British Citizenship

Becoming a British Citizen could be one of the more important decisions of a lifetime. We have put this simple guide together to help you during the process.

Generally, applicants are eligible to apply for British citizenship following a period of Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or Permanent Residence (PR) in the UK. When a person obtains British Citizenship, he/she will no longer be subject to any immigration restrictions in the UK. Additionally, a British individual can also travel, live and work anywhere around the European Economic Area (EEA).

European nationals holding Permanent Residence in the UK for a year can apply for British Citizenship. Other foreign nationals can apply for British Citizenship once they hold their Indefinite Leave to Remain for 12 months. Please note that if the applicant is married or in a civil partnership with a British National the requirements are different. 

Requirements for applicants who are not married to a British Citizen:

  • Have been in the UK for at least 5 years.
  • Have Permanent Residence or Indefinite Leave to Remain for a year.
  • Not have been absent for more than 450 days in that period.
  • Not have been absent for more than 90 days in the 12 months before application.
  • Be of good character.
  • Pass the Life in the UK test.
  • Have sufficient knowledge of English, Welsh or Gaelic.
  • Have an intention to live in the UK.

Requirements for applicants who are married to a British Citizen:

  • Have been in the UK for at least 3 years.
  • Have Permanent Residence or Indefinite Leave to Remain on the date of application.
  • Not have been absent from the UK for more than 270 days in those 3 years.
  • Not have been absent from the UK for more than 90 days in 12 months before application.
  • Be of good character.
  • Pass the Life in the UK test.
  • Have sufficient knowledge of English, Welsh or Gaelic.
  • Have an intention to live in the UK.

There are 3 ways to apply for British citizenship by naturalisation:

  • Make an individual application
  • Use the Nationality Checking Service (NCS)
  • Use an agent or representative like us.

Important links:

  • You can find the Form AN and guidance to do this application here
  • You can find information about the exam “Life in the UK” here, you can book your exam here
  • You can find information about the English requirement here, you can book your exam here

Fees: 

Currently, the price of the Naturalisation application is £1330, plus you will have to consider the price of the “Life in the UK” (£50) and the English examinations (£150).

How Long Does It Take?

Once you have submitted your application the process normally takes about 3 months, at the end of the process you will get an invitation to attend a Naturalisation Ceremony in which you will receive your Certificate of Naturalisation, and congratulations, you are now a British Citizen.

Can We Help You?

We have the experience to advise and represent you during the process to make the application as smooth as possible. We have an established reputation for processing naturalisation applications. Please see our client’s reviews and do not hesitate to contact us if you have any question.

The initial assessment by appointment is chargeable at a fixed rate of £120.00.

Please visit our Testimonials Section and our Facebook page to see our client’s feedback and reviews.

To see our Fee Scale please click here.

To see our Complaint Procedure please click here.