Service
British citizenship
Advice on naturalisation and registration, including the residence requirements, good character and applications for children.
Citizenship is usually the step after settlement. Naturalisation has its own residence requirements, which are calculated differently from those for indefinite leave to remain.
The good character requirement applies throughout, and it covers more than criminal convictions.
Residence and absences
Naturalisation counts absences over a defined qualifying period, and the limits differ from those used for settlement. Being eligible for one does not automatically mean you are eligible for the other.
Good character
The good character assessment considers criminality, immigration history, financial matters such as bankruptcy and unpaid tax, and the accuracy of previous applications.
Where there is something to disclose, disclosing it properly with an explanation is generally better than hoping it is not noticed.
Children
Some children are British automatically, some have an entitlement to be registered, and others can be registered at the Home Secretary’s discretion. Establishing which applies is the first step, and it is worth doing before paying a fee.
Common questions
Questions we are asked most often
General information only. Advice on your circumstances needs a proper look at your case.
Do I have to hold settlement before naturalising?
Most applicants must hold indefinite leave to remain or settled status first, and in many cases must have held it for a period before applying. The requirements differ for spouses of British citizens.
Can I keep my existing nationality?
The United Kingdom permits dual nationality, but your other country of nationality may not. That is a question for the authorities of that country, and it is worth checking before you apply.
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Talk it through with an adviser
A first consultation gives you a clear view of the routes open to you and what each one would involve. You are under no obligation to go further.