British citizenship

While Indefinite leave to remain allows UK settled residents to live, work, study, claim benefits and bring family, the British citizenship provides applicants with a legal status with full set of rights, freedoms and obligations, such as the right to vote, stand in elections, to serve on juries or in the British army.

There are different ways to apply for British citizenship.

Marriage or civil partnership with a British citizen

You can apply for British citizenship after living 3 continuous years in the UK prior to application. In order to qualify for the citizenship application, you will need indefinite leave to remain (ILR) or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme. You do not need to meet the 12 months requirement of residing under the ILR and can apply for a British passport straightaway.

Requirements

Be 18 or over
Be married to or the civil partner of a British citizen
Prove your knowledge of the English language
Pass the Life in the UK test
Reside in the UK for a minimum of 3 years
You must not have had more than 270 days outside the UK in the 3-year period before making the application
You must not have had more than 90 days outside the UK in the 12-month period before making the application

Indefinite leave to remain (ILR)

You have a right to apply for a British passport after you have lived in the UK for 12 months since the date of being granted the indefinite leave to remain. The same goes for applicants who reside in the UK under EU settled status.

Requirements

Be 18 or over
Prove your knowledge of the English language
Pass the Life in the UK test
Reside in the UK for a minimum of 5 years
You must not have had more than 450 days outside the UK in the 5-year period
You must not have had more than 90 days outside the UK in the 12-month period
Have had indefinite leave to remain / settled status / indefinite leave to enter for 12 months

Processing time and fees

Application fee for British citizenship costs £1,330 to apply. The general processing period is 6 months. You will also need to attend a citizenship ceremony if your application is successful.

Quick Consultation Form

Would you like to learn more about this visa or find out which UK immigration route best suits your needs? Speak to us at +44 (0) 020 808 73583 or fill out our Quick Consultation form.