British Citizenship by Naturalisation
For adults who want to explore becoming a British citizen after establishing their long-term status in the UK.
Explore Citizenship by NaturalisationOverview
Which British citizenship route may apply to you?
British citizenship is not a single application route. Some adults become British through naturalisation after obtaining permanent UK status. A spouse or civil partner of a British citizen may qualify under the shorter 3-year residence framework. Other people may be British automatically through a parent, while children who are not automatically British may be able to register.
The first step is therefore to identify the correct nationality route before preparing documents. Applying under the wrong category can lead to unnecessary fees, delays or a refusal, especially where the real issue is whether citizenship already exists automatically.
Immigration Visa Expert can review your immigration status, residence history, family connection and nationality evidence to identify the appropriate route before an application is prepared.
Citizenship routes
Choose the British citizenship category that matches your circumstances
Citizenship Through a British Parent
For children or adults whose British citizenship position may depend on a British parent and their individual family circumstances.
Explore Citizenship Through a British ParentSpouse of a British Citizen
For adults married to, or in a civil partnership with, a British citizen who want to explore the citizenship route available to them.
Explore British Spouse CitizenshipChild Registration as a British Citizen
For children whose circumstances may allow them to apply for registration as a British citizen.
Explore Child Citizenship Registration2026 position
What are the key British citizenship updates for 2026?
Adult naturalisation fee
The current total is £1,839, including the standard £130 citizenship ceremony fee.
Child registration fee
From 8 April 2026, the standard child registration fee is £1,000. A £130 ceremony fee may be requested if the child turns 18 before decision.
Automatic citizenship check
Some people with a British parent, or some children born in the UK, may already be British and may not need a citizenship application.
Status while waiting
A citizenship application does not extend immigration permission. Applicants should keep their UK immigration position secure while the application is pending.
Eligibility overview
What should you know before exploring British citizenship?
Eligibility depends on the citizenship route, your personal circumstances and the evidence available. Immigration Visa Expert can assess the appropriate category and advise on the next steps before you proceed.
Fees
How much does British citizenship cost in 2026?
Adult naturalisation
£1,839 total
Includes the £1,709 application fee and standard £130 citizenship ceremony fee.
Adult registration
Usually £1,670
Applies to many adult registration routes. Some specific historic parentage routes use different fees.
Child registration
£1,000
Standard fee for a child under 18. A ceremony fee may become payable if the child turns 18 before decision.
UKF / UKM historic routes
Usually £130
Eligible adult applications under certain historic parentage provisions normally pay the citizenship ceremony fee only.
Life in the UK test
£50
Relevant to most adult naturalisation applicants unless already passed or an exemption applies.
Other costs
Case-dependent
Language testing, document replacement, translations, private ceremonies and professional advice may add to the total cost.
How we help
How Immigration Visa Expert supports British citizenship applications
Start with the correct route, timing and evidence
We help individuals and families establish whether the case is naturalisation, registration or automatic citizenship, then build the application around the relevant residence, status, family and character evidence.
Process
British citizenship support pathway
1
Initial assessment
We review immigration status, residence, family history and the citizenship objective.
2
Route identification
We confirm whether the case is naturalisation, registration or automatic citizenship.
3
Eligibility review
We check timing, absences, permanent status, knowledge, character and family evidence.
4
Application preparation
We organise documents and supporting explanations around the correct nationality route.
5
Decision and next steps
We guide the case through decision, ceremony where required and passport planning after approval.
FAQs
British citizenship FAQs
What are the main ways to become a British citizen?
The main routes we advise on are adult naturalisation, naturalisation as the spouse or civil partner of a British citizen, citizenship through a British parent, and registration of a child as a British citizen. Some people are already British automatically and do not need to apply.
Do I need ILR or settled status before applying for British citizenship?
Most adult naturalisation applicants need permanent UK status before applying. The timing rules differ depending on whether the applicant is married to or in a civil partnership with a British citizen.
How long must I live in the UK before applying for British citizenship?
Residence requirements depend on the route. Adult naturalisation and spouse or civil-partner cases use different residence frameworks, while parentage and child-registration cases are assessed under different nationality provisions.
Can I apply for British citizenship through my parent?
Possibly. Some people are British automatically through a parent, while others may need registration. The answer depends on where and when you were born and how the British parent acquired citizenship.
Can a child apply for British citizenship?
Yes. A child who is not already British may qualify for registration depending on birth, parents' status, residence and other family circumstances.
How long does a British citizenship application take?
Many nationality applications are decided within around 6 months, although complex cases can take longer and additional information may be requested.
Can I travel while my British citizenship application is being considered?
A citizenship application does not normally prevent travel, but the applicant must continue to meet the relevant immigration and practical travel requirements while the application is pending.
Do I have to send my passport away for a British citizenship application?
Applicants normally provide identity and supporting evidence through the relevant application process rather than routinely surrendering their passport for the whole decision period.
Can I keep my existing nationality after becoming British?
The UK allows dual or multiple citizenship, but whether another country allows you to retain its nationality depends on that country's nationality law.
Does applying for British citizenship extend my immigration permission?
No. A citizenship application does not itself extend immigration permission. Anyone who does not already hold indefinite status should make sure their UK immigration position remains lawful while the application is pending.
How can Immigration Visa Expert help with British citizenship?
We can identify the correct citizenship route, review timing and eligibility, assess residence and family evidence, identify potential issues and prepare the supporting document strategy.