What are the basic requirements for British citizenship in 2026?

You must be aged 18 or over, hold indefinite leave to remain (ILR) or equivalent settled status for at least 12 months, meet the residence requirement (no more than 450 days absent in 5 years and 90 days in the last year), pass the English language requirement at B1 level, pass the Life in the UK test, be of good character, and intend to continue living in the UK.

How much does a citizenship application cost in 2026?

The standard citizenship application fee in 2026 is £1,344, which includes the £1,214 application fee and £130 ceremony fee. This fee is non-refundable even if your application is refused. A priority service is available for an additional charge.

Can I apply for citizenship without ILR?

In most cases, no. You need ILR, settled status, or an equivalent immigration status before you can apply for citizenship. The main exception is spouses of British citizens who have been married for at least 3 years and hold ILR, who may have reduced residence requirements.

What happens if my citizenship application is refused?

If refused, you receive a letter explaining the reasons. There is no formal right of appeal, but you can reapply if you address the reasons for refusal. You can also request an administrative review if you believe the decision was procedurally incorrect. The application fee is not refunded.

British Citizenship Requirements in 2026: Complete Guide

British citizenship through naturalisation requires ILR for at least 12 months, meeting residence requirements, passing the English language test and Life in the UK test, satisfying the good character requirement, and paying the application fee. This guide covers every requirement in detail for 2026.

Overview of Requirements

To become a British citizen through naturalisation under Section 6 of the British Nationality Act 1981, you must meet all of the following requirements. Missing even one can result in refusal.

1. Age Requirement

You must be aged 18 or over to apply for naturalisation. Children under 18 can be registered as British citizens by a parent through a separate process.

2. Immigration Status

You must hold one of the following:

Indefinite leave to remain (ILR)
Settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme
Right of abode (if not already a citizen)
Irish citizenship (special provisions apply)

You must have held this status for at least 12 months before applying. The Home Office checks this from the date your application is received.

For the difference between ILR and right of abode, see our guide on citizenship vs right of abode.

3. Residence Requirement

The residence requirement is one of the most important and most commonly failed aspects of the application:

5-year residence: You must have been in the UK for at least 5 years before your application, ending on the date of application
450-day absence limit: You must not have been absent from the UK for more than 450 days in total during the 5-year period
90-day absence limit: You must not have been absent for more than 90 days in the 12 months immediately before the date of application

Use our residence calculator guide to check your eligibility. If you exceed the limits, the Home Office may use discretion. See our guide on discretionary absences.

4. English Language Requirement

You must demonstrate English language ability at B1 level (CEFR) or above. This can be met through:

A Secure English Language Test (SELT)
A degree taught or researched in English, recognised by UK ENIC
Being a national of a majority English-speaking country (for some visa routes, but not always sufficient for citizenship)

For full details, see our guide on English for citizenship. For exemptions, see English exemptions.

5. Life in the UK Test

You must pass the Life in the UK test, which covers British history, customs, traditions, and the political system. The test consists of 24 multiple-choice questions, and you need at least 18 correct answers (75%) to pass.

The test costs £50 and can be booked at approved test centres across the UK. You can take it as many times as needed. Book through the GOV.UK Life in the UK test page.

6. Good Character Requirement

The Home Office assesses whether you are of good character. This includes:

Criminal record checks (UK and overseas)
Immigration compliance (no breaches of immigration conditions)
Financial soundness (no deliberate tax evasion)
Honesty (no deception in previous applications)
General conduct

Minor spent convictions and traffic offences are usually not a barrier. Serious criminal convictions, ongoing investigations, or a pattern of dishonesty can result in refusal.

7. Intention to Live in the UK

You must intend to continue living in the UK, or to be employed in Crown service, an international organisation, or a company established in the UK. This requirement is usually satisfied by your continued residence and employment in the UK.

8. Referees

You need two referees who can vouch for your identity and character. One must be a professional person, and both must hold British or Irish passports and have known you for at least 3 years.

Fees

The citizenship application fee in 2026 is £1,344, which includes the £130 ceremony fee. This is non-refundable. A priority service is available for an additional fee.

How to Apply

Applications are made online through GOV.UK. The process involves completing the online form, paying the fee, and sending supporting documents. 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. You can then apply for a British passport.

Special Cases

Reduced requirements may apply if you are:

Married to a British citizen: The 5-year residence period may be reduced to 3 years
A refugee: See our refugee route guide
Stateless: See our stateless persons guide
A Windrush generation member: See our Windrush guide