In short
To apply for British citizenship by the standard naturalisation route you generally need 5 years of residence in the UK, indefinite leave to remain or settled status held for at least 12 months, limited time abroad, English language and Life in the UK test evidence, and good character. GOV.UK listed a fee of £1,839 when we checked.
Published 10 October 2026. Sources last checked 10 October 2026.
Settlement and citizenship are different
Many people use the two terms interchangeably. They are separate legal statuses with different consequences.
| Indefinite leave to remain | British citizenship | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Immigration permission with no time limit | Nationality |
| British passport | No | Yes |
| Voting in UK general elections | Generally no | Yes |
| Can lapse through time abroad | Yes: GOV.UK says more than 2 years away can cause you to lose ILR | No residence requirement to keep it |
Main requirements (standard route)
This summarises the route for people with indefinite leave to remain or settled status. A separate route with its own conditions exists for spouses and civil partners of British citizens.
- Residence: at least 5 years in the UK before the date of your application, and physically in the UK exactly 5 years before the Home Office receives it.
- Status: ILR, settled status or indefinite leave to enter, held for 12 months. GOV.UK says you do not need the 12 months if you are married to a British citizen.
- Absences: no more than 450 days outside the UK in the 5 years before applying, and no more than 90 days outside in the last 12 months.
- Knowledge of English, Welsh or Scottish Gaelic, and a pass in the Life in the UK test.
- Good character: the Home Office looks at matters such as criminal convictions and immigration history.
- Aged over 18 and intending to continue living in the UK.
Cost and timing
GOV.UK listed a total of £1,839 when we checked: £1,709 to apply plus a £130 citizenship ceremony fee. Biometrics were free. The Home Office says you will usually get a decision within 6 months, though some take longer. Fees change, so check GOV.UK before applying.
Common problems to check first
- Counting absences incorrectly, including short trips that add up.
- Applying before the 12-month ILR period has passed.
- Past immigration breaches, overstaying, or unspent convictions that may raise good-character questions.
- Settlement rules and related timings may change, so confirm the current position for your route.
Sources
- GOV.UK: Apply for citizenship if you have indefinite leave to remain (opens in a new tab)
- GOV.UK: Settle in the UK (opens in a new tab)
General information only, not legal advice. Immigration rules, fees and processing times change; your circumstances need individual consideration.