British citizenship by naturalisation
Last verified 4 September 2026 against GOV.UK sources·Page updated 4 September 2026
| Precondition | ILR (or settled status), normally held for 12 months — waived for spouses of British citizens |
|---|---|
| Residence | 5 years (3 for spouses of British citizens) before the application |
| Absences | Max 450 days in 5 years (270 in 3), and 90 in the final 12 months |
| Tests | English B1 and the Life in the UK test (£50) |
| Fee | £1,839 including the citizenship ceremony |
| Dual nationality | Allowed by the UK — but check your own country's law |
Naturalisation turns permanent residence into citizenship, giving you the right to vote and the right to apply for a British passport. Unlike ILR, British citizenship does not lapse simply because you live abroad. It is a separate application with its own requirements — reaching ILR is the precondition, not the finish line.
Residence requirements
Most applicants need ILR held for 12 months, plus five years of residence before the application; spouses and civil partners of British citizens skip the 12-month wait and qualify on three years. Absence limits apply: no more than 450 days abroad in the five years (270 in three), and no more than 90 days in the final year. One requirement is easy to miss: you must have been physically in the UK on the exact date five years (or three) before the Home Office receives your application. A discretionary waiver exists for special circumstances, but plan your application date around it rather than relying on discretion.
Knowledge and character
English at B1 (speaking and listening, from an approved test — note this stays at B1 even as work and settlement requirements move to B2) and the Life in the UK test are required. The good character assessment covers criminal history, immigration breaches, bankruptcy and tax matters; under guidance in force since 2025, people who entered the UK illegally are normally refused regardless of how long ago they entered. Disclose everything — undisclosed minor issues are treated more seriously than the issues themselves.
Cost, ceremony — and your other passport
The adult fee is £1,839 including the mandatory citizenship ceremony, where you receive your certificate; you can then apply for a British passport. The UK allows dual nationality and never asks you to renounce. Your own country may decide differently: some countries restrict or do not recognise dual nationality, and a few withdraw citizenship automatically when a national acquires another. ILR does not affect your nationality — naturalisation does — so for people it affects, “settle at ILR or go all the way to citizenship” is the single biggest decision on this page. Check the law of your current nationality before you apply.