Born in the UK before 1983
Most people born in the UK before 1 January 1983 became British automatically, subject to narrow diplomatic and related exceptions.
British citizenship
Separate citizenship you may already have from the route you need to apply for.
Compare naturalisation after settlement, the British-spouse route, registration for children and nationality through a British parent before you spend money on an application.
Source standard: GOV.UK / Home OfficeContent reviewed: 26 August 2026Not legal advice
You may need proof or registration—not naturalisation
British nationality law depends heavily on birth date, birthplace, a parent's status and historic law. Check whether you are already British before applying.
01
First check whether you already hold British citizenship
Being born in the UK does not always make a person British. The answer depends on the date of birth and whether a parent was British or settled. A person born abroad may also have acquired citizenship through a British parent.
Born in the UK from 1983
Citizenship at birth normally depends on a parent being British or settled. Later registration routes may apply if a parent becomes British or settled, or after ten years of residence.
Born outside the UK
Citizenship can pass automatically through some British parents, usually for one generation born abroad. A parent who is British by descent may need a registration route for the child.
Historic and special cases
Registration may correct historic discrimination or cover statelessness, British nationality categories and other statutory circumstances.
02
Choose the legal route before applying
Naturalisation after settlement
Usually for an adult who has lived in the UK for five years and held ILR, settled status or indefinite leave to enter for the final 12 months.
Official route ↗Spouse or civil partner
Usually requires three years' UK residence and settled status, but no additional 12-month wait after settlement.
Official route ↗Registration of a child
Children normally register rather than naturalise. Entitlement or discretion depends on birth, parents, residence and the child's future.
Official routes ↗British nationality and special routes
British overseas territories citizens, British nationals, stateless people, former citizens and people affected by special schemes may have separate routes.
All routes ↗03
General naturalisation checklist
Be aged 18 or over.
Hold ILR, settled status or indefinite leave to enter; the general route usually requires 12 months in that status.
Complete the applicable five-year period, or three years when married to or in a civil partnership with a British citizen.
Normally be physically present in the UK exactly five or three years before the Home Office receives the application.
Meet both the language and Life in the UK requirements unless an exemption applies.
Disclose criminal, immigration, tax, deception and other relevant history accurately.
General-route applicants normally intend to make the UK their principal home; spouse-route wording differs.
If approved and aged 18 or over, attend a ceremony and make the oath and pledge.
Current displayed naturalisation cost: £1,839.
GOV.UK currently lists £1,709 to apply plus a £130 ceremony fee. Fees can change; verify the live page immediately before payment. Decisions are usually made within six months, but can take longer.
04
Residence, absence and exact-date rules
RouteUsual residence standard
General 5-year route
No more than 450 days outside the UK across five years and no more than 90 days in the final 12 months.
British-spouse 3-year route
No more than 270 days outside the UK across three years and no more than 90 days in the final 12 months.
First day of period
You should have been physically in the UK exactly five or three years before the application is received. This is not replaced by meeting the total absence limit.
Immigration-law compliance
You should not have been in breach of immigration law during the qualifying period, subject to the route's rules and Home Office policy.
Discretion
Caseworkers may overlook some excess absences or start-date issues in defined circumstances, but discretion is not automatic.
05
Knowledge of language and life in the UK
Life in the UK
The computer-based test has 24 questions in 45 minutes and requires at least 75%, which is 18 correct. It is based on the official handbook and costs £50 each time it is booked.
Language
Most applicants prove English, Welsh or Scottish Gaelic through an accepted qualification, degree route or specified nationality evidence.
English threshold changes on 26 March 2027.
Under the current Appendix KoLL, an application made before that date generally uses at least CEFR B1 speaking and listening; an application made on or after that date generally uses B2. Check the date-sensitive rule and accepted evidence before booking a test.
GOV.UK: Appendix KoLL ↗Age 65 or over
The language and Life in the UK requirements are normally waived.
Long-term physical or mental condition
An exemption may apply when a long-term condition prevents meeting the requirement. Medical evidence is normally needed.
Majority English-speaking nationality
This may satisfy the English-language limb, but it does not by itself remove the Life in the UK requirement.
06
Children, descent, adoption and family status
British parent
A child born abroad may be automatically British if a parent can transmit citizenship. When the parent is British by descent, registration may depend on residence or the grandparent's status.
Child born in the UK
A child may register when a parent later becomes British or settled, or after living in the UK for the first ten years with absences within the statutory limit.
Adoption
Some UK or Hague Convention adoptions confer citizenship automatically; other adoptions require registration and evidence.
Marriage
Marriage to a British citizen does not automatically grant citizenship. It changes the naturalisation residence route only if every condition is met.
07
Good character needs a full, truthful disclosure
The Home Office considers criminality, terrorism or international crimes, financial soundness, dishonesty, deception, immigration history, deprivation and conduct relevant to public confidence. The assessment is not limited to unspent convictions.
Do not omit a fact because you think it is old or minor.
Home Office good-character guidance ↗Read the current good-character guidance and consider regulated immigration advice before applying if any issue may be relevant.
08
Special routes, dual citizenship and the official next step
Dual citizenship
The UK permits dual citizenship. Your other country may restrict it, so check that country's rules as well.
Former citizens
Resumption may be available to some people who previously renounced British citizenship or status.
Windrush and special schemes
Dedicated routes and support exist for some Commonwealth citizens and people affected by historic injustice.
Referees and evidence
Naturalisation applications require qualifying referees, identity evidence and proof for the selected route. Follow the current form guidance.
Private preliminary self-check
Find the route your answers point toward
This guided screen separates core gaps from facts that need checking. Answers stay in this browser tab and are not sent to CitizenReady.
Step 1 of 90%
Ready for the official next step?
Use GOV.UK to confirm the exact statutory route.
Check current fees, evidence, residence discretion and the form instructions immediately before submitting.