British Citizenship by Naturalisation: Full Guide
Naturalisation is the process by which adults who have lived in the UK can become British citizens. It is the final step in the immigration journey for most people. This guide covers every requirement, the full process, and practical advice for 2026.
- Section
- British Citizenship
- Reading time
- 12 min
- Last checked
- 2 September 2026
- Source
- The published Immigration Rules and GOV.UK guidance, linked throughout this guide.
- Rowan does not
- Look at your own case, tell you which route to choose, or say what the Home Office will decide. This guide shows the published rules and where to read them.
In short
- Hold ILR for at least 12 months before applying.
- 5 years residence (3 if married to a British citizen) with absence limits.
- Pass the Life in the UK test and meet the English language requirement.
- The good character requirement covers criminal history, immigration compliance, and financial affairs.
Naturalisation is the standard route to British citizenship for adults who have settled in the UK. You must hold ILR for at least 12 months, meet residence and absence requirements, pass the Life in the UK test, meet the English language standard, and have good character. This guide covers the full process.
Who Can Apply
You can apply for naturalisation if you:
- Are aged 18 or over
- Hold indefinite leave to remain (ILR) in the UK
- Have held ILR for at least 12 months at the date of application
- Meet the residence requirements
- Intend to continue living in the UK (or working overseas for a UK employer or international organisation)
The requirements are set out in the British Nationality Act 1981 and the Home Office guidance on naturalisation.
Residence Requirements
Standard Route (Not Married to a British Citizen)
- Resident in the UK for at least 5 years before the date of application
- Not absent for more than 450 days during those 5 years
- Not absent for more than 90 days in the final 12 months
- Held ILR for the final 12 months
Married to a British Citizen
- Resident in the UK for at least 3 years before the date of application
- Not absent for more than 270 days during those 3 years
- Not absent for more than 90 days in the final 12 months
- Held ILR at the date of application (no 12-month waiting period required)
For detailed absence guidance, see our citizenship absences guide.
Knowledge Requirements
You must demonstrate knowledge of English and of life in the UK:
- Life in the UK test: A computer-based test covering British history, culture, traditions, and government. You need to pass once — the certificate does not expire.
- English language: B1 level or above in speaking and listening. You can prove this through a recognised English test, a degree taught in English, or nationality of a majority English-speaking country.
Some people are exempt from these requirements. See our exemptions guide.
Good Character
The good character requirement covers:
- Criminal record (UK and overseas)
- Immigration history (overstaying, deception, breaches)
- Financial affairs (bankruptcy, tax evasion)
- Behaviour and associations
You must declare everything on the application form. The Home Office checks police records, HMRC data, and other databases.
The Application Process
- 1. Check the published requirements using the eligibility checker
- 2. Gather your documents
- 3. Apply online and pay the application fee
- 4. Complete biometrics
- 5. Wait for a decision (usually up to 6 months)
- 6. Attend a citizenship ceremony
Costs
The total cost of naturalisation includes:
- Application fee: £1,709
- Citizenship ceremony fee: £130 (so £1,839 to the Home Office)
- Life in the UK test: £50
- English language test: £150-£200 (if needed)
- Biometrics: included in the application fee
- Solicitor fees: £500-£1,500 (optional)
If the fee causes financial hardship, you may be eligible for a fee waiver.
After Naturalisation
Once you become British, you gain the full benefits of citizenship. Apply for your British passport, register to vote, and enjoy the security of permanent status. If you hold another nationality, check our dual citizenship guide.
Related guides:
Questions and answers
What are the requirements for naturalisation as a British citizen?
You must be at least 18, hold ILR for at least 12 months, have lived in the UK for 5 years (or 3 if married to a British citizen), not have exceeded the absence limits, pass the Life in the UK test, meet the English language requirement, and satisfy the good character test.
How long does the naturalisation process take?
A decision usually comes within 6 months of applying, though some applications take longer. Processing times can be checked on GOV.UK. After the decision, you must attend a citizenship ceremony within 3 months.
How much does naturalisation cost in 2026?
Naturalisation costs £1,839 for adults: £1,709 to apply plus a £130 citizenship ceremony fee. Additional costs include the Life in the UK test (£50), English language test (if needed), and biometrics (usually included in the application fee).
Can I naturalise if I have a criminal record?
It depends on the nature and severity of the offence. Minor offences (such as speeding fines) may not prevent naturalisation. Serious or recent convictions are likely to result in refusal. The Home Office assesses each case individually under the good character requirement.
This guide is general information about published immigration rules. It is not advice about an individual application under s.82 Immigration and Asylum Act 1999, and Rowan is not regulated by the Immigration Advice Authority. Immigration rules change several times a year. For advice on a particular situation, contact an adviser authorised by the Immigration Advice Authority or an immigration solicitor. Always check GOV.UK for the authoritative current rules.