Naturalisation

Depending on your current citizenship or nationality you may be able to apply for British citizenship in several ways.

If you are over 18 and have been living in the United Kingdom for the last five years (or three years if you are married to or a civil partner of a British citizen) you may be able to apply for naturalisation as a British citizen. You may also be able to apply for naturalisation if you or your husband, wife or civil partner is in crown or designated service outside the United Kingdom.

The other requirements are that you are of sound mind, intend to continue to live in the United Kingdom, or to continue in crown service, the service of an international organisation of which the United Kingdom is a member, or the service of a company or association established in the United Kingdom, can communicate in English, Welsh or Scottish Gaelic to an acceptable degree, have sufficient knowledge of life in the United Kingdom, are of good character and you meet the residential requirements.

Major changes in natinality law are due to take place in 2010-2011.

For further advice contact our immigration team.