The end of the visa journey: indefinite leave to remain, naturalisation and British citizenship — and the residence rules that decide when you qualify.
ILR · Naturalisation · British citizenship.
Reviewed by the Morgan Smith Immigration team — IAA-regulated UK immigration specialists. Last reviewed 2026-07-14.
TL;DR
Indefinite leave to remain costs £3,226 and removes all time limits on living and working in the UK, usually after 5 years on a qualifying route. Naturalisation as a British citizen follows from £1,839 including the ceremony, normally after 12 months with ILR. Decisions usually arrive within 6 months.
£3,226
ILR application fee
£1,839
Naturalisation total cost
6 months
Typical decision
The Settlement Steps
From time-limited visa to permanent status to citizenship.
Routes That Lead Here
Where your 5 qualifying years usually come from.
What Our Clients Say
Independent Google reviews from the people and businesses we have supported.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about settlement & citizenship in 2026.
What is the difference between ILR and citizenship?
Indefinite leave to remain is permanent residence — no time limits, but you remain a foreign national. Naturalisation is the later application to become a British citizen, opening the door to a British passport.
How much does settlement cost in 2026?
ILR is £3,226 per applicant. Naturalisation costs £1,839 in total (£1,709 application plus the £130 ceremony), and the Life in the UK Test is £50.
When can I apply for ILR?
Usually after 5 qualifying years on a route that leads to settlement — Skilled Worker, partner and ancestry routes among them. Innovator Founder allows settlement after 3 years. Applying too early risks refusal.
When can I apply for naturalisation?
Usually after holding ILR or settled status for 12 months — unless you are married to a British citizen, in which case you can apply as soon as you have ILR.
What are the absence rules for naturalisation?
You should not normally have spent more than 450 days outside the UK in the 5 years before applying, or more than 90 days in the last 12 months — and you must have been physically in the UK exactly 5 years before the application date.
Do I need the Life in the UK Test?
Yes, for both ILR and naturalisation, most applicants aged 18 to 64 must pass the Life in the UK Test (£50) and meet the English language requirement.
How long do settlement decisions take?
ILR and naturalisation decisions usually arrive within 6 months. Faster services are available for some ILR routes.
Can I travel while my application is pending?
For ILR, travelling outside the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man before a decision can withdraw your application — plan travel carefully.
Can ILR be lost?
Yes — long absences from the UK can cause ILR to lapse. Citizenship, once granted, cannot lapse through absence.
Can Morgan Smith Immigration manage my settlement application?
Yes. Our IAA-regulated advisers check your residence history and absences, prepare the evidence and manage the ILR or naturalisation application through to decision.
Sources
Legal information on this page is based on guidance from GOV.UK, the UK Home Office / UK Visas and Immigration, legislation.gov.uk, and Free Movement. Rules change frequently — speak to our team to confirm current requirements.
Make Britain Permanent
Residence checks, evidence and the application — handled by IAA-regulated advisers.