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United KingdomCitizenshipLast checked October 16, 2026

British citizenship by naturalisation

Form AN

Adults who hold indefinite leave to remain (ILR), indefinite leave to enter or EU Settlement Scheme settled status can apply to naturalise as British citizens. The standard route needs 5 years' residence plus 12 months holding settled status. A spouse or civil partner of a British citizen can apply after 3 years' residence once settled, without the 12-month wait. Naturalisation is discretionary. As of October 2026 the citizenship rules themselves are unchanged, but the planned 'earned settlement' reform of ILR (10-year baseline) is still a proposal.

See requirements ↓

Life in United Kingdom

Money

3

Currency

British Pound

GBP

British Pound

Cost of living

92

Price level · US = 100

World Bank price levels, 2025

Tax

20–45%

Income tax (national)

VAT 20% · social security 8%

Personal allowance GBP 12,570 (tapered away above GBP 100,000); 40% from GBP 50,271 and 45% above GBP 125,140. Scotland sets different bands and rates.

Official rates, 2026/27 · headline only

Living

1

Happiness

6.7

#27 of 145 countries

World Happiness Report 2025

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Who it’s for

Adults with ILR, indefinite leave to enter or settled status who have lived in the UK for 5 years (or 3 years if married to or in a civil partnership with a British citizen).

Eligibility

  • Age and capacity

    You must be 18 or over and of sound mind. Children can be registered as British citizens through separate routes instead.

  • Settled status held for 12 months5-year route (section 6(1))

    You need to have held ILR, indefinite leave to enter or EUSS settled status for 12 months before applying.

    • Applies to the 5-year route (section 6(1))
    • You also need permission to stay in the UK up to your citizenship ceremony
    Official wording

    You must have held ILR, indefinite leave to enter or EUSS settled status for 12 months before applying. You also need permission to stay in the UK up to your citizenship ceremony.

  • 5 years' residence and absences5-year route (section 6(1))

    Show you were physically in the UK exactly 5 years before the Home Office receives your application, within set absence limits.

    Absence limits (5-year route)

    Total in 5 yearsmaximum outside the UK
    450 days
    Last 12 monthsmaximum outside the UK
    90 days
    Rarely disregardedabsences over this
    900 days
    • Absences over 900 days are very rarely disregarded
    Official wording

    You must have been physically in the UK exactly 5 years before the Home Office receives your application. In that 5 years you should not have spent more than 450 days outside the UK, and no more than 90 days in the last 12 months. Absences over 900 days are very rarely disregarded.

A sneak peek at what's inside

  • Next requirementSpouse or civil partner of a British citizen
  • Document checklistOnline application (Form AN)
  • FeesNaturalisation application fee

The full requirements are for members

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  • 7 more requirements
  • 12 documents
  • 5 fees
  • 8 steps
  • Processing times and conditions
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