointment
After submitting your application, book a biometric enrolment appointment at a UKVCAS service point to provide fingerprints and a photo.
Wait for a decision
The Home Office will process your application. Standard processing time is up to 6 months. You will receive a letter with the decision.
Attend citizenship ceremony
If approved, you must attend a citizenship ceremony within 3 months. You will swear an oath of allegiance and receive your certificate of British citizenship. You can then apply for a British passport.
- Book your ceremony through your local council
- You can bring guests
- You will receive your naturalisation certificate at the ceremony
Costes
Advertencias importantes
Do not leave the UK while your application is being processed without seeking advice — extended absences may affect your application.
If you have any criminal convictions, cautions, or penalty notices, you must declare them. Failure to disclose is grounds for refusal.
Your existing nationality may be affected. Some countries do not allow dual citizenship — check with your country's embassy before applying.