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Become a British citizen

Apply for naturalisation once you meet the residence requirements, then attend a citizenship ceremony.

Applies to: Whole UK

Official links

Official source	Applies to
GOV.UK: apply for citizenship www.gov.uk/apply-citizenship-indefinite-leave-to-remain	Whole UK
GOV.UK: citizenship ceremonies www.gov.uk/citizenship-ceremonies	Whole UK

Decides visa, settlement and citizenship applications and manages eVisas for people coming to or living in the UK.

☎ 0300 123 7000 gov.uk View details »

Check you are eligible: usually 5 years living in the UK and 12 months with indefinite leave to remain or settled status (no 12-month wait if married to a British citizen).
Pass the Life in the UK test and prove your knowledge of English, Welsh or Scottish Gaelic.
Apply online, then give your fingerprints and photo at a UKVCAS appointment and upload or scan your documents.
Wait for the decision, usually within 6 months, and tell UKVI if your circumstances change.
Attend the citizenship ceremony, then return your BRP within 5 working days of getting your certificate.

Your passport and proof of your indefinite leave to remain or settled status.
Your Life in the UK test reference number and proof of English.
Evidence that you were in the UK exactly 5 years before the Home Office receives your application.
The other documents listed in the naturalisation guidance, for example about good character.

Getting the start date wrong: you must have been in the UK exactly 5 years before the day the application is received, and postal applications take longer to arrive.
Not returning your BRP within 5 working days of getting your certificate: you can be fined.
Trying to enter the UK with a citizenship certificate: you need a British passport or a certificate of entitlement.