Applying for British citizenship

Summary

On 12 May 2025, the government announced plans to change immigration rules. The government haven’t said when the rules about British citizenship will change. If you're eligible for British citizenship and thinking of applying, it's best to apply as soon as possible. This is because the new rules might mean you'll need to show you've been living in the UK for 10 years. If you haven’t already taken your ‘Life in the UK’ and English tests, you should take them soon. The new rules might mean the tests will be harder. You should check if you’re eligible to apply for citizenship \- there are different routes to apply. Most adults who have migrated to the UK get citizenship by applying to ‘naturalise’. Applying for citizenship takes time and you will not get your money back if your application is refused. You usually pay £1,735 to apply for adult citizenship or £1,214 for children. If you’re applying for citizenship as an adult you’ll also have to pay: * around £150 if you have to do an English test You will not get most of your money back if your application is refused - for example, if you’re not eligible or you sent the wrong documents. You can apply for a ‘fee waiver’. If you get a.

Key information

• £50 to do the Life in the UK Test
• around £150 if you have to do an English test
• bank statements for all your accounts
• prove how long you’ve lived in the UK
• pass the Life in the UK Test
• prove you understand English
• check you’re of ‘good character’ - this means showing you haven't recently broken the law or gone bankrupt
• give the names of 2 people who can help prove your identity - these are called ‘referees’
• prove their knowledge of English
• do the citizenship ceremony
• 3 years if you’re married to or in a civil partnership with a British citizen
• 5 years if you’re not married to or in a civil partnership with a British citizen

Practical guidance

• Source: Applying for British citizenship

Related topics

More in this area

• Proving your right to live in the UK with the Windrush scheme
• British citizenship — Application to reconsider a decision for a certificate of entitlement to the right of abode
• British citizenship — Apply for citizenship if you have British nationality
• British citizenship — Application to register child as British overseas territories citizen
• British citizenship — Correct a registration or naturalisation certificate