Most ILR holders become eligible to apply for British citizenship — naturalisation — after 12 months. You must also have been physically present in the UK for at least five years, not spent more than 450 days outside the UK in that period, and meet the good character requirement. ILR is therefore not just permanent residence: it is the final step before a British passport. For the ILR application itself, see our ILR service page and our ILR costs guide.
The 12-Month Rule
The standard rule is that you must have held ILR (or another form of settled status) for 12 months before you can apply to naturalise as a British citizen. However, if you are married to or in a civil partnership with a British citizen, the wait does not apply — you can apply for naturalisation as soon as you receive ILR, provided you meet all other requirements.
Naturalisation Requirements
- Settled status: ILR or EUSS settled status, held for 12 months (or immediately if married to a British citizen)
- Five-year residence: you must have been in the UK for at least five years, ending on the date of the application
- Absence limit: no more than 450 days outside the UK in the five-year period
- Final year absence: no more than 90 days outside the UK in the 12 months immediately before the application
- Good character: no serious criminal convictions, no deception, no significant civil penalties
- Language: English (or Welsh or Scottish Gaelic) at B1 level — usually already satisfied
- Life in the UK test: must have been passed — the ILR pass certificate is reused for the citizenship application. See our Life in the UK test guide
- Intention to remain: you must intend to continue living in the UK (or to work for the Crown or an international organisation) after naturalisation
Good Character Requirement
The good character requirement applies to all naturalisation applications and is assessed more strictly than for ILR. It covers criminal convictions (including those spent under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act, which does not apply to immigration applications), financial probity (undischarged bankruptcy, significant unpaid debts, or fraud), immigration history (previous overstays, deception in any immigration application, or use of false documents), and associations with extremist organisations.
If you have any criminal record — including cautions and fixed-penalty notices — the Home Office will assess whether it bars naturalisation or requires a waiting period. Minor historic matters do not automatically prevent citizenship, but recent convictions often do. Any deception or breach of conditions during your immigration history — even years earlier — can affect your good character assessment at naturalisation. If you had any immigration irregularity at any point, take advice before applying.
Application Process
Naturalisation applications are made using Form AN, submitted online through the UKVI portal. Unlike ILR applications, naturalisation does not require a biometric appointment at UKVCAS — instead, a ceremony is held at the end of the process.
Citizenship ceremony
If your application is approved, you will be invited to attend a citizenship ceremony at your local council. At the ceremony you make a pledge of allegiance and an oath (or affirmation) of loyalty. Only after the ceremony is your citizenship formally granted. Ceremonies are typically organised within three months of approval. Children under 18 can be included in a parent's naturalisation application and do not need to attend a separate ceremony.
Costs and Processing Times
| Item | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Naturalisation fee (adult) | £1,709 | Non-refundable if refused |
| Naturalisation fee (child) | £1,000 | Per child registered as a citizen |
| Ceremony fee | Included | Waived in some circumstances |
| Processing time | 6+ months | No priority service available for naturalisation |
There is no Priority or Super Priority service for naturalisation applications. The six-month timeframe is approximate — complex cases or periods of high volume at the Home Office take longer. There is no mechanism to accelerate the process.
Dual Nationality
The UK permits dual nationality — becoming a British citizen does not require you to give up your existing nationality. However, your country of origin may have different rules. Some countries do not permit their nationals to hold dual nationality and may automatically revoke your original citizenship if you naturalise elsewhere. Check your country's rules on dual nationality before applying for British citizenship if you wish to retain your original passport.
Common Issues on Naturalisation Applications
- Applying before the 12-month wait from ILR grant has elapsed
- Exceeding the 90-day absence limit in the final year before application
- Undisclosed convictions or cautions — all must be declared
- Gaps in the five-year residence record that are hard to document
- Children reaching 18 between application and ceremony — their status may change
If you are still working towards ILR, see our ILR requirements guide and our guide on whether you need professional help with your ILR application before starting the naturalisation process.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long after ILR can I apply for British citizenship?
Most ILR holders must wait 12 months from the grant of ILR before applying for naturalisation. If you are married to or in a civil partnership with a British citizen, the 12-month wait does not apply and you can apply immediately after receiving ILR.
Do I need to take the Life in the UK test again for citizenship?
No. If you passed the test for your ILR application, the same certificate is used for your naturalisation application. You do not need to retake the test.
What is the absence limit for citizenship applications?
No more than 450 days outside the UK in the five-year period ending on the application date, and no more than 90 days in the 12 months immediately before the application date.
Can my children be included in my naturalisation application?
Children under 18 can be registered as British citizens as part of or alongside a parent's naturalisation. The fee is £1,000 per child. Children do not need to attend a citizenship ceremony — their citizenship is granted when the application is approved.
What happens if my naturalisation application is refused?
Unlike ILR refusals, there is no right of administrative review or appeal against a naturalisation refusal on character grounds. The Home Office does not give reasons for refusals on good character grounds. You can reapply, but the same issues will arise unless circumstances have changed. Take advice before reapplying.
Need personalised advice?
This guide provides general information only. For advice tailored to your circumstances, speak to one of our immigration advisers.
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