Naturalisation as a British citizen is the most common route for adult migrants to become British. It allows individuals who have made the UK their permanent home to apply for British nationality, subject to meeting specific eligibility criteria under the British Nationality Act 1981. Naturalising as a British citizen is a significant milestone for anyone seeking to settle permanently in the UK.
Naturalisation is a discretionary process by which the Home Office grants British citizenship to adults who meet the required criteria. Once naturalised, you can apply for a British passport and enjoy full rights as a British citizen, including the right to vote and access public services.
You can apply for naturalisation as a British citizen by completing the online application form AN on the Home Office UKVI website. To apply for naturalisation, you must satisfy the legal requirements, which differ slightly depending on whether or not you are married to a British citizen.
At Premium Solicitors, our team of expert immigration solicitors in London and Birmingham provides clear advice and reliable legal representation for naturalisation applications. We ensure your application is thoroughly prepared to maximise your chances of success. Our experienced nationality law solicitors in London and Birmingham provide expert legal advice and representation to maximise your chances of a successful outcome.
Ready to become a British citizen? Please speak to our specialist team of immigration solicitors on 020 3930 3900 today.
- Page Contents
- Ask a Question for Free Immigration Advice
- Applications for Naturalisation as a British Citizen
- Requirements - If Married to a British Citizen
- Requirements - If Not Married to a British Citizen
- Requirements - If You are a Member of HM Forces
- Requirements - Naturalisation based on Crown Service
- Our Team of Immigration Solicitors
- Book An Appointment
- Get a Fixed Fee Quote
- Frequently Asked Questions
Ask a Question for Free Advice
Our dedicated team of UK immigration solicitors and lawyers in London specialises in applications for naturalisation as a British Citizen. We offer one-time free immigration advice online to address your specific enquiries about naturalisation applications. You can either call our free immigration advice helpline, 0044 20 3930 3900, to simply ask a question to our specialist UK immigration solicitors in London for fast and friendly free immigration advice and consultation, or you can schedule an appointment online for comprehensive and detailed immigration advice & consultation with one of our top-rated UK immigration solicitors and lawyers.
Applications for Naturalisation as a British Citizen
The following are various applications for naturalisation as a British Citizen for which our specialist team of UK immigration solicitors can provide expert legal services:
- Naturalisation as a British Citizen after the ILR Grant
- Naturalisation as a British Citizen as a Member of HM Forces
- Naturalisation as a British Citizen based on Crown Service
Requirements - If You Are Not Married to a British Citizen
To qualify for naturalisation as a British Citizen if you are not married to a British Citizen, you must show that you have:
- Lived in the UK lawfully for at least 5 years before the date of your application
- Held Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or settled status for at least 12 months
- Not been absent from the UK for more than 450 days in the 5-year period and no more than 90 days in the last 12 months
- Passed the Life in the UK Test, unless exempt
- Met the required level of English language proficiency, unless exempt
- Good character, with no serious immigration or criminal issues
Requirements - If You Are Married to a British Citizen
To qualify for naturalisation as a British Citizen if you are married to a British Citizen, you must show that you have:
- Lived in the UK lawfully for at least 3 years
- Held ILR or settled status on the date of the application (12 months not required)
- Not been absent from the UK for more than 270 days in the 3-year period and no more than 90 days in the last 12 months
- Passed the Life in the UK Test
- Met the required English language level
- Met the good character
Requirements - If You Are a Member of HM Forces
The requirements to be satisfied for naturalisation as a British Citizen by a member or ex-member of the British Armed Forces include the following:
- The applicant should be free of immigration time restrictions on the date the application for naturalisation as a British Citizen is made to the Home Office, UKVI.
- The applicant must have lived in the UK continuously for 5 years preceding the date of application for naturalisation as a British Citizen.
- The applicant should meet the good character requirement in the same way as all other applicants for naturalisation are required to meet.
- The applicant must meet the requirements of Knowledge of Life in the UK and the English Language.
Requirements - If You Are Applying Based on Crown Service
You can apply for naturalisation as a British Citizen under s.6(1) of the British Nationality Act 1981, based on Crown service abroad, and you have to meet the requirements of good character, language and future intentions. However, it is consistent with the principles of the BNA 1981 that applicants in Crown service abroad should also demonstrate that their service and connections with the United Kingdom are such as to justify the Home Secretary exercising their discretion and naturalising them. The relevant factors of Crown Service include the:
- Quality of service
- Connections with the UK
- Rank or grade
- Loyalty
- Length of service
Our Team of Leading British Nationality Solicitors in London
Premium Solicitors Ltd is a London-based law firm specialising in providing high-quality legal services to individuals seeking to apply for naturalisation as a British Citizen. Their expertise in immigration law ensures that clients receive personalised and thorough assistance throughout the immigration application process. The firm is particularly skilled in handling complex immigration cases. Their in-depth knowledge of UK immigration law allows them to navigate these challenges effectively, increasing the likelihood of a successful outcome.
Premium Solicitors Ltd is renowned for its client-focused approach, providing clear communication and support throughout the entire process. They understand the emotional and financial stress involved in UK immigration matters and work diligently to alleviate these concerns by providing transparent and reliable legal services. By choosing Premium Solicitors Ltd, clients benefit from a high level of expertise and a commitment to achieving the best possible results for their UK immigration applications. The firm’s reputation for thoroughness, professionalism, and success makes it a top choice for individuals seeking to apply for naturalisation as a British Citizen.
The exceptional quality of our UK visa and immigration services is reflected in our 5-star Google Reviews rating, with 99% of our clients expressing their satisfaction. Our dedicated team of London-based UK immigration solicitors is available 7 days a week, 365 days a year, providing unwavering dedication and outstanding legal support for all types of naturalisation applications.
At Premium Solicitors, located in the heart of London, we pride ourselves on offering unparalleled UK immigration services through our team of dedicated and specialist immigration solicitors. Our team comprises experienced professionals with a deep understanding of the complexities involved in UK immigration laws. This expertise allows us to provide bespoke solutions tailored to each client's unique circumstances.
Meet Our Key Team of Naturalisation Solicitors:
Arshad Mahmood
Specialist UK Immigration Solicitor with over 20 years experience
Tushita Scalzullo
Specialist UK Immigration Solicitor
Nargis Khodadady
Specialist UK Immigration Solicitor
Asad Malik
Specialist UK Immigration Solicitor
Alina Rizvi
Specialist UK Immigration Solicitor
Victoria Gbenoba
Specialist UK Immigration SolicitorIf you are in need of expert immigration advice and representation for your application for naturalisation as a British Citizen, look no further than Premium Solicitors in London. Our team of seasoned UK immigration solicitors is here to provide you with the professional support you need to navigate the complexities of your naturalisation application. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards achieving your goals of naturalising as a British Citizen. At Premium Solicitors, your successful naturalisation application is our top priority. Let our expertise be your advantage.
Schedule Your Consultation With Our British Nationality Solicitors
Looking for the best immigration advice and consultation for your naturalisation application? Our team of leading British Citizenship solicitors for UK visas are ready to give specialist legal advice for your naturalisation application. Our expert team of British nationality solicitors and advisors can provide comprehensive and detailed immigration advice and consultation face-to-face in our offices in London or Birmingham or virtually through Zoom, Skype, Microsoft Teams or Phone etc. Book your appointment today with one of our experienced British nationality solicitors using the appointment booking link provided below:
Get a Fixed Fee Quote for Your UK Visa and Immigration Matter
At Premium Solicitors, we are committed to transparency and clarity. That’s why we offer fixed-fee quotes for all our specialist UK visa and immigration services, with no hidden costs.
Ready to begin? Click the link below to request a personalised fixed-fee quote tailored to your immigration needs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Below are some frequently asked questions to help you understand the requirements and process for becoming a British citizen through naturalisation:
Naturalisation is the legal process by which a non-British adult voluntarily becomes a British citizen. It is the most common route to British citizenship for foreign nationals.
You may apply if you are aged 18 or over and meet the requirements, including residence, good character, English language proficiency, and knowledge of life in the UK.
If you are not married to a British Citizen, you must have lived in the UK for at least 5 years before applying, and must not have been absent from the UK for more than:
- 450 days in the last 5 years
- 90 days in the last 12 months
If you are married to or in a civil partnership with a British citizen, you only need to have lived in the UK for 3 years. If you are married to a British Citizen, you must have lived in the UK for at least 3 years before applying, and must not have been absent from the UK for more than:
- 270 days in the last 3 years
- 90 days in the last 12 months
Yes. You must hold ILR (or Settled Status under the EU Settlement Scheme) for at least 12 months before applying — unless you are married to a British citizen, in which case you can apply as soon as you are granted ILR or Settled Status.
However, if you are applying for naturalisation as a Member of HM Forces or based on Crown Service, there is no requirement to have ILR before applying.
To qualify for naturalisation as a British Citizen, you must prove your knowledge of English at level B1 in listening and speaking only and pass the Life in the UK Test, which assesses your understanding of British history, culture, and values.
You must not have a serious or recent criminal record, immigration breaches, or deception in previous applications. The Home Office assesses your good character requirement as per the UKVI guidance on good character.
Applications for naturalisation as a British Citizen are made online using Form AN. You must provide supporting documents, attend a biometric appointment, and pay the applicable fee.
Most applications for naturalisation are decided within 3 to 6 months, but processing times can vary depending on the complexity of your case.
Yes. If your application is approved, you must attend a citizenship ceremony to receive your certificate of naturalisation.
Yes, the UK allows dual nationality. However, you should check whether your home country permits dual citizenship before applying.
If your application for naturalisation as a British Citizen is refused, you can request a reconsideration of your nationality application refusal if you believe an error was made.