British citizenship application (naturalisation)
How to apply for naturalisation as a British citizen — eligibility, residence requirements, the good character test, and the citizenship ceremony.
개요
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.
이 절차를 사용할 수 있는 사람
- 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
단계별 절차
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.
비용
중요 경고
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.