Naturalisation as a British citizen
For settled residents who meet the residence and good character requirements to become British citizens.
The Naturalisation as a British citizen is a UK settlement & citizenship visa. This guide covers who it's for, the key eligibility criteria, the indicative 2025 cost (~£1,605 application + ~£130 ceremony (~£1,735 total)) and processing time (~6 months), the route to permanent residence, common pitfalls and FAQs.
Who the Naturalisation as a British citizen is for
For settled residents who meet the residence and good character requirements to become British citizens.
Grants full British citizenship, including a British passport and the right to vote.
Naturalisation as a British citizen - eligibility criteria
- Hold ILR, settled status or equivalent (12 months, or none if married to a Briton)
- Lived in the UK for at least 5 years (3 if married to a British citizen)
- Within the permitted absence limits over the qualifying period
- Passed the Life in the UK Test and met English requirements
- Of good character
Naturalisation as a British citizen cost & processing time (2025)
The indicative government fee for the Naturalisation as a British citizen (United Kingdom) is ~£1,605 application + ~£130 ceremony (~£1,735 total), with an indicative processing time of ~6 months. Figures are for 2025 and may change - confirm at GOV.UK.
| Type | Citizenship |
|---|---|
| Where you apply | Inside the UK |
| Length of stay | Permanent (citizenship) |
| Work rights | Work freely as a citizen |
| Study rights | Study freely as a citizen |
| Government fee | ~£1,605 application + ~£130 ceremony (~£1,735 total) |
| Processing time | ~6 months |
| Route to PR | Grants full British citizenship, including a British passport and the right to vote. |
Pathway & next steps
Grants full British citizenship, including a British passport and the right to vote.
Many applicants also compare ILR · Indefinite Leave to Remain (Settlement), EUSS · EU Settlement Scheme (settled and pre-settled status), BN(O) · Hong Kong British National (Overseas) visa. Run a free VisaChief check to see which UK route best fits your profile, then prepare an application reviewed by a registered migration agency in our partner network.
Common Naturalisation as a British citizen pitfalls we fix
Naturalisation as a British citizen - frequently asked questions
How much does the Naturalisation as a British citizen cost?
The Naturalisation as a British citizen government fee is ~£1,605 application + ~£130 ceremony (~£1,735 total). Figures are indicative for 2025; always confirm current fees at GOV.UK before applying.
How long does the Naturalisation as a British citizen take to process?
Indicative processing time is ~6 months. Actual timeframes vary with caseload, completeness and your circumstances.
Does the Naturalisation as a British citizen lead to permanent residence?
Grants full British citizenship, including a British passport and the right to vote.
Can I work on the Naturalisation as a British citizen?
Work rights: Work freely as a citizen.
Who can apply for the Naturalisation as a British citizen?
For settled residents who meet the residence and good character requirements to become British citizens.
Sources & official references
This guide is compiled from official United Kingdom government sources and is updated periodically. Eligibility, fees and processing times change - always confirm the current rules with the issuing authority before you apply:
- GOV.UK - official United Kingdom immigration authority