How To Apply for British Citizenship

Check if you meet the citizenship requirements

There are 5 basic requirements to apply for British citizenship through naturalisation that most candidates must meet.

• Be over 18 years old
• Be of “good character”. Generally, this means not having committed any serious crimes or immigration fraud.
• Be currently living in the UK
• Meet the English language requirements
• Pass the “Life in the UK” test

These are the general requirements for naturalisation, but most applicants must also have:

• Lived in the UK for at least 5 years, without an absence longer than 450 days
• Travelled outside of the UK for no more than 90 days in the last year
• UK permanent residence (for EEA nationals) or been granted indefinite leave to stay in the UK (you must have had this for at least 1 year)

Spouses and civil partners of British citizens may have different requirements.

Prepare your application for British citizenship

There are 3 ways to prepare your application for naturalisation:

• Submit an individual application
• Apply through a National Checking Service (NCS)
• Apply through an agent or representative

If you decide to apply on your own, you must complete Form AN. Immigration Direct can help you prepare and submit this application!

Complete Biometrics

As a part of the application process, you are required to provide biometric information (fingerprints and photo) at a cost of £19.20. After you submit your application, the Home Office will tell you when to provide this information.

Submit Your Application

Once your Form AN, Application for Naturalisation is complete, you will need to send it along with the fee and supporting documents to:

If you are overseas, you should send your application to UK Visas and Immigration:

Wait for a decision

It can take 6 months or longer for a decision to be made on your application. Once a decision is made, or if any further information is needed from you, you will be contacted by UK Visas and Immigration.

Attend a Citizenship Ceremony and officially become a British citizen!

If you’re application is approved, you’ll be invited to attend a Citizenship Ceremony. At the ceremony, you’ll make an Oath of Allegiance to the UK, promising to respect the its rights, freedoms and laws. Then, you’ll be presented with your Certificate of British Citizenship!