Naturalisation
Naturalisation is the legal process by which a foreign national becomes a British citizen. For most sponsored workers, the path runs through Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) first — once you have held ILR for at least 12 months and meet the residency requirements, you can apply.
In This Article
- What is naturalisation?
- Eligibility requirements
- Residency and absence rules
- The good character requirement
- How to apply
- Naturalisation vs ILR
- Frequently asked questions
- Related terms
What Is Naturalisation?
Naturalisation is the formal process through which a person who was not born British acquires British citizenship. It is governed by the British Nationality Act 1981 and administered by the Home Office.
For the typical sponsored worker journey, the path looks like this:
- Skilled Worker visa — 5 years of continuous residence
- Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) — permanent settlement
- Naturalisation — British citizenship, after holding ILR for at least 12 months
British citizenship is the final step. Unlike ILR, it cannot be lost through absence, it gives you the right to vote in all elections, and it entitles you to a British passport. For many, this is the long-term goal from the moment they first apply for a work visa.
Eligibility Requirements
To naturalise as a British citizen, you must meet all of the following:
- Age 18 or over at the time of application
- Hold ILR or settled status (EU Settlement Scheme) — you must have been free of immigration time limits for at least 12 months before applying
- 5 years' continuous residence in the UK (the "qualifying period"), ending on the date of application
- Met the absence limits during those 5 years (see below)
- Good character — no serious criminal convictions, tax defaults, or immigration breaches
- Knowledge of Life in the UK — passed the Life in the UK test (the same test required for ILR, and the same certificate is re-usable)
- English language — demonstrated at CEFR B1 level or above (again, the same evidence used for ILR is accepted)
Residency and Absence Rules
The residency rules for naturalisation are stricter than for ILR:
| Rule | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Qualifying period | 5 years ending on the date of application |
| Maximum total absences | 450 days in the 5-year period |
| Maximum absences in final year | 90 days in the 12 months before application |
| Must hold ILR/settled status for | At least 12 months before application |
| Must have been in UK on | The date exactly 5 years before application |
The Home Office has discretion to overlook minor breaches (going a few days over the limit, for example, because of a family emergency) where there is a reasonable explanation. Significant breaches, however, will result in refusal.
Practical example: If you obtained ILR after 5 years on a Skilled Worker visa, you can apply for naturalisation 12 months later — meaning the earliest possible naturalisation is after approximately 6 years in the UK.
The Good Character Requirement
The Home Office assesses whether you are of "good character" based on a range of factors. The bar is set for serious concerns, not minor infractions:
- Criminal convictions — Any custodial sentence of 4+ years is an automatic bar. Sentences of 12 months to 4 years require a 15-year wait. Lesser offences are assessed case by case.
- Tax compliance — Outstanding tax debts or deliberate evasion can lead to refusal. A missed self-assessment deadline on its own is unlikely to cause problems, but a pattern of non-compliance will.
- Immigration history — Overstaying, illegal working, or deception in previous applications are taken very seriously.
- Financial soundness — Bankruptcy or a Debt Relief Order does not automatically bar you, but the Home Office will consider it.
- General conduct — Involvement in war crimes, terrorism, or activities deemed not conducive to the public good is an absolute bar.
The vast majority of applicants with a clean record and no immigration breaches pass this assessment without difficulty.
How to Apply
Naturalisation applications are submitted using Form AN (for applicants based on residence) or Form AN (spouse/partner) if married to or in a civil partnership with a British citizen, which has a shorter qualifying period of 3 years.
Steps:
- Complete the online application on the gov.uk website
- Pay the fee — currently £1,580 per adult (includes a £80 citizenship ceremony fee)
- Submit supporting documents — passport, BRP/eVisa evidence, Life in the UK test certificate, English language evidence, and two referees
- Attend a biometric appointment if required
- Wait for a decision — typically within 6 months
- Attend a citizenship ceremony — held at your local council within 3 months of approval. You take the Oath of Allegiance and Pledge of Loyalty, and receive your certificate of British citizenship.
You can apply for a British passport immediately after receiving your naturalisation certificate.
Naturalisation vs ILR
| Feature | ILR | Naturalisation (British Citizenship) |
|---|---|---|
| Right to live in UK | Permanent (unless lapses) | Permanent — cannot be lost |
| Right to vote | Local elections only | All elections (general, local, referendums) |
| British passport | No | Yes |
| Can be lost through absence? | Yes — lapses after 2+ years abroad | No |
| Can be revoked? | Yes (deception, criminal) | Only if obtained by fraud, and extremely rare |
| Jury service | No obligation | Yes — eligible and may be called |
| Application fee | £2,885 | £1,580 |
| Dual nationality | N/A (you keep your original) | Permitted by UK (check your home country) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I hold dual nationality as a British citizen?
Yes — the UK allows dual (and multiple) nationality. You do not need to give up your existing citizenship to become British. However, check your home country's rules — some countries do not permit dual nationality and may revoke your original citizenship if you naturalise elsewhere.
How long does the naturalisation application take?
The Home Office aims to process most naturalisation applications within 6 months of receipt. Complex cases — particularly those involving character concerns, extensive travel history, or overseas criminal record checks — can take longer. There is no priority or expedited service for naturalisation.
Can my children become British if I naturalise?
Children born in the UK after a parent becomes a British citizen (or obtains ILR) are automatically British. Children born before that point can be registered as British citizens using Form MN1 — this is a separate application with its own fee.
Can a naturalisation application be refused?
Yes. Common reasons include failing the good character requirement (criminal convictions, tax evasion, immigration breaches), exceeding absence limits, not meeting the residency qualifying period, or providing false information. There is no formal right of appeal against refusal, but you can re-apply once the issue is resolved.
Related Terms
- Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)
- Secure English Language Test (SELT)
- Skilled Worker Visa
- Leave to Remain (LTR)
Planning your long-term future in the UK? Start with a sponsored role and work towards citizenship. Search visa-sponsored jobs →