British citizenship is one of the six different forms of British nationality:

1) British citizenship;

2) British overseas citizenship;

3) British overseas territories citizenship;

4) British national (overseas);

5) British protected person; and

6) British subject

Unless you have a claim to British Nationality from the above you will have to apply for British naturalisation on the basis that you have spent five years in the UK, or three years in the UK as the spouse of a UK citizen or be registered.

1) Have lived legally in the UK for 5 years - you must not have been away from the UK for more than 450 days during that time, or 90 days during the last year.

2) Have held Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK for at least 1 year at the time you make the application.

3) Be 18 years of age or over.

4) Be of sound mind.

5) Be of good character.

6) Have sufficient knowledge of English (or Welsh, or Scottish Gaelic).

7) Pass the Life in the UK test.

8) Intend to have the UK as your main home

If you are applying on the basis of being the spouse of a British citizen you must:

1) Have lived legally in the UK for three years - you must not have been away from the UK for more than 270 days during that time, or 90 days during the last year.

2) Have Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK (permanent residence) at the time you make the application.

3) Be 18 years of age or over.

4) Be of sound mind.

5) Be of good character.

6) Have sufficient knowledge of English (or Welsh, or Scottish Gaelic).

7) Pass the Life in the UK test.

The information here is at a high level, British Citizenship cases can be complex. Please call us on +44(0) 23800 16362 or alternatively send us an email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .co.uk. to discuss your requirements.