Naturalisation
The process by which a foreign national acquires British citizenship by application to the Home Secretary. Requirements include residence in the UK, good character, knowledge of English, and passing the Life in the UK test (s.6 British Nationality Act 1981).
Independent editorial summary — not the official statute text. Read the official version on legislation.gov.uk.
Naturalisation is one of the routes to British citizenship for adults who are not automatically British, governed by section 6 of the British Nationality Act 1981. Under s.6(1), on an application for naturalisation made by a person of full age and capacity, the Secretary of State may grant a certificate of naturalisation if satisfied the applicant fulfils the requirements of Schedule 1 to the Act. A separate route under s.6(2) applies to a person married to, or the civil partner of, a British citizen.
Schedule 1 sets out the substantive requirements: the applicant must satisfy a residence requirement, be of good character, have sufficient knowledge of the English, Welsh or Scottish Gaelic language, and have sufficient knowledge about life in the United Kingdom.
Knowledge about life in the UK is usually demonstrated by passing the Life in the UK Test, a 45-minute, 24-question test based on the official Guide for New Residents, which must be booked at least three days in advance. Applicants who are eligible in more than one route — for example through marriage to a British citizen, through indefinite leave to remain, or as an Irish citizen or Commonwealth citizen under the Windrush Scheme — can choose which route to apply under.
Related terms
Official sources
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