Nationality of United Kingdom: all obtaining pathways
The United Kingdom requires five years of residence plus a year with permanent-resident status (ILR) to naturalize; marriage to a British citizen shortens it to three years. There are in addition registration pathways for minors born in the territory and a limited ius sanguinis through direct descent.
1Naturalization by residence
Naturalization by residence
Requirements
- Residence in the United Kingdom for 5 years (absences ≤450 days) and physical presence at the start of the period
- Indefinite leave to remain (ILR/settled status) valid on the application date
- No time-limit restriction on stay during the last 12 months
- Intention to make the UK your main home
- Good character: clean record and taxes up to date
- Knowledge of English (or Welsh/Scottish) and of life in the UK (Life in the UK test)
- Recommendation from two persons of professional standing (Sched. 1 para 3(1)(c))
Documentation
- Valid passport or identity document
- Indefinite leave to remain (ILR) certificate or settled status
- Certificate of passing the Life in the UK test
- English language proficiency certificate
- Two references from people holding British passports
2Naturalization through marriage
Naturalization through marriage
Requirements
- Being the spouse or civil partner of a British citizen (s. 6(2) BNA 1981)
- Residence in the United Kingdom for 3 years (absences ≤270 days)
- ILR/settled status valid on the application date
- Good character
- Knowledge of the language and of life in the UK
- Intention to reside in the UK
Documentation
- Marriage or civil-partnership certificate
- Passport of the British spouse
- Indefinite leave to remain (ILR) certificate or settled status
- Certificate of passing the Life in the UK test
- English language proficiency certificate
3Citizenship by birth (limited ius soli)
Citizenship by birth (limited ius soli)
Requirements
- Born in the United Kingdom and at least one parent being a British citizen or permanent resident
- For those born before 1 January 1983: automatically British if born in the United Kingdom
- For those born after 1 January 1983: at least one parent must be British or hold permanent residence
Documentation
- Birth certificate
- Parents' passports
- Proof of the parents' permanent residence where applicable
4Citizenship by descent (ius sanguinis)
Citizenship by descent (ius sanguinis)
Requirements
- At least one parent is a British citizen
- Citizenship by descent is normally transmitted only one generation if born outside the United Kingdom
- If born outside the United Kingdom and the British parent was also born outside the United Kingdom, they must have resided in the United Kingdom at least 3 years before the child's application
Documentation
- Birth certificate of the applicant
- Birth certificate of the British father/mother
- British passport of the father/mother
- Proof of the parent's residence in the United Kingdom where applicable
5Registration (minors born in the United Kingdom)
Registration (minors born in the United Kingdom)
Requirements
- Born in the United Kingdom to parents who later obtained ILR or British citizenship
- Under 18 years of age
- The parents must hold indefinite leave to remain or British citizenship
Documentation
- Birth certificate
- Parents' passports
- Proof of the parents' ILR or citizenship
Frequently asked questions about the nationality of United Kingdom
How many years of residence does United Kingdom require to naturalize?
According to the main pathway of United Kingdom (Naturalization by residence), the term is 5 years of residence (max. 450 days of absence), with indefinite leave to remain (ILR) valid at the application date. The complete details of requirements and exceptions appear in the fact sheet.
How much does the nationality of United Kingdom cost?
The official fee referenced in the fact sheet is 1,839 GBP (1,709 GBP application + 130 GBP ceremony). Check the linked official source on each pathway in case it has changed.
Can the nationality of United Kingdom be obtained by marriage?
Yes, through the Naturalization through marriage pathway (3 years of residence (max. 270 days of absence) as the spouse of a British citizen; with a referenced cost of 1,839 GBP). The complete requirements appear in the fact sheet of that pathway.
What documentation does naturalization in United Kingdom require?
The Naturalization by residence pathway requires: Valid passport or identity document; Indefinite leave to remain (ILR) certificate or settled status; Certificate of passing the Life in the UK test; English language proficiency certificate; Two references from people holding British passports.
What pathways exist to obtain the nationality of United Kingdom?
United Kingdom provides 5 pathways: Naturalization by residence, Naturalization through marriage, Citizenship by birth, Citizenship by descent, Registration.
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Anything to correct or add about United Kingdom?
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