Naturalisation is the process by which an eligible adult applies to become a British citizen after holding ILR, settled status or indefinite leave to enter. The application is document-sensitive, particularly around residence, absences, English, Life in the UK and good character.
Also known as British citizenship by naturalisation.
Reviewed by the Morgan Smith Immigration team — IAA-regulated UK immigration specialists. Last reviewed 2026-07-14.
TL;DR
Naturalisation is the British citizenship application route for eligible adults with ILR, settled status or indefinite leave to enter. The 2026 total cost is £1,839 including the £130 ceremony fee, citizenship is permanent, and GOV.UK says decisions usually arrive within 6 months.
£1,839
Total naturalisation cost
Permanent
Citizenship status
6 months
Typical decision time
What is Naturalisation?
Naturalisation is the process for an eligible adult to apply to become a British citizen. GOV.UK states that applicants can usually apply after living in the UK for 5 years and holding ILR, settled status or indefinite leave to enter for 12 months, unless married to a British citizen.
Applicants must usually be over 18, meet residence and absence requirements, prove knowledge of English, Welsh or Scottish Gaelic, pass the Life in the UK Test, intend to continue living in the UK and meet the good character requirement. The rules around being physically present in the UK exactly 5 years before the application date are particularly important.
Naturalisation is not the same as ILR. ILR is settlement; naturalisation is the later citizenship application, followed by a citizenship ceremony for most successful adult applicants.
Eligibility Requirements
You must satisfy all three conditions to qualify for the Naturalisation.
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Settled Status or ILR
Most applicants need ILR, settled status or indefinite leave to enter before applying. A 12-month holding period normally applies unless the applicant is married to a British citizen.
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Residence and Absences
Applicants usually need 5 years’ UK residence, must have been physically present in the UK exactly 5 years before the application date, and should normally stay within absence limits.
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English, Life and Character
Applicants must usually prove English, Welsh or Scottish Gaelic, pass the Life in the UK Test and satisfy the good character requirement. Evidence should be accurate and consistent across immigration, travel and identity records.
What You Can and Cannot Do
Your rights and restrictions while in the UK on a Naturalisation.
✓ You Can
- Apply after ILR or settled status once the residence and timing rules are met.
- Apply without waiting 12 months if married to a British citizen and otherwise eligible.
- Use settled status as the qualifying immigration status where the rules are met.
- Attend a citizenship ceremony after approval, where required.
- Apply for a British passport after becoming a British citizen.
✗ You Cannot
- Apply before meeting residence rules unless a specific discretion applies.
- Ignore the exact-date presence test 5 years before the application date.
- Exceed absence limits without understanding the risk and any discretion.
- Treat ILR as citizenship because ILR and naturalisation are different statuses.
- Avoid good character checks because UKVI reviews immigration history and conduct.
Costs & Fees
Current fees as of 2026. Set by the Home Office — subject to change.
Fees set by the Home Office and subject to change. Last reviewed: July 2026.
| Item | Cost (2026) |
|---|---|
| Naturalisation fee | £1,709 |
| Ceremony fee | £130 |
| Total cost | £1,839 |
| Biometrics | No fee |
| Life in the UK test | £50 |
How to Apply for Naturalisation
Five steps from preparation to decision.
Check Settlement Status
Confirm the applicant has ILR, settled status or indefinite leave to enter and whether a 12-month waiting period applies.
Review Residence Dates
Check the 5-year residence period, exact-date presence requirement and absences in the last 5 years and last 12 months.
Complete Tests and Evidence
Prepare English language evidence, Life in the UK Test evidence, identity documents and good character information.
Submit Form AN Online
Complete the naturalisation application, pay the fee and provide biometrics when instructed.
Receive Your Decision
GOV.UK says you usually get a decision within 6 months, and some cases take longer; after approval, most adults complete citizenship through a ceremony.
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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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about the Naturalisation from employers and applicants.
What is Naturalisation UK?
Naturalisation is the process for an eligible adult to apply to become a British citizen. It is usually available after ILR, settled status or indefinite leave to enter.
How much does Naturalisation cost in 2026?
The 2026 naturalisation application fee is £1,709, and the citizenship ceremony fee is £130. GOV.UK presents the total as £1,839.
Do I need ILR before Naturalisation?
Most applicants need ILR, settled status or indefinite leave to enter. You usually need to have held that status for 12 months unless you are married to a British citizen.
How long must I live in the UK before Naturalisation?
GOV.UK states that many applicants apply after living in the UK for 5 years. Applicants must also meet the detailed residence and absence rules.
What are the absence limits for Naturalisation?
GOV.UK says applicants should not usually have spent more than 450 days outside the UK in the 5 years before applying or more than 90 days outside the UK in the last 12 months.
What is the exact 5-year presence rule?
You must normally have been physically present in the UK exactly 5 years before the Home Office receives the application. GOV.UK warns applications may be rejected if this rule is not met.
Do I need the Life in the UK Test for Naturalisation?
Yes, applicants usually need to have passed the Life in the UK Test. They must also prove knowledge of English, Welsh or Scottish Gaelic unless exempt.
What is the good character requirement?
The good character requirement is a UKVI assessment of conduct, immigration history and other relevant matters. Inaccurate or incomplete disclosure can create problems.
Can I apply for Naturalisation with settled status?
Yes, settled status can be used if the applicant meets the naturalisation requirements. Some applicants with pre-settled status may qualify only if they can show additional residence-law conditions.
Is Naturalisation the same as a British passport?
No. Naturalisation makes an eligible adult a British citizen after approval and ceremony where required. A British passport is a separate document applied for after citizenship is obtained.
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