Naturalization as a British Citizen happens at the discretion of the Home Secretary. If the Home Secretary finds that the applicant meets all the requirements under British Nationality Act 1981, the Home Secretary may grant citizenship to the applicant.
Requirements to naturalize as a British Citizen
Requirements that applicants need to meet for
Naturalisation as a British citizen depends on whether they are married or in a civil partnership with a British Citizen or not. If they are married or in a civil partnership with a British Citizen, applicants must meet the requirements of section 6(2) of the British Nationality
Act 1981 and others who are not married or in a civil partnership with a British Citizen need to meet the requirements of Section 6(1) of the British Nationality Act 1981.
Section 6(1) when applicants are not married or in a civil partnership with a British Citizen
If an applicant meets the following requirements, they can be granted a certificate of naturalization under Section 6(1) of the British Nationality Act 1981.
- The applicant is 18 years or above.
- An applicant is of full capacity.
- Applicant meets the residence requirement or serving outside the UK in Crown Service under the UK government.
- Applicant meets the "good character" criteria.
- Applicant should be able to provide evidence that he/she has sufficient knowledge of English, Welsh or Scottish Gaelic language.
- Applicant should be able to provide evidence that he/she has sufficient knowledge of life in the UK.
- Applicant must intend to have their main home in the UK if granted naturalization successfully or enter into or continue in any of the following:
- Crown Service under the UK Government
- Service under an international organization of which the UK or the UK government is a member.
- Employed in a company or the association established in the UK.
Section 6(2) when applicants are married or in a civil partnership with a British citizen
An applicant may be granted a certificate of naturalization if they meet the following conditions:
- An applicant is at least 18 years or above.
- An applicant is of full capacity.
- An applicant is married or in a civil partnership with a British citizen.
- Applicant meets the residence requirements.
- Applicant meets the "good character"; condition.
- Applicant needs to provide evidence that he/she has sufficient knowledge of English, Welsh or Scottish Gaelic language.
- Applicant needs to provide evidence that he/she has sufficient knowledge of life in the UK.
Applying for Children
A child below 18 years of age cannot be naturalized and is rather registered as British Citizens. We will provide more information on our website in the Blogs about Registration soon. If you want professional assistance from one of our lawyers you can call us on 02034111261
