How much does it cost?

Main outlays are: Naturalisation application fee — £1,500; Biometric enrolment — £19.20; Citizenship ceremony fee — £80; British passport (after approval) — £88.50 (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.

Where can I find the official forms and guidance?

The official sources are: Become a British citizen — gov.uk; Naturalisation as a British citizen — guidance. Always use the forms / guidance from the issuing authority's own site — third-party copies can be out of date.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.

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Immigration Law

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Updated 2026-05-22

UK-wide

British citizenship application (naturalisation)

How to apply for naturalisation as a British citizen — eligibility, residence requirements, the good character test, and the citizenship ceremony.

Quick answer

To naturalise as a British citizen you must hold ILR (or equivalent settled status) for at least 12 months, have lived in the UK for 5 years (3 years if married to a British citizen), pass the Life in the UK test and English-language test, meet the 'good character' requirement, and pay the £1,500 fee (April 2025). The application is paper-based or via the digital service; processing takes around 6 months. Once approved, you attend a citizenship ceremony.

This page covers UK-wide law. Where local procedure differs (e.g. courts or tribunals), this is noted in the relevant section.

Overview

Naturalisation is the legal process by which a non-British citizen becomes a British citizen. It is governed by the British Nationality Act 1981 and Home Office guidance. Naturalisation is a separate step after Indefinite Leave to Remain — it grants full citizenship including the right to a British passport, voting rights in all elections, and the right to stand for elected office. The application is decided on the balance of probabilities by Home Office caseworkers, and the most common refusal grounds are absences exceeding the limits, breaches of immigration law, criminal records, and tax non-compliance.

Who Can Use This Process

You are 18 or over and of sound mind
You have held ILR (or equivalent settled status) for at least 12 months (or are married to a British citizen and have ILR)
You have lived lawfully in the UK for the qualifying period — 5 years (3 years if married to British citizen)
You meet the absence rules — generally not more than 450 days outside UK in 5 years and not more than 90 days in the last 12 months
You meet the English language requirement (B1 CEFR or exempt)
You have passed the Life in the UK test
You meet the 'good character' requirement
You intend to make the UK your home

Step-by-Step Process

Confirm the qualifying period

Five years' residence in the UK (or 3 years if married to a British citizen) PLUS 12 months as ILR holder. Calculate from when ILR was granted.

Confirm absences

Generally no more than 450 days in the 5-year period (270 days in the 3-year route), and no more than 90 days in the final 12 months. Excess absences can be excused in some circumstances.

Pass the Life in the UK test (if not already done)

If you passed it for ILR, you don't need to retake. If you have not, it's the same test (24 multiple-choice in 45 min, 75% to pass).

Meet the English-language requirement

B1 CEFR (e.g. IELTS Life Skills B1) or evidence a qualifying degree. Citizens of majority English-speaking countries are exempt.

Apply online and provide documents

Form AN or AN(M) (if married). Pay fee and biometric enrolment. Provide passport, BRP, evidence of residence, payslips/tax records, and two referees who can vouch for your character.

Attend citizenship ceremony

If approved, you are invited to a citizenship ceremony at your local council (typically within 3 months). You take the citizenship oath and pledge, and receive your certificate. You can then apply for a British passport.

Costs

Naturalisation application fee£1,500

Biometric enrolment£19.20

Citizenship ceremony fee£80

British passport (after approval)£88.50 (online)

Important Warnings

The 'good character' test is broad: any criminal convictions (including spent), civil penalties (e.g. failed Right to Work checks), tax-debt issues, or immigration-rule breaches can all lead to refusal.

Lying or omitting information on the application is itself a 'good character' breach that can lead to deprivation of citizenship later.

You must intend to make the UK your home — applying from abroad while intending to live elsewhere is grounds for refusal.

Useful Links

Become a British citizen — gov.uk Naturalisation as a British citizen — guidance

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost?: Main outlays are: Naturalisation application fee — £1,500; Biometric enrolment — £19.20; Citizenship ceremony fee — £80; British passport (after approval) — £88.50 (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: The 'good character' test is broad: any criminal convictions (including spent), civil penalties (e.g. failed Right to Work checks), tax-debt issues, or immigration-rule breaches can all lead to refusal.; Lying or omitting information on the application is itself a 'good character' breach that can lead to deprivation of citizenship later.; You must intend to make the UK your home — applying from abroad while intending to live elsewhere is grounds for refusal.. 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: Become a British citizen — gov.uk; Naturalisation as a British citizen — guidance. 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.