British Citizenship (Naturalisation)

Naturalisation

Naturalisation is not an entitlement and a decision can only be made to grant you citizenship if you can demonstrate that you satisfy certain legal requirements and the Home Secretary thinks fit to naturalise you. The requirements for naturalisation as a British citizen differ depending on whether or not you are applying on the basis of marriage or civil partnership with a British citizen.

If you are married to or the civil partner of a British citizen (section 6(2) of the British Nationality Act 1981)

The legal requirements you should meet before you apply are that you:

• Are aged 18 or over when you apply
• Are married to or the civil partner of a British citizen on the date of application
• Are of sound mind, so that you understand the step you are taking (but see the section on those who are not of sound mind)
• Can communicate in English (or Welsh or Scottish Gaelic) to an acceptable degree
• Have sufficient knowledge about life in the UK
• Are of good character
• Have lived in the UK for a minimum of 3 years before you apply and meet the following residence requirements:

If you are NOT married to or the civil partner of a British citizen (Section 6(1) of the British Nationality Act 1981)

The legal requirements you should meet before you apply are that you:

• Are aged 18 or over when you apply
• Are of sound mind, so that you understand the step you are taking (but see page 11 for those who are not of sound mind) Page 7 of 32
• Intend to continue to live in the UK, or to continue in Crown service, the service of an international organisation of which the UK is a member, or the service of a company or association established in the UK
• Can communicate in English (or Welsh or Scottish Gaelic) to an acceptable degree
• Have sufficient knowledge about life in the UK • Are of good character
• Have lived in the UK for a minimum of 5 years before you apply and meet the following residence requirements

Our expert team of immigration solicitors can represent you in your application for naturalisation as a British Citizen and carry out all the work on your application until decision on your application is received from the Home Office UKVI. We will assess your eligibility for naturalisation as a British Citizen by considering all the relevant information including your past immigration history. We will also advise you on the chances of success in your application for naturalisation as a British Citizen and will draw your attention to any weaknesses in your application. We will advise you on the list of documents to be submitted in support of your application for naturalisation as a British Citizen. Please call us today to start your naturalisation application.