Applying for British Citizenship (Naturalisation)
How to apply for British citizenship by naturalisation, including eligibility, the Life in the UK test, and the ceremony.
Overview
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.
Who Can Use This Process
- 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
Step-by-Step Process
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
Costs
Important Warnings
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.
Useful Links
Frequently asked questions
- How long does the applying for british citizenship (naturalisation) process take?
- The end-to-end timeline depends on which stage you're at. Common steps run on these timeframes: "1 day"; "1-4 weeks"; "1-2 weeks"; "1-2 hours". Add court / counterparty response time on top — disputed matters can run months longer than the bare minimum.
- How much does it cost?
- Main outlays are: Application fee — £1,330; Life in the UK test — £50; Citizenship ceremony — £80; British passport (after citizenship) — £82.50 (online). Court fees often qualify for Help with Fees remission if you're on a low income. Solicitor fees are extra and vary widely — many matters can be done as a litigant in person.
- What are the most common mistakes to avoid?
- Watch out for: 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.. If you're unsure on any of these, get advice from a regulated solicitor or a free service like Citizens Advice before acting.
- Where can I find the official forms and guidance?
- The official sources are: GOV.UK — Apply for citizenship; Life in the UK test booking; Find your local council for ceremony booking. Always use the forms / guidance from the issuing authority's own site — third-party copies can be out of date.
- Can I do this myself without a solicitor?
- Yes — many people complete this kind of matter as a litigant in person. The site walks through each step in plain English. A solicitor is recommended if: large sums are at stake, the other side has legal representation, the matter involves criminal liability, children, immigration, or you're unsure on any procedural deadline. Free advice is available from Citizens Advice, Law Centres, and (for some matters) LawWorks pro bono clinics.