Citizenship in the United Kingdom

Written by Luis Minvielle Moderated by Oleksandra Dosii

Luis Minvielle

Luis is a writer with over 5 years of experience in B2B software. Even though he has always worked in tech, a sector he regularly publishes about, his initial incursions into writing were, curiously enough, music essays discussing scenes from different parts of the world—most likely to deal with his unfulfilled ambition of becoming a neo-soul crooner.

Oleksandra Dosii

Oleksandra is a dedicated marketer with a passion for growing HR-tech products. She believes content marketing is about delivering high-quality content that provides value—not just generating leads. Since 2016, Oleksandra has been involved in tech talent relocation.

Last update: September 15, 2024

Next update: Scheduled for February 1, 2025

Once you’ve lived in the UK legally for at least five years, you may be eligible to apply for British citizenship, which gives you the same rights as a British passport holder. If you are interested in applying for British citizenship, this article explains everything you need to know.

What are the benefits of British citizenship?

British citizenship grants the right to live and work permanently in the UK, including not only the mainland of England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, but also certain overseas territories and crown dependencies, without any immigration restrictions. It also provides access to public services like healthcare and education and grants voting rights in elections.

Another significant benefit is access to a British passport, which allows visa-free travel to 190 destinations. British citizens also receive protection from embassies and consulates when abroad.

Of course, if you’re planning to be able to work anywhere in Europe, this passport is not as strong as it was before Brexit.

Do you need British citizenship to live comfortably in the United Kingdom?

While British citizenship offers many advantages, it is not strictly necessary to live comfortably in the UK. Non-citizens can live and work in the UK permanently through other means, such as indefinite leave to remain (ILR) or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme. These statuses grant similar rights to citizens, including access to healthcare, education, and the ability to work without restrictions.

However, citizenship provides additional security and benefits, such as the right to vote and hold a UK passport. It also removes any uncertainty about your status, particularly if immigration laws change. For long-term residents seeking full rights and protections, British citizenship may be a wise choice.

Does the United Kingdom allow dual citizenship?

Yes, the UK allows dual citizenship. You can be a British citizen and also a citizen of another country. Still, some countries don’t allow dual nationality, so it’s important to check the specific laws of the other country involved. When abroad in your other country of citizenship, the British government cannot provide diplomatic assistance.

What are the ways to get British citizenship?

There are several ways to become a British citizen, depending on your circumstances. The most common method for those born outside the UK is through naturalisation. To apply, you must be over 18 and have lived in the UK for at least five years. During this time, you must have held ILR or settled status for at least 12 months, unless you are married to a British citizen, in which case you can apply immediately after obtaining ILR or settled status.

Eligibility for those born in the UK depends on your parents’ immigration status. You may be eligible to apply for citizenship if you were born in the UK and are not automatically a British citizen.

Other paths to citizenship include having a British parent, being a Commonwealth citizen who arrived in the UK before 1973, or qualifying under the Windrush Scheme. You may also be eligible if you hold another type of British nationality, are stateless, or have renounced your citizenship and wish to regain it.

When can you apply for British citizenship?

If you have ILR or settled status, you generally need to wait 12 months before applying for citizenship. However, if you are married to or in a civil partnership with a British citizen, you can apply as soon as you receive ILR or settled status. You must prove you were physically present in the UK on the same date five years before your application. If you were outside the UK during that time, it is advisable to wait until you meet this requirement before applying.

What documents are required?

Applying for British citizenship requires various documents to prove your eligibility, including proof of identity and evidence of your residency in the UK for the required period. You must provide documents proving your immigration status, such as your ILR or settled status certificate, and if applicable, a marriage or civil partnership certificate. Additionally, you must submit two referees who can confirm your identity and good character.

You also need to pass the Life in the UK Test, and include proof of passing it with your application. If needed, you must also provide a language qualification.

How to apply for British citizenship?

You can apply for British citizenship by naturalisation online or by post. Online applications require an appointment at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service point for biometric information. Documents can be uploaded online or scanned at your appointment. If you’re in the Channel Islands, Isle of Man, or a British overseas territory, you’ll need to apply by post or in person. You can also apply through a registered agent or solicitor.

What is the Life in the UK Test?

The Life in the UK Test is a mandatory requirement for most citizenship applicants. It is a computer-based test that assesses your knowledge of British history, traditions, and everyday life. The test consists of 24 questions, and you must answer at least 18 correctly to pass. The test fee is £50, and you can prepare using the official handbook provided by the government.

A good tip: Exam-doers say that the difficulty of a test is determined by how well you do on the three pre-test questions they give you at the start. If you don't do well on these, you'll get easy test questions. If you do well, you get very difficult ones. An online user even claimed that his wife noticed this on her third run, and planned accordingly. So when she went for her 4th, she intentionally answered the pre-test questions incorrectly and received a straightforward test.

Can your family members get British citizenship?

Your family members, such as your spouse, civil partner, or children, may also be eligible for British citizenship, based on their specific circumstances. Spouses and civil partners of British citizens can apply immediately after obtaining ILR or settled status if they have lived in the UK for at least three years.

For children, eligibility depends on a few factors, such as where they were born and your immigration status. If your children were born in the UK after you obtained ILR or settled status, they might automatically be British citizens. If not, you can apply to register them as British citizens, provided they meet the necessary criteria, including the "good character" requirement for those over 10 years old. The registration process for children is similar to that for adults but uses a different form.

What are British citizenship fees?

Applying for British citizenship involves several fees, which can add up significantly. The primary application fee for adults is £1,580, while the fee for children is £1,214. You will also need to pay £50 for the Life in the UK Test, £19.20 for fingerprinting, and around £150 for an English language test.

These fees are generally non-refundable, even if your application is unsuccessful. So, it’s wise to double-check that you meet all the eligibility requirements and submit a complete and verified application. It’s Britain we’re talking about, so being thorough is never a trivial issue.

What if your application is rejected?

If your application for British citizenship is rejected, you cannot appeal the decision, as there is no legal right to do so under the British Nationality Act 1981. However, you have two options: ask the Home Office to reconsider the decision if you think a mistake was made in the decision process, or submit a new application addressing any issues that caused the no-go. Both options involve additional fees with no guarantee of approval, so it can be a good idea to seek legal advice in the first place.

Talk to an immigration expert

The first step towards getting British citizenship is moving to the UK. One of the best ways to do this is to find a job with a UK-based employer who can support you through the process. Immigration consultants can help you with your visa questions and guide you along the way.

Connect with us so we can point you to the right consultants. You can also check out our job board to explore employers offering jobs with relocation opportunities.

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