British Citizenship – Naturalisation

You must be of sound mind so that you understand the implications of becoming a British citizen. In some circumstances, this requirement may be overlooked if it is in the applicant’s best interests. If you are applying on behalf of someone who is not of sound mind and for whom you are responsible, you can provide details of their medical condition and your role as their caregiver when you apply.

Yes. The requirements differ slightly depending on whether you apply under section 6(1) or section 6(2) of the British Nationality Act 1981.

Before applying, you should meet the following requirements:

• You are aged 18 or over when you apply.
• You are of sound mind and understand the step you are taking.
• You have lived in the UK for at least 5 years before applying.
• You were physically present in the UK, the Isle of Man or the Channel Islands on the day 5 years before the Home Office receives your application.
• You have not been in breach of immigration laws during the 5-year qualifying period. This may be assumed if you have indefinite leave to enter or remain in the UK.
• You are free from immigration time restrictions on the date of application and have been free from those restrictions for the 12 months before applying.
• You have not spent more than 450 days outside the UK during the 5-year qualifying period, subject to the guidance on absences.
• You have not spent more than 90 days outside the UK during the 12 months before applying, subject to the guidance on absences.
• You intend to continue living in the UK, or to continue in Crown service, in the service of an international organisation of which the UK is a member, or in the service of a company or association established in the UK.
• You have passed the Life in the UK test.
• You can communicate in English, Welsh or Scottish Gaelic to an acceptable level.
• You are of good character.

In special circumstances, discretion may be exercised over absences, presence in the UK on the first day of the qualifying period, and immigration time restrictions during the final 12 months. You should explain any special circumstances when you apply, with reference to the relevant guidance.

Yes. The section on Crown and Designated Service explains alternative routes for people in those types of service.

You will need to provide evidence that your spouse or civil partner is a British citizen, such as their current passport or naturalisation or registration certificate. You must also provide your marriage certificate or civil partnership certificate.

Before applying, you should meet the following requirements:

• You are aged 18 or over when you apply.
• You are of sound mind and understand the step you are taking.
• You are married to, or the civil partner of, a British citizen on the date of application.
• You have lived in the UK for at least 3 years before applying.
• You were physically present in England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland, the Isle of Man or the Channel Islands on the day 3 years before the Home Office receives your application.
• You are free from immigration time restrictions on the date of application.
• You have not been in breach of immigration laws during the 3-year qualifying period. This may be assumed if you have indefinite leave to enter or remain in the UK.
• You have not spent more than 270 days outside the UK during the 3-year qualifying period, subject to the guidance on absences.
• You have not spent more than 90 days outside the UK during the 12 months before applying, subject to the guidance on absences.
• You have passed the Life in the UK test.
• You can communicate in English, Welsh or Scottish Gaelic to an acceptable level.
• You are of good character.

In special circumstances, discretion may be exercised over excess absences and the requirement to have been in the UK on the first day of the qualifying period. If you do not meet the residence requirements but believe special circumstances apply, you should explain them when you apply and consider the relevant caseworker guidance.

Yes. If you are in Crown service or specially designated service, or if you are married to or the civil partner of a British citizen in Crown or designated service, you should refer to the section on Crown and Designated Service for alternative ways you may qualify.