British Citizenship for Pakistani Nationals: Guide
Pakistan permits dual nationality with the UK, so becoming British does not mean giving up Pakistani citizenship. This guide covers the path for Pakistani nationals.
- Section
- British Citizenship
- Reading time
- 11 min
- Last checked
- 3 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
- Pakistan and the UK have a dual nationality agreement. You can hold both passports.
- You must meet the English language requirement through a test or qualifying degree.
- Pakistani documents not in English need certified translations.
- The standard path is 5 years of residence, then settlement, then citizenship after 12 months with settlement.
Pakistani nationals can become British citizens through naturalisation while retaining their Pakistani nationality under a bilateral dual nationality agreement. This guide covers eligibility, documents, the English language requirement, and Pakistan-specific considerations for the citizenship application.
Dual Nationality: Pakistan and the UK
Pakistan and the UK have a longstanding dual nationality arrangement. Pakistan officially permits its nationals to hold citizenship of certain countries, including the UK. This means you do not need to renounce your Pakistani citizenship to become British, and becoming British does not affect your Pakistani nationality.
You can hold both a Pakistani passport and a British passport. When travelling to Pakistan, it is generally advisable to enter and exit on your Pakistani passport. When travelling within Europe or to other countries, your British passport may be more convenient.
The Path to British Citizenship
Pakistani nationals follow the standard naturalisation route:
- Qualifying visa: Enter the UK on a route that leads to settlement, such as a Skilled Worker visa, family visa, or other qualifying route.
- Continuous residence: Complete the required period of continuous residence (typically 5 years).
- Settlement: Apply for indefinite leave to remain, also called settlement.
- Citizenship: After 12 months with settlement (or as soon as you have it, if you are married to or in a civil partnership with a British citizen), apply for British citizenship.
Those married to or in a civil partnership with a British citizen can apply for citizenship as soon as they have settlement, after 3 years in the UK, rather than waiting a further 12 months.
English Language Requirement
Pakistani nationals must demonstrate English language ability at B1 level or above. Unlike nationals of majority English-speaking countries, Pakistani nationals do not receive an automatic exemption.
You can meet the requirement by:
- Passing a Secure English Language Test (SELT) at B1 level or above
- Providing evidence of a degree taught or researched in English, recognised by UK ENIC. Many Pakistani universities teach in English, and degrees from institutions such as the Lahore University of Management Sciences, the National University of Sciences and Technology, and the major public universities are often recognised
- Qualifying for an exemption based on age or medical conditions
If using a Pakistani degree, verify that it is recognised through UK ENIC before relying on it.
Documents You Will Need
Pakistani nationals should prepare:
- Pakistani passport: Current and all previous passports used during your UK residence
- National identity card: Your Computerised National Identity Card, or the National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis, if you hold one
- Birth certificate: With certified English translation if in Urdu or another language
- Proof of settlement: Your eVisa, through your UKVI account. Biometric residence permits have all expired and been replaced by eVisas
- Life in the UK test certificate
- English language evidence
- Proof of residence: Bank statements, utility bills, HMRC records
- Two referees: See our referees guide
Absence Rules and Travel to Pakistan
Many Pakistani nationals travel to Pakistan regularly for family visits, weddings, and other occasions. Be careful to track your absences:
- No more than 450 days outside the UK in the 5 years before application
- No more than 90 days outside the UK in the 12 months before application
Extended trips to Pakistan, especially for family emergencies or weddings that run longer than planned, can add up quickly. Use our residence calculator guide to check your position before applying.
If you have exceeded the limits, discretion may be available. See our guide on discretionary absences.
The Application Process
Apply online through the GOV.UK naturalisation page. The fee is £1,839 including the ceremony fee. Processing takes approximately 6 months in 2026.
After approval, you attend a citizenship ceremony where you take the oath or affirmation and receive your certificate.
Tax and Financial Considerations
Becoming a British citizen does not change your tax obligations, which are based on residence rather than citizenship. However, if you have income, property, or assets in Pakistan, you should be aware of potential tax implications in both countries.
Pakistan and the UK have a double taxation agreement, which means you should not be taxed twice on the same income. However, you may need to declare foreign income and assets to HMRC. See our guide on citizenship tax implications for more detail.
After Becoming British
Once you are a British citizen, you can:
- Apply for a British passport
- Vote in all UK elections
- Travel visa-free to many countries on your British passport
- Continue to use your Pakistani passport for travel to Pakistan
For community resources, see our guide on community groups.
Questions and answers
Can Pakistani nationals hold dual British and Pakistani citizenship?
Yes. Pakistan allows dual nationality with the UK under bilateral agreements. You do not need to renounce your Pakistani citizenship to become British. You can hold both passports simultaneously and travel on either.
Do Pakistani nationals need to take an English language test for citizenship?
Yes, unless you have a degree taught in English that is recognised by UK ENIC. Pakistani nationals are not exempt from the English language requirement. You need to pass a Secure English Language Test at B1 level or above, or provide evidence of a qualifying English-taught degree.
What documents from Pakistan do I need for my citizenship application?
You need your Pakistani passport (current and any previous ones), your Computerised National Identity Card or National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis if you hold one, your birth certificate with a certified English translation, and evidence of your education if using a Pakistani degree to meet the English requirement. Any document not in English must have a certified translation.
How does becoming British affect my property rights in Pakistan?
As a dual national, you retain your property rights in Pakistan. Pakistani law allows dual nationals to own, buy, and sell property in Pakistan. However, tax obligations may apply in both countries, so seek professional advice on your specific situation.
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.