British Nationality-When you should apply

Do you qualify for UK Naturalization?

You qualify for UK Naturalization if:

1- you are over 18

2- you speak English

3- you intend to live in the UK or

4- have lived in the UK for 5 years with limited occasions when you have been away (Not more than 450 days in the 5 years and 90 days away in the last 12 months.)

5- are not in breach of any immigration rules


Naturalisation applications can take anywhere from 6-18 month.

You can also obtain British Nationality by Marriage.

Naturalisation after three years in the UK as a spouse of a UK Citizen

UK Naturalisation can be obtained through your relationship as the spouse of a British citizen.  The requirements are similar to being Naturalised after five years in the UK, but the difference is that a shorter residency requirement applies (three years in the UK as opposed to five years).

The three years UK residency requirement begin from the date your naturalization application is received by the Home Office.

Further residency requirements are as follows:

• You must have been living in the United Kingdom at the beginning of the three- year period; and
• On the date that your application is received in the Home Office, you must have permanent residence/ ILR in the UK; and
• During the three-year period you must not have been outside the UK for more than 270 days (approximately 9 months); and
• During the last 12 months of the five-year period you must not have been outside the UK for more than 90 days; and
• You must not have been in breach of any UK immigration rules at any time during this three-year period of residence in the UK.

The processing times for naturalization applications is currently about six to seven months.

• Apply for a British Passport