# United Kingdom Citizenship Requirements

The ordinary adult British naturalisation route: residence, settlement, absence limits, language evidence and the Life in the UK requirement.

Scope: Selected requirements for ordinary adult naturalisation under section 6(1), not the separate British-spouse route, registration, descent or Crown-service exceptions.

Jurisdiction: United Kingdom: British citizenship. Sources reviewed 2026-09-17; review due 2026-12-16.

General information, not legal advice or a finding of eligibility. Requirements depend on the route, applicant and filing date. Verify the official instructions before applying.

## Five-year residence route

The ordinary route requires five years of UK residence and presence in the UK exactly five years before the application is received. Immigration-law compliance and the detailed rules for permitted absences still apply.

Evidence: conditional. [UK Government: Apply for citizenship with indefinite leave or settled status](https://www.gov.uk/apply-citizenship-indefinite-leave-to-remain). Source location: Eligibility; Residency requirements; When to apply.

## Settlement before applying

The usual route requires indefinite leave or settled status held for 12 months. The British-spouse route has different timing; qualifying pre-settled-status cases also need a separate assessment.

Evidence: conditional. [UK Government: Apply for citizenship with indefinite leave or settled status](https://www.gov.uk/apply-citizenship-indefinite-leave-to-remain). Source location: Eligibility and fees; If you have pre-settled status.

## Absence limits

The usual limits are 450 days abroad in the five-year period and 90 days in its final 12 months. Home Office discretion is conditional, not an automatic waiver.

Evidence: conditional. [UK Government: Apply for citizenship with indefinite leave or settled status](https://www.gov.uk/apply-citizenship-indefinite-leave-to-remain); [UK Visas and Immigration: Form AN guidance, July 2026](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/form-an-guidance/form-an-guidance-accessible). Source location: Time spent outside the UK; Form AN section 5.

## Language evidence and exemptions

An approved English speaking-and-listening qualification at CEFR B1 or higher is one accepted route. Qualifying degrees and listed nationalities offer alternatives. Age 65 or over gives an exemption; qualifying long-term medical conditions require supporting evidence. Welsh and Scottish Gaelic are also recognised.

Evidence: conditional. [UK Visas and Immigration: Form AN guidance, July 2026](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/form-an-guidance/form-an-guidance-accessible). Source location: Sections 9.2 and 9.3.

## Life in the UK and other conditions

Applicants normally pass the Life in the UK test, meet the good-character requirement and intend to keep their main home in the UK. The knowledge requirements have age and medical exemptions. Naturalisation is not an entitlement.

Evidence: conditional. [UK Government: Apply for citizenship with indefinite leave or settled status](https://www.gov.uk/apply-citizenship-indefinite-leave-to-remain); [UK Visas and Immigration: Form AN guidance, July 2026](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/form-an-guidance/form-an-guidance-accessible). Source location: Eligibility; Form AN sections 1, 8, 9 and 10.

## Check both nationalities

The UK permits dual nationality, but becoming British may affect an existing nationality under the other country's law. Check that law before applying.

Evidence: conditional. [UK Visas and Immigration: Form AN guidance, July 2026](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/form-an-guidance/form-an-guidance-accessible). Source location: Section 14.2.

## Scope and limitations

- These are selected eligibility conditions, not an approval guarantee or processing-time estimate.
- Minors, spouses, registration routes, exceptional residence discretion and the evidence checklist require their own official guidance.

## Explore this passport

- [Passport rank and travel access](https://multipassrank.com/passport/united-kingdom)
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