The United Kingdom has long been a desirable and sought after destination for those seeking nationalisation and citizenship in a new country. The UK consistently ranks amongst the world leaders for; life expectancy, gross domestic product (GDP), minimum wage and many other factors that help towards determining the quality of life a particular country has. For many receiving their certificate of naturalisation from the UK is a monumental and life changing moment.

Unless someone has a claim to Citizenship based on ancestry they will have to apply for naturalisation through the following two categories, commonly known as; 1. Naturalisation after six years in the UK and 2. Naturalisation after three years in the UK as a spouse of a UK Citizen. As of 2005 both categories also demand that a person passes a ‘Life in the UK’ test before the can apply for citizenship. The test costs GBP 50 and can be done online (this must be booked at least 3 days prior to the test). The test aims to prove an applicant has sufficient knowledge of British life plus proficiency of the English Language. It consists of 24 questions with 75% (18/24) needed to pass the test. The test must be completed and passed before one can apply to receive their certificate of naturalisation.

Naturalisation after six years in the UK

For those who are not married to a British Citizen the following requirements will be needed to be met before applying for naturalisation.

Above the age of 18
Must be of good character e.g. No serious or recent criminal record or immigration offences in the last 10 years
The person will continue to live in the UK
The person should be able to communicate in the English language (or Welsh or Scottish Gaelic)

The following residency requirements for the last 6 years are also required to be met.

Must have been living in the UK for exactly six years before the date the application reaches the Home Office, plus;
In the 6 years mentioned not have been outside the UK for more than 450 days, plus;
During the most recent 12 months not have been outside of the UK for more than 90 days, plus;
During the most recent 12 months held a permanent residence, plus;
During the six year period not have been living in the UK in breach of UK immigration rules at any time.

Naturalisation after three years in the UK as a spouse of a UK Citizen

Many of the requirements for receiving a certificate of naturalisation as a spouse are the same as those mentioned above. The obvious difference is the reduced residency time requirement of 3 years as opposed to 6. Specific requirements are as follows;

Applicants must have been living in the UK for a three year period, plus;
Have a permanent residency on the date the application is received by the Home Office, plus;
Must not have been outside of the UK for more than 270 days within the 3 year period, plus;
During the most recent 12 months not have been outside the UK for more than 90 days, plus;
Again, not been in breach of any UK immigration rules at any stage during the last 3 years

The processing time for both methods of application is currently anywhere between 6 and 7 months.