Becoming a British citizen means you can live and work in the UK without restrictions. You can get a British passport, vote in elections, and use public services like the NHS and schools.
British Citizenship requirements
Below are the main requirements for British citizenship and the different ways you might be eligible.
Who can apply?
To qualify for British citizenship through naturalization, you must meet the following requirements:
- Be aged 18 or over
- Be of sound mind
- Intend to continue living in the UK, or continue in Crown service, international organisation service, or service of a UK-established company
- Be able to communicate in English, Welsh or Scottish Gaelic to an acceptable degree
- Have sufficient knowledge of life in the UK
- Be of good character
- Have lived legally in the UK for at least 10 years
Other ways to qualify
You might also qualify if you:
- Have a British parent
- Have another type of British nationality
- Have no other nationality (stateless)
- Gave up British citizenship before and want it back
- Are a Commonwealth citizen who came to the UK before 1973 or whose parents did, and have lived in the UK for the last 2 years
Residential requirements
To meet the residential requirements for naturalization, you must have:
- Have lived in the UK for at least 5 years
- Have been in the UK exactly 5 years before you apply
- Not have spent over 450 days outside the UK in those 5 years
- Not have spent over 90 days outside the UK in the last year
- Not have broken immigration rules in the last 10 years
Children and British Citizenship
Children under 18 can apply with a parent. They don’t need to meet any residency requirements. If they turn 18 before applying, they must meet the adult rules.
If a child was born when a parent was already a British citizen or had Indefinite Leave to Remain, the child is likely already British and can apply directly for a passport.