Naturalization and Citizenship
Becoming a UK Citizen – Your Guide to Naturalization
Every year, approximately 200,000 people become permanent residents and citizens of the UK.
Eligibility for UK Naturalization
To become a naturalized British citizen, you must meet specific residency and legal requirements. The standard route requires five years of residency in the UK, while spouses of British citizens may apply after three years.
Naturalization After 5 Years – Key Requirements:
To qualify, an applicant must:
✔ Be over 18 and of sound mind.
✔ Demonstrate good character.
✔ Have proficiency in English.
✔ Intend to continue living in the UK.
✔ Have lived in the UK for exactly five years before applying.
✔ Have spent no more than 450 days outside the UK in the last five years.
✔ Have spent no more than 90 days outside the UK in the past 12 months.
✔ Have held permanent residence/Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) for at least 12 months.
✔ Have complied with all UK immigration rules during the five-year period.
✔ Pass the Life in the UK test.
Naturalization as a Spouse of a British Citizen (After 3 Years):
The requirements are similar but apply after three years of continuous residency:
✔ The applicant must have been living in the UK at the start of the three-year period.
✔ On the date of application, the applicant must hold permanent residence/ILR.
✔ Must not have spent more than 270 days (9 months) outside the UK during the three years.
✔ Must not have spent more than 90 days outside the UK in the last 12 months.
✔ Must not have violated any UK immigration rules.
Important Facts About UK Citizenship
✔ British citizens can hold dual nationality, meaning you can retain your original citizenship while becoming a UK citizen.
✔ UK citizens do not lose their citizenship by living abroad for extended periods.
✔ Spouses of British citizens do not automatically qualify for citizenship by marriage or common-law partnerships.
✔ Since 1983, UK citizen mothers can pass on citizenship to children born outside the UK, just as fathers could before.
✔ A British citizen (by birth, registration, naturalization, or adoption) can automatically pass on UK citizenship to a child born abroad.
Need Assistance with Your Citizenship Application?
Navigating the UK naturalization process can be complex. Our team at Kangaroo Migration Services is here to guide you every step of the way.
📞 Contact us today for personalized consultation and assistance with your application.