British Naturalisation
British naturalisation by marriage refers to the process by which a foreign spouse of a British citizen can acquire British citizenship through marriage. The process is governed by the British Nationality Act 1981 and the requirements can vary depending on the individual circumstances of the applicant. See also the UK visa application as well as the UK Dependent Visa.
Generally speaking, in order to be eligible for naturalisation by marriage, the applicant must have been married to a British citizen for at least three years and must have lived in the UK for at least three years before the date of application. The applicant must also meet certain language and knowledge of life in the UK requirements.
- You have lived legally in the UK for 5 years;
- You must not have been out of the United Kingdom for more than 450 days during that time;
- Additionally you must not have been out of the UK for 90 days during the last year;
- You have held Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK for at least 1 year before the application;
- You must be 18 years of age or over;
- Likewise you must be of good character;
- You must be of sound mind;
- Additionally you shown have sufficient knowledge of English (or Welsh or Scottish Gaelic).
- You have passed the Life in the UK test;
- You intend to have the UK as your main home.
British Naturalisation (Spouse Visa)
- You have lived legally in the UK for 3 years;
- You must not have been out of the UK for more than 270 days during this time;
- Additionally you must not have been out of the UK for 90 days before the application was made;
- You must have Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK (Permanent Residence);
- You must be 18 years of age or over;
- Likewise you must be of good character;
- You must be of sound mind;
- Additionally you have shown have sufficient knowledge of English (or Welsh or Scottish Gaelic).
- You have passed the Life in the UK test.
