Naturalisation is the application most adults make to become British. You apply once you are settled, and the requirements depend on whether you are married to a British citizen.

The standard route

Indefinite leave to remain or settled status held for at least 12 months.
Lived in the UK for the five years before the application, and physically present in the UK on the day five years before the Home Office receives it.
No more than 450 days outside the UK in those five years, and no more than 90 days in the last 12 months.

The spouse route

Married to or in a civil partnership with a British citizen.
Settled: no 12-month wait.
Lived in the UK for the three years before the application, present on the day three years before.
No more than 270 days outside the UK in those three years, and no more than 90 days in the last 12 months.

Requirements on both routes

Good character. This covers criminal convictions, immigration breaches (including past overstaying or illegal entry, which the Home Office now treats seriously), tax and benefit matters, bankruptcy and dishonesty. Most refusals are on this ground; tell us everything and we will advise before you apply.
Life in the UK test and English at B1 or higher, unless exempt by age or condition.
Intention to live in the UK on the standard route.

Cost and timing

Application fee £1,709 plus £130 for the citizenship ceremony, £1,839 in total, correct on 13 October 2026. Decisions usually take up to six months. After approval you attend a ceremony within three months and then apply for a British passport.

Absences slightly over the limit

The Home Office can overlook modest excesses where you have strong ties here, and larger ones in defined circumstances. We advise whether to apply now with an explanation or wait.

What we do

We check every requirement against your records before anything is submitted, including a full travel-history calculation and a good-character review, and we deal with the referees and ceremony arrangements.