5 June 2026
Obtain Citizenship in UK
Our immigration solicitors in London can offer proper information and guidance if you want to obtain British citizenship.
Would you like to get British citizenship in 2026? This article presents the information you need on this topic, mentioning that our immigration lawyers in London are ready to guide you and provide you with optimal legal services.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Nationalities accepted (Yes/No) | All |
Law regarding the UK citizenship | British Nationality Act |
Dual nationality | Permitted |
| Requirements to obtain UK citizenship | – over 18 years of age – 5 years of residence with 450 days allowed outside UK; – meet the B1 CEFR level English language requirement; – knowledge of British customs etc. |
| Application processing time | 6 months |
| Methods for obtaining citizenship in UK | – living for continuous 5 years in UK, – marrying a British citizen and living in the UK for 3 years |
| Reasons to obtain UK citizenship | – no immigration control; – right to live permanently in UK; – right to vote; – security and safety |
| Is knowledge of language necessary to obtain citizenship in UK? (Yes/No) | Yes |
| Citizenship fee in UK | £1,709 (plus £130 citizenship ceremony fee) |
| Personal income tax rate | – 0% for annual income up to £12,570, – 20% for income between £12,571 and £50,270; – 40%£ for income between 50,271 and £150,000 is 40%; – 45% for income over £150,000 is 45%. |
| Is permanent residence certificate required? (Yes/No) | Yes (indefinite leave to remain or EU Settlement Scheme settled status) |
| Fee for nationality registration as a UK citizen | £1,540 for adults (£1,000 for children), plus £130 ceremony fee for adults |
| Is visa-free travel allowed to UK citizens? | Yes, UK citizens can travel to around 180 destinations without a prior visa. |
| The office that deals with UK citizenship | The Home Office (UK Visas and Immigration) |
| Can UK citizenship be cancelled? | Yes, it can be declared null on varying grounds. |
Who can apply for citizenship in the UK?
- foreigners who have lived in the UK for at least 5 years and have held Indefinite Leave to Remain for at least 12 months in the UK,
- persons with British parents,
- foreigners marrying a British citizen,
- foreign citizens in civil partnerships with British individuals.
Are there any age requirements to apply for British citizenship?
Yes, applicants must be at least 18 years old.
NOTE! Obtaining citizenship in the UK in this way is actually citizenship by naturalization.
What are the requirements for getting British citizenship in 2026?
- living in the UK for at least 5 years,
- not staying outside the UK for more than 450 days in 5 years,
- if married to or in a civil partnership with a British citizen: have lived in the UK for at least 3 years before applying,
- demonstrating B1-level English (CEFR),
- pass the Life in the UK test,
- intend to continue living in the UK,
- be of good character, etc.
NOTE! Commonwealth citizens can be eligible for citizenship under the Windrush Scheme if they settled in the UK before 1 January 1973 (or are children of such persons) or if the applicants for British citizenship lived in the UK but were not out of the country for more than two years.
Below is an infographic with details about citizenship in the UK:
Where do I apply for citizenship in the UK?
At the Home Office.
Can I apply for British citizenship under pre-settled status in 2026?
No – EU/EEA/Swiss citizens need settled status (held for 12 months unless married to a British citizen). The same applies to citizens from Liechtenstein, Iceland, or Norway.
IMPORTANT! Applicants should not have broken any immigration laws in the UK and must have lived in the country for at least 5 years. The UK Home Office reserves the right to make rigorous checks before any approval.
Do I get British citizenship if I was born in the UK?
No, unless at least one parent was a British citizen or settled in the UK when you were born.
What are the citizenship conditions for Irish people?
The same as for any citizen: living in the UK for at least 5 years before application.
Can I apply for citizenship if my parents are from British Overseas Territories?
Yes.
Please explore this video presentation with details on this topic:
In what other special circumstances can I apply for citizenship in the UK?
- if you are stateless,
- if you renounce your previous citizenship,
- if you are a direct descendant or a person born in the British Indian Ocean Territory,
- if you were adopted by a British citizen, etc.
Are there any extra requirements for citizenship applications in the UK?
Applicants may travel while the application is pending, but must intend to continue living in the UK; absences are counted up to the date of application.
What is the application fee for citizenship in the UK?
Around GBP 1,839, which also includes the fee for the citizenship ceremony.
What is the time frame to have the British citizenship application approved?
About 3-6 months.
Do I get a UK passport once I obtain British citizenship?
Yes.
Does the UK accept dual citizenship?
Yes, this is known as dual nationality.
What are the benefits of British citizenship?
- protection in case of immigration policy changes,
- deportation immunity,
- full voting rights,
- access to healthcare services and education,
- can apply for civil service employment,
- diplomatic protection in case of emergencies, etc.
Would you like to find out more about how to obtain citizenship in the UK? You may contact our immigration solicitors in the UK for in-depth details and legal assistance.