British citizenship by naturalisation

Naturalisation as a British citizen normally requires lawful residence in the UK for at least five years, holding indefinite leave or settled status for at least twelve months before applying, meeting the residence and absence requirements, satisfying the knowledge of language and life requirement, and being of good character.

Applicants married to a British citizen can normally apply as soon as they hold indefinite leave or settled status, without the additional twelve-month wait.

There are limits on absences across the qualifying period and in the final twelve months, and a requirement to have been in the UK on the date five years, or three years, before the application.

Discretion exists to overlook excess absences in some circumstances, but it is exercised against published criteria and needs to be requested with reasons rather than assumed.

Good character covers criminality, including motoring and fixed penalty matters, financial affairs such as tax and bankruptcy, immigration history including overstaying and illegal working, and honesty in previous dealings with the Home Office.

Non-disclosure is treated more seriously than the underlying issue in many cases. Where there is history, the application should address it openly and with evidence.

Successful applicants attend a citizenship ceremony and take the oath and pledge before the certificate takes effect. A first British passport can then be applied for.

Whether you can keep your existing nationality depends on the law of that country, not on UK law.