British Citizenship

Your future in the UK starts here. Our legal experts simplify the immigration process, ensuring a smooth transition.

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What is British Citizenship? 

British (UK) citizenship allows you to live, work, and remain in the UK permanently without immigration restrictions. Once granted, you can apply for a British passport, vote in UK elections, and enjoy the full rights of a British citizen. It’s typically the final step after indefinite leave to remain (ILR) or settled status in the UK, completing your path to full integration into British society. If you live in the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man or a British overseas territory, you have to apply by post or in person instead.

Who is British Citizenship for? 

You may able to apply for citizenship if:

You have held indefinite leave to remain (ILR) or settled status for at least 12 months

You have held indefinite leave to remain (ILR) or settled status for at least 12 months

You have held indefinite leave to remain (ILR) or settled status for at least 12 months

You have held indefinite leave to remain (ILR) or settled status for at least 12 months

You are married to a British citizen and meet residency and marriage-based requirements

You are married to a British citizen and meet residency and marriage-based requirements

You are married to a British citizen and meet residency and marriage-based requirements

You are married to a British citizen and meet residency and marriage-based requirements

You were born in the UK or are eligible British Citizenship by descent born outside the UK or registration

You were born in the UK or are eligible British Citizenship by descent born outside the UK or registration

You were born in the UK or are eligible British Citizenship by descent born outside the UK or registration

You were born in the UK or are eligible British Citizenship by descent born outside the UK or registration

You meet the good character requirement, have passed the Life in the UK Test, and meet the English language requirement

You meet the good character requirement, have passed the Life in the UK Test, and meet the English language requirement

You meet the good character requirement, have passed the Life in the UK Test, and meet the English language requirement

You meet the good character requirement, have passed the Life in the UK Test, and meet the English language requirement

Each route to citizenship in the UK depends on your background and immigration status. We help you understand and follow the correct application path.

What is the British Citizenship Application Process Like? 

The British citizenship application process varies based on your eligibility route. However, the general process involves:

Step-by-Step:

  1. Check Your Eligibility

    • Ensure you hold ILR, settled status, or qualify through British Citizenship by birth, marriage, or descent

    • Confirm you meet the residency, language, and good character requirements

  2. Prepare Your Application

    • Collect relevant documents (ILR or settled status proof, passports, marriage certificates if applicable)

    • Take and pass the Life in the UK test

    • Meet the English language requirement

  3. Submit the Application Form

    • Apply online using the official British citizenship application form

    • Pay the application fee and schedule your biometric appointment

  4. Await Home Office Decision

    • Processing usually takes 3–6 months

    • You will receive a letter confirming the result of your application for British Citizenship

  5. Attend the Citizenship Ceremony

    • Once approved, you’ll be invited to attend a citizenship ceremony

    • After the ceremony, you will receive your certificate of naturalisation

What Are the British Citizenship Requirements? 

Check if you are Eligible to apply for British citizenship, you must meet key legal and residency requirements.

1. Residence Requirements

Entered the UK through Visa and Settled in the UK for at least 5 years (or 3 years if married to a British citizen)

Entered the UK through Visa and Settled in the UK for at least 5 years (or 3 years if married to a British citizen)

Entered the UK through Visa and Settled in the UK for at least 5 years (or 3 years if married to a British citizen)

Entered the UK through Visa and Settled in the UK for at least 5 years (or 3 years if married to a British citizen)

Not been outside the UK for more than 450 days in 5 years or 90 days in the last year

Not been outside the UK for more than 450 days in 5 years or 90 days in the last year

Not been outside the UK for more than 450 days in 5 years or 90 days in the last year

Not been outside the UK for more than 450 days in 5 years or 90 days in the last year

You have not been outside the UK for more than 6 months in any 12-month period

You have not been outside the UK for more than 6 months in any 12-month period

You have not been outside the UK for more than 6 months in any 12-month period

You have not been outside the UK for more than 6 months in any 12-month period

2. Immigration Status

Hold indefinite leave to remain, settled status, or permanent residence

Hold indefinite leave to remain, settled status, or permanent residence

Hold indefinite leave to remain, settled status, or permanent residence

Hold indefinite leave to remain, settled status, or permanent residence

Must have held ILR or settled status for at least 12 months before applying, unless married to a British citizen

Must have held ILR or settled status for at least 12 months before applying, unless married to a British citizen

Must have held ILR or settled status for at least 12 months before applying, unless married to a British citizen

Must have held ILR or settled status for at least 12 months before applying, unless married to a British citizen

3. Life in the UK Test (British Citizenship Test)

Pass the Life in the UK Test, which covers British history, culture, and laws

Pass the Life in the UK Test, which covers British history, culture, and laws

Pass the Life in the UK Test, which covers British history, culture, and laws

Pass the Life in the UK Test, which covers British history, culture, and laws

If you have already passed the Life in the UK test as part of your application for indefinite leave to remain, you will not need to take the test again for your citizenship application.

If you have already passed the Life in the UK test as part of your application for indefinite leave to remain, you will not need to take the test again for your citizenship application.

If you have already passed the Life in the UK test as part of your application for indefinite leave to remain, you will not need to take the test again for your citizenship application.

If you have already passed the Life in the UK test as part of your application for indefinite leave to remain, you will not need to take the test again for your citizenship application.

4. English Language Requirement

Meet the English language requirement through an approved language test, a UK degree, or British nationality exemptions

Meet the English language requirement through an approved language test, a UK degree, or British nationality exemptions

Meet the English language requirement through an approved language test, a UK degree, or British nationality exemptions

Meet the English language requirement through an approved language test, a UK degree, or British nationality exemptions

5. Good Character Requirement

You must have no serious criminal record, immigration violations, or tax issues

You must have no serious criminal record, immigration violations, or tax issues

You must have no serious criminal record, immigration violations, or tax issues

You must have no serious criminal record, immigration violations, or tax issues

The Home Office reviews your background thoroughly

The Home Office reviews your background thoroughly

The Home Office reviews your background thoroughly

The Home Office reviews your background thoroughly

Key Benefits of British Citizenship

Becoming a British citizen provides a number of important benefits:

Stay in the UK and work in the UK permanently

Stay in the UK and work in the UK permanently

Stay in the UK and work in the UK permanently

Stay in the UK and work in the UK permanently

Access to a British passport

Access to a British passport

Access to a British passport

Access to a British passport

No immigration restrictions

No immigration restrictions

No immigration restrictions

No immigration restrictions

Right to vote and run for public office

Right to vote and run for public office

Right to vote and run for public office

Right to vote and run for public office

Right to pass British citizenship to your children

Right to pass British citizenship to your children

Right to pass British citizenship to your children

Right to pass British citizenship to your children

Easier international travel as a British national

Easier international travel as a British national

Easier international travel as a British national

Easier international travel as a British national

Citizenship is the final step in settlement in the UK, offering lifelong security and belonging.

Why Choose Bekenbey?

Bekenbey Immigration offers expert help for individuals applying for British citizenship, whether through applying for naturalisation, citizenship by marriage, British Citizen by birth, or British Citizen by descent.

Our team of immigration solicitors provides:

  • Clear advice on eligibility and timing

  • Step-by-step help preparing and submitting your citizenship application

  • Full document checklist and review

  • Guidance on Life in the UK and language test preparation

  • Support for complex cases including refusals or dual nationality concerns

Apply for British Citizenship Today with Bekenbey

Ready to take the final step and become a British citizen?

Start your application by:

  • Verifying you meet the British citizenship requirements

  • Preparing required documents and test results

  • Scheduling your biometric appointment

  • Letting Bekenbey Immigration guide you through each step

Documents Needed

We’ve listed all the key documents required for your visa application to make your process as smooth as possible. Here are some common documents you may need to provide:

1

Your current passport

1

Your current passport

1

Your current passport

1

Your current passport

2

Biometric residence permit or proof of ILR/settled status

2

Biometric residence permit or proof of ILR/settled status

2

Biometric residence permit or proof of ILR/settled status

2

Biometric residence permit or proof of ILR/settled status

3

Proof of residence in the UK (e.g. tenancy agreements, employment letters, tax records)

3

Proof of residence in the UK (e.g. tenancy agreements, employment letters, tax records)

3

Proof of residence in the UK (e.g. tenancy agreements, employment letters, tax records)

3

Proof of residence in the UK (e.g. tenancy agreements, employment letters, tax records)

4

Marriage certificate (if applying through marriage)

4

Marriage certificate (if applying through marriage)

4

Marriage certificate (if applying through marriage)

4

Marriage certificate (if applying through marriage)

5

Life in the UK test pass certificate

5

Life in the UK test pass certificate

5

Life in the UK test pass certificate

5

Life in the UK test pass certificate

6

English language certificate

6

English language certificate

6

English language certificate

6

English language certificate

7

Details of absences from the UK

7

Details of absences from the UK

7

Details of absences from the UK

7

Details of absences from the UK

8

Two referees (one must be a professional)

8

Two referees (one must be a professional)

8

Two referees (one must be a professional)

8

Two referees (one must be a professional)

Your Immigration
Questions, Answered

Have questions about UK immigration? We’ve got you covered. If you have more questions, you can contact us.f

How long must I have lived in the UK?

At least 5 years, or 3 years if married to a British citizen, and at least 12 months of ILR or settled status.

How long must I have lived in the UK?

At least 5 years, or 3 years if married to a British citizen, and at least 12 months of ILR or settled status.

How long must I have lived in the UK?

At least 5 years, or 3 years if married to a British citizen, and at least 12 months of ILR or settled status.

How long must I have lived in the UK?

At least 5 years, or 3 years if married to a British citizen, and at least 12 months of ILR or settled status.

Do I need to take the Life in the UK Test?

Yes, unless you are exempt due to age or medical reasons.

Do I need to take the Life in the UK Test?

Yes, unless you are exempt due to age or medical reasons.

Do I need to take the Life in the UK Test?

Yes, unless you are exempt due to age or medical reasons.

Do I need to take the Life in the UK Test?

Yes, unless you are exempt due to age or medical reasons.

Can I apply for a British passport immediately?

Yes, after your citizenship ceremony, you can apply for a British passport.

Can I apply for a British passport immediately?

Yes, after your citizenship ceremony, you can apply for a British passport.

Can I apply for a British passport immediately?

Yes, after your citizenship ceremony, you can apply for a British passport.

Can I apply for a British passport immediately?

Yes, after your citizenship ceremony, you can apply for a British passport.