British Citizenship Application

British Citizenship Application

Obtaining British citizenship is an important milestone that gives you the right to vote, the ability to apply for a British passport, exemption from immigration control, and ability to travel in and out of the UK.

You can get British citizenship through various routes like birth, descent, marriage, or naturalisation. British citizenship offers permanence and security.

Unlike Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), it cannot be lost by long absences from the UK.

At MGBe Legal, we help you apply for British citizenship with clarity and confidence, supporting you through the whole process of British citizenship application. If you a’re looking for naturalisation or registration as an adult or registration for your children under 18, our immigration lawyers team is here to help you. We ensure your application is accurate, complete, and meet the Home Office's requirements for British citizenship.

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Naturalisation

Naturalisation is the most common procedure for individuals born outside the UK to claim British citizenship. You must be 18 years or older, hold Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or settled status for at least 12 months, and meet specific residency, language, and good character requirements. If you are spouse of a British citizen, you can apply for Naturalisation after three years of continuous residence in the UK as a settled person.

You need to demonstrate that you are of good character, which includes not having breached UK immigration laws. You should have not exceeded the number permitted absences, and met the English language criteria unless exempted. Generally, these applications take up to six months to be decided.

If successful, you will have to attend in a Citizenship ceremony and swear o decleare your allegiance to the King. On the day of the ceremony, you will receive your Certificate of Naturalisation.

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Absences

Five-Year Route: If you are applying under Section 6(1) of the British Nationality Act 1981, you must not have been absent from the UK for more than 450 days in the five years before your application2.

Three-Year Route: If you are married to or in a civil partnership with a British citizen and applying under Section 6(2) of the British Nationality Act 1981, you must not have been absent from the UK for more than 270 days in the three years before your application2.

Final 12 Months

Regardless of the route, you must not have been absent from the UK for more than 90 days in the 12 months immediately before your application2.

Discretionary Applications

If you have exceeded the permitted absences, you may still apply for naturalisation and request that discretion be exercised. The Home Office may allow excessive absences under certain circumstances.

Calculation of Absences

Only full days spent outside the UK are counted as absences. The date of departure from and the date of return to the UK are not included

Key Factors Considered

  • 1. Criminality: Any criminal convictions, including custodial and non-custodial sentences, are taken into account.
  • 2. International Crimes and Terrorism: Involvement in international crimes, terrorism, or other activities that are not conducive to the public good.
  • 3. Financial Soundness: Issues such as failing to pay taxes or accruing significant debt.
  • 4. Notoriety: Being known for activities that are considered undesirable or harmful.
  • 5. Deception and Dishonesty: Instances of deception or dishonesty, including providing false information in previous applications.
  • 6. Breaches of Immigration Laws: Violations of immigration laws, including illegal entry into the UK.

If you are concerned about the number of absences, the good character or any other aspect of your application, you can book a consultation with MGBe Legal.

At MGBe Legal, we simplify the naturalisation application process by ensuring your application is thorough and compliant with Home Office requirements. Our expert immigration lawyers help maximise your chances of success and save you time and unnecessary stress.

Registration of Children and Adults

Registration of Children and Adults

Registration for British citizenship is a legal process that permits children and adults who do not automatically qualify for British citizenship by birth to obtain it. Generally, the eligibility for children depends on parental status, place of birth, or completing residency requirements.

Meanwhile, as an adult, you may apply if you fulfil particular criteria like long-term lawful residence in the UK.

At MGBe Legal, we provide expert assistance in preparing accurate, well-supported British citizenship applications by registering for both children and adults and ensure a more straightforward process.

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Types of Registration for Children

  • Born in the UK: Children born in the UK to parents who are now settled in the UK or have become British citizens can be registered as British citizens.
  • Born Abroad: Children born abroad to parents who are British by descent and have lived in the UK or a qualifying British overseas territory can be registered as British citizens.
  • Parents Applying: Children whose parents are applying for British citizenship can also be registered.
  • Armed Forces: Children born in the UK to parents who have joined the armed forces can be registered as British citizens.
  • Discretionary Registration: Children can be registered at the Home Secretary’s discretion under certain circumstances.

Requirement for Naturalisation (adults)

  • You must be at least 18 years old.
  • You must have lived in the UK for the required qualifying period, generally, 3 or 5 years, depending on the route.
  • You have Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme.
  • You must have lived in the UK for at least 12 months after getting settled status or ILR. This requirement is not applicable if you’re applying as the spouse or civil partner of a British citizen.
  • You meet the continuous residence in the UK requirement without excessive absences.
  • You must pass the Life in the UK test and fulfil English language proficiency standards unless exempt.
  • You must confirm you are of good character and not have breached UK immigration laws.
  • You have proof of identity, lawful residency, and compliance with immigration rules.
  • You must have the intention to continue living in the UK once British citizenship is provided.

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  • Proof of identity like your passport, biometric residence permit (BRP), national identity card, Home Office travel document, birth certificate, or photo driving licence.
  • Evidence of your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) or details of your eVisa, or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme.
  • Proof of your previous immigration status, considering any visas held prior to settlement.
  • Proof of English language proficiency, such as a B1 CEFR qualification or UK degree certificate.
  • A pass reference number for the Life in the UK test.
  • Evidence of your lawful residential presence in the UK during the qualifying period with travel history details if necessary.
  • Evidence of no absences above the permitted days, for example, 450 days in the last five years.
  • Meeting the good character requirement, like confirmation that you have not breached immigration laws and you have no convictions or pending trials.
  • Evidence of your relationship to a British citizen if you are applying based on marriage or civil partnership.
  • Documents showing that you have met tax and National Insurance requirements if you are applying as a self-employed applicant and have an employment history.
  • Generally, the processing time for a British citizenship application is six months, but it may take longer depending on the complexity of your application.
  • If additional information is required, you will be asked by the Home Office to provide it during the application process.
  • The Home Office will also notify you if your application is going to take longer time than expected.

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Process to apply for British Citizenship Application

  • Check your eligibility requirements, such as lawful residence, passing the Life in the UK Test, and a command of English.
  • Complete the relevant application form for British citizenship, like Form AN for adults, accurately.
  • Pay the requested fee for your British citizenship application.
  • Submit supporting documents like proof of residency, good character, and other necessary documents.
  • Provide the names and details of two referees who can confirm your identity and support your British citizenship application.
  • Book your appointment to enrol your biometric details of fingerprints and a photograph.
  • Wait for the Home Office to process your application and provide decision, which normally takes up to six months
  • If approved, attend a British citizenship ceremony to take an oath of loyalty and receive your naturalisation certificate.

Why choose MGBe Legal for British Citizenship Application?

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    FAQs

    1How can I apply for British citizenship?
    Applications for British citizenship may be made online or by post if outside the UK. Applicants must meet residency, language, and good character requirements, provide biometrics, and pay the relevant fee.
    2What documents do I need for a citizenship application?
    You need proof of identity, evidence of residence, English language proficiency, details of absence from the UK, and biometric information. All supporting documents should be uploaded when you apply.
    3Can children apply for British citizenship?
    Children may apply for British citizenship if they meet eligibility criteria, such as being born in the UK to parents with settled status or citizenship. Parents typically submit applications for their children.
    4How long does it take to get a decision on citizenship?
    Most decisions are made within six months, although timescales vary depending on individual circumstances and the completeness of the application.
    5Can I buy UK citizenship by investment?
    British citizenship cannot be bought outright. However, certain visas, such as the Investor Visa, offer routes to residency, which may eventually lead to citizenship, subject to meeting all requirements.
    6What's the difference between the 5-year and 3-year routes to naturalization?
    The 5-year route is for general applicants who must not have been absent for more than 450 days in the last 5 years. The 3-year route is for spouses or civil partners of British citizens and requires only 270 days absence limit in the last 3 years, making it faster to qualify for citizenship.
    7What does "good character" mean for British citizenship?
    Good character means you haven't breached UK immigration laws, have no criminal convictions, and haven't been dishonest in previous applications. The Home Office also considers factors like tax compliance, financial soundness, and whether you've involved in terrorism or international crimes.
    8Do I need to pass an English language test for British citizenship?
    Yes, you must pass the Life in the UK test and meet English language proficiency standards (B1 level). However, exemptions apply if you hold a UK degree certificate or meet certain other criteria, so check with your immigration lawyer.
    9How is the difference between Indefinite Leave to Remain and British citizenship?
    4. How is the difference between Indefinite Leave to Remain and British citizenship? Indefinite Leave to Remain allows you to stay in the UK permanently but can be lost by long absences. British citizenship is permanent and cannot be lost by absences, and gives you the right to vote, travel, and apply for a British passport.
    10Can children born abroad get British citizenship?
    Yes, children born abroad to parents who are British by descent and have lived in the UK or a qualifying British overseas territory can be registered as British citizens. Registration through parents is the typical process for these children. Children born abroad by parents who are British otherwise than by descent, are generally British without the need to register.
    11How are absences from the UK counted for naturalization?
    Only full days spent outside the UK are counted as absences. The date you leave and the date you return to the UK are not included in the count. Excessive absences above your route limit may result in refusal unless discretion is exercised.
    12What is the English requirement for Citizenship in 2026?
    In line with work visas, the Home Office is moving toward a B2 level requirement for settlement and citizenship applications. Consult with us to ensure your test meets the new standard.