British naturalisation: direct answer
Direct answer. British citizenship by naturalisation is a separate, usually discretionary application after immigration status is secured. An applicant normally needs to meet the applicable residence and absence limits, hold the required status for the relevant period, satisfy good-character, English-language and Life in the UK requirements, and intend to make the UK their principal home where the rules require it.
Client stage. Use this page after obtaining settled status or indefinite leave, or before filing if absences, tax, criminal, immigration or character history may need explanation.
- What must be proved: identity, qualifying status, residence and absences, knowledge requirements, good character and any route-specific condition.
- Main process: calculate the residence window, audit immigration and character history, gather evidence, submit the application and biometrics, then complete the citizenship ceremony if approved.
- Key risk: citizenship is not automatic; an undisclosed issue, incorrect residence calculation or unresolved character concern can lead to refusal.
Primary official source: GOV.UK: apply for citizenship if you have indefinite leave or settled status.
Jurisdiction and review: UK nationality law. Reviewed 25 August 2026 by Najma Ali, Principal Solicitor, NA Law Solicitors, SRA No. 645049. NA Law is authorised and regulated in England and Wales.
British nationality advice
British Citizenship and Naturalisation Applications
Naturalisation is the process by which many adults apply to become British citizens. British nationality and naturalisation are citizenship matters. They are separate from ILR, although many applicants must first hold ILR or settled status.
SRA No. 645049
Correct route advice
Absences, residence and documents
Fixed-fee guidance available
Naturalisation Is a Citizenship Application
British nationality law is separate from immigration settlement. ILR or settled status may be the foundation for a later citizenship application, but naturalisation has its own tests: residence, absences, future intentions, Life in the UK, English language and good character.
We assess whether you are ready to apply now or whether waiting would reduce the risk of refusal.
Settlement Comes First for Many Applicants
Most adult naturalisation applicants must hold ILR, indefinite leave to enter or settled status before applying. That settled status is not citizenship. Citizenship is only obtained if the naturalisation application is granted and the applicant completes the citizenship ceremony where required.
What We Review
| Requirement | What we check |
|---|---|
| Status | Whether you hold ILR, settled status or another qualifying status. |
| Residence and absences | Whether your days outside the UK fit the relevant 3-year or 5-year period. |
| Good character | Criminality, overstaying, illegal entry, deception, illegal working, tax and immigration history. |
| Evidence | Passports, travel records, referee details, tests, status evidence and explanation letters. |
Naturalisation after ILR or Settled Status: Current Checklist
Standard five-year route
You will usually need five years’ UK residence, to have held ILR, indefinite leave to enter or EUSS settled status for at least 12 months, and to have been physically present in the UK exactly five years before the application date.
Spouse or civil partner route
If you are married to or in a civil partnership with a British citizen, the qualifying residence period is normally three years and you can usually apply as soon as you hold ILR or settled status. You must have been physically present in the UK exactly three years before applying.
Residence and absences
The usual absence limits are no more than 450 days in the five-year qualifying period, or 270 days on the British-citizen spouse or civil-partner route, and no more than 90 days in the final 12 months. Discretion may be available in some cases, so excess absences should be assessed before filing.
Applicants must also normally meet the Life in the UK, language and good-character requirements. Read the current Home Office Form AN guidance.
EU, EEA and Swiss Nationals
EUSS settled status is indefinite leave to remain and can support a naturalisation application. Unless you are applying as the spouse or civil partner of a British citizen, you will usually need to have held settled status for 12 months.
Pre-settled status is limited leave and is not normally enough by itself. Some people protected by the Withdrawal Agreement may nevertheless be able to qualify if they can prove a permanent right of residence and the other naturalisation requirements. If the Home Office automatically converts your pre-settled status, the grant email confirms when settled status was given; the usual 12-month citizenship waiting period runs from that grant unless the British-citizen spouse or civil-partner exception applies. See the official EUSS conversion guidance.
Application Steps, Fees and Timing
- Check the correct three-year or five-year route, settled-status timing, absences and good-character history.
- Confirm the Life in the UK and English-language requirements and prepare referee details.
- Complete the online naturalisation application and upload supporting documents.
- Attend a UKVCAS appointment to provide fingerprints and a photograph.
- If the application is granted, attend the citizenship ceremony and then apply for a British passport.
From 8 April 2026, the naturalisation application fee is £1,709 and the citizenship ceremony fee is £130, making the standard total £1,839. The Home Office says decisions are usually made within six months, although some take longer. Check the current GOV.UK eligibility, fees and timing before applying.
Good Character Needs Care
Home Office nationality decisions can be strict where there has been adverse immigration history, criminality, deception, illegal working, tax problems or other conduct concerns. Under the current good-character policy, a citizenship application made on or after 10 February 2025 by someone who previously entered the UK illegally will normally be refused regardless of how much time has passed. The facts still require careful analysis, including whether the entry or arrival was outside the applicant’s control.
Holding ILR does not make naturalisation automatic. Review the current Home Office good-character guidance before filing.
Children Usually Apply by Registration
A child under 18 will usually use a British-citizenship registration route rather than adult naturalisation. Eligibility depends on where and when the child was born and the parents’ citizenship or settlement position. Check the child’s route separately instead of adding them to an adult naturalisation application.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is naturalisation the same as British citizenship?
Naturalisation is one route by which an adult can become a British citizen. British nationality is the wider legal area covering citizenship, registration, descent and related routes.
Is ILR the same as naturalisation?
No. ILR is settlement. Naturalisation is a later citizenship application for many adults.
Do I always need to wait 12 months after ILR?
Many applicants must wait 12 months after ILR or settled status. Spouses and civil partners of British citizens may be treated differently, but they must still meet the other citizenship requirements.
Should I apply if I have adverse immigration history?
Get advice before applying. Good character issues can lead to refusal and can affect future applications.
Official Guidance
GOV.UK has a specific citizenship route for applicants who already have indefinite leave to remain or settled status.
Check Your Citizenship Eligibility
Call 0203 524 5439 or request a consultation. We will separate the settlement position from the nationality test and advise on the safest timing.
Last reviewed: August 2026. This page gives general information only and is not legal advice on your specific nationality position.