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 CNIC or NICOP if applicable, 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.

British Citizenship for Pakistani Nationals: Complete Guide

Q: 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.

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).
ILR: Apply for indefinite leave to remain.
Citizenship: After 12 months with ILR, apply for British citizenship.

Those on a spouse visa may be eligible for ILR after a shorter period, which can reduce the overall timeline.

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 like LUMS, NUST, 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
CNIC or NICOP: Your Computerised National Identity Card, if held
Birth certificate: With certified English translation if in Urdu or another language
BRP: Your current Biometric Residence Permit
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 £1,344 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

The Pakistani community in the UK is one of the largest and most well-established, with significant populations in Birmingham, Bradford, Manchester, Glasgow, and London. For community resources, see our guide on community groups.