For many long-term residents, becoming a UK citizen is the final step after years of visas, work permits, and settling into life in Britain. Citizenship brings long-term stability, a British passport, and the freedom to live without immigration restrictions. And in 2026, more residents with ILR or Settled Status are preparing to apply to become a UK citizen.
If you’re thinking about making that step, here’s a clear guide to what the process looks like — requirements, documents, timelines, tests, and what to expect once you submit your application.
UK citizenship gives you access to full rights in British society:
voting in elections (explained by the UK Electoral Commission),
unrestricted travel in and out of the UK,
eligibility for a British passport,
and long-term protection from changes in immigration policy.
For many migrants, it’s the moment they finally feel fully settled in the country.
Most applicants fall under these three routes:
This is the most common path. To apply to become a UK citizen through naturalisation, you usually need:
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or Settled Status
A clear residency history
Passing the Life in the UK Test
English-language evidence
Meeting the good-character requirement defined by the UK Home Office
Full guidance appears on gov.uk’s citizenship overview.
If you’re married to a British citizen, you can apply to become a UK citizen after three years of residence rather than five.
Some children qualify automatically, while others may apply through registration. Rules depend on birth location, parental status, and residency.
If you’re unsure which category fits your situation, UKGIC can help you identify your correct route.
Applicants usually need five years of residence (or three if applying through marriage), with limited days spent outside the UK. Full rules are listed on the UK government residency guide.
To apply to become a UK citizen, you must hold:
ILR, or
Settled Status (EU Settlement Scheme)
A mandatory multiple-choice test covering British culture, history, and values. Booking and information appear on the Life in the UK Test page.
Applicants need an approved test or qualifying evidence. Details are provided on the English language for citizenship page.
The Home Office checks immigration history, criminal records, and overall conduct. Full guidance appears in the good character policy.
You’ll need:
Passport(s)
ILR or Settled Status evidence
Life in the UK Test certificate
English-language proof
5-year (or 3-year) travel history
Two referees
The official document list is shown on gov.uk’s application page.
Applications are submitted through the Home Office citizenship portal.
Updated fees are listed on the Home Office nationality fees page.
Most applicants provide fingerprints and a photo at a UKVCAS centre. Guidance appears under UKVCAS.
Processing times vary. The Home Office publishes general timelines on its decision time guidance.
If approved, you’ll be invited to attend a ceremony at your local council. Full details appear on the citizenship ceremony page.
This is where you take the Oath of Allegiance and become a UK citizen.
Most people wait several months after submitting their application. Delays are common when:
travel histories don’t add up
documents are missing
referees don’t meet requirements
the Home Office needs more information
Correct preparation speeds up the process considerably.
Citizenship fees change periodically. The latest figures are always published on the official fees table.
The most frequent errors include:
incorrect travel dates
outdated English-language evidence
failing the Life in the UK Test and delaying retakes
misunderstanding the residency rule
using referees who don’t qualify
not disclosing minor past issues
forgetting to update your address with the Home Office
Most mistakes cause delays, not refusals — but they’re easily avoidable with proper guidance.
Once approved, you’ll be invited to your citizenship ceremony. After taking the oath and receiving your certificate, you can apply for a British passport through His Majesty’s Passport Office.
It’s the moment most applicants say the entire journey finally feels complete.
No — employment is not a requirement for citizenship.
You can retake it as many times as needed.
Possibly — but exceeding the allowed days outside the UK may impact eligibility.
Yes — we help applicants check eligibility, prepare documents, and submit their applications smoothly.
If you’re preparing to apply to become a UK citizen in 2026, understanding the requirements and preparing your documents properly can make the process far easier than many expect. With ILR or Settled Status and the right steps in place, naturalisation is a clear and achievable path.
If you’d like personalised help reviewing your eligibility or documents, UKGIC is here to guide you.
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