Applying for British Citizenship by Naturalisation
How to apply for British citizenship through naturalisation, including eligibility requirements and the application process.
ਸੰਖੇਪ ਜਾਣਕਾਰੀ
Naturalisation is the process by which a foreign national becomes a British citizen. The requirements are set out in s.6 and Schedule 1 of the British Nationality Act 1981. You must meet residence requirements, be of good character, have sufficient knowledge of English (or Welsh or Scottish Gaelic), and intend to continue living in the UK. Once granted, citizenship is normally permanent.
ਇਹ ਪ੍ਰਕਿਰਿਆ ਕੌਣ ਵਰਤ ਸਕਦਾ ਹੈ
- You are aged 18 or over
- You have lived in the UK for at least 5 years (3 years if married to/civil partner of a British citizen)
- You have had indefinite leave to remain (settled status) for at least 12 months
- You meet the good character requirement
- You have sufficient knowledge of English and life in the UK (Life in the UK Test)
- You intend to continue to live in the UK (or work for the Crown or an international organisation)
ਕਦਮ-ਦਰ-ਕਦਮ ਪ੍ਰਕਿਰਿਆ
Check eligibility and residence requirements
You must have been resident in the UK for 5 years (3 if spouse of British citizen) with no more than 450 days' absence (270 for spouse route). You must have had ILR/settled status for at least 12 months and not been absent for more than 90 days in that final year.
- Use the Home Office residence calculator
- Days of absence are calculated strictly
- Some absences may be disregarded in exceptional circumstances
Pass the Life in the UK Test
You must pass the Life in the UK Test, a computer-based test of 24 multiple-choice questions on British traditions, customs, history, and values. The pass mark is 75% (18/24). You are exempt if under 18 or over 65, or have a physical or mental condition.
- Study the official handbook 'Life in the United Kingdom'
- The test costs £50 and can be booked online
- You can retake it if you fail (after 7 days)
Submit application (Form AN)
Complete form AN and submit it online with supporting documents, including passport, BRP, Life in the UK Test pass notification, English language evidence, and two referees' declarations. Pay the application fee.
- The fee is £1,580 (as at 2026)
- You need two referees who have known you for 3+ years
- Biometric enrolment is required
Good character assessment
The Home Office assesses your good character. Factors include criminal convictions, financial soundness, immigration history, and deception. Minor offences may not prevent citizenship, but serious or recent offences likely will.
- Disclose all convictions including spent ones
- Tax evasion and dishonesty are relevant
- Immigration breaches are considered
Attend citizenship ceremony
If approved, you must attend a citizenship ceremony within 3 months. You will make an oath or affirmation of allegiance and a pledge of loyalty. You receive your certificate of British citizenship at the ceremony.
- Ceremonies are arranged by your local council
- You can bring guests
- Your citizenship is effective from the date of the ceremony
ਖਰਚੇ
ਮਹੱਤਵਪੂਰਨ ਚੇਤਾਵਨੀਆਂ
Once you become a British citizen, you may lose your previous nationality — check the laws of your country of origin.
False statements or concealment of material facts in the application can result in deprivation of citizenship.
The Home Office may refuse on good character grounds even for relatively minor matters — seek legal advice if unsure.