Step-by-Step Guide: How to Secure Your U.K. Citizenship in 2025

• Written by Gungun Bhatia

  Reviewed by Rashmi Rai

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Sana, a software engineer, moved to the United Kingdom for work five years ago. Now, she's looking to take a big step forward by applying for UK citizenship, which would help her enjoy British rights as a citizen. But how exactly does she go about it? What steps must she follow, and what should she consider before applying?

If you find yourself in Sana's shoes and want to get your United Kingdom citizenship in 2025, this guide outlines the steps you'll need to take, along with the costs and documents required. So, let's take the road to applying for UK citizenship. 

What is U.K. Citizenship?

British Citizenship means having citizenship rights in the United Kingdom. It grants you the freedom to live, work, and vote in the U.K. and access healthcare and social benefits. You will also get a UK citizenship card and passport to travel freely.

Types of UK Citizenship & Who Can Apply

Before you begin your application, you must identify under which category you fall. The most common pathways include:

Naturalisation

This is the most common route for adults who have lived in the United Kingdom for at least 5 years.

Requirements:

• Lived in the UK for at least 5 years.
• Held for at least 12 months in settled status or Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
• Not spent more than 450 days outside the UK in the past 5 years.
• Not spent more than 90 days outside the UK in the past 12 months.
• Be of "good character" or with no serious criminal record.

Born in Britain, Citizenship

If you were born in the UK, you could be a citizen based on your parents' immigration when you were born. If that doesn’t apply, you can still apply for citizenship if you have lived in the UK for your first ten years.

UK Citizenship by Marriage

If you're married to a British citizen or in a civil partnership with one, you can apply for UK citizenship via your marriage.

Requirements:

• Must have lived in the UK for at least 3 years.
• Must have ILR or be settled at the time of application.
• Meet other standard citizenship criteria.
• Must be aware of Knowledge of Language and Life in the UK (KoLL).
• Must pass the "Life in the UK" test.

Other Routes

Citizenship can also be obtained through the following alternatives.

• British Overseas Citizen (BOC): BOCs are people linked to former British colonies who didn't get full British citizenship when those colonies became independent. They have some rights in the UK but can't automatically live or work there.
• British Subject: This status is for UK and Colonies citizens before 1949 who didn't take citizenship in a Commonwealth country afterwards. They have limited rights and usually need visas to live or work in the UK.
• British National (Overseas) BN (O): People from Hong Kong who registered before the 1997 handover to China got this status. BN(O) status doesn’t give full citizenship rights, but now the UK has a BN(O) visa that lets holders and their families live and work in the UK.
• British Protected Person (BPP): This status is for people from areas with British Protection, not whole colonies. BPPs can't pass their status to their children and need visas or residency to live in the UK.

Step-by-Step Process to Apply for UK Citizenship in 2025

Getting UK citizenship is a straightforward process that gives you all the rights of a British citizen. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to help you through the application.

Step 1 - Check Your Eligibility

Before applying, confirm you meet the core UK citizenship requirements including:

• Age 18 or over.
• Lived in the UK for at least 5 years (or 3 years if married to a British citizen).
• Hold Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or settled status for at least 12 months.
• Not been outside the UK for more than 450 days in the past 5 years and 90 days in the past 12 months.
• Passed the Life in the UK Test.
• Met the English language requirement.
• Have good character (no serious criminal record).

Step 2 - Pass the “Life in the UK” Test

This is a multiple-choice exam on British history, laws, values, and society.

• There will be 24 questions based on the Life in the UK handbook.
• You must score at least 75%.
• Book online via the official government website.

Step 3 - Meet the English Language Requirement

If you're not from a majority English-speaking country, you'll need to prove your language proficiency by providing proof like:

• Approved English language test at B1 CEFR level or higher.
• Holding a degree taught in English.
• Being from an English-speaking country (e.g., USA, Canada).

Step 4 - Prepare Your Documents

Compile all the original copies of your documents. Here's the list of the documents that would be required:

• Passport and travel documents.
• Biometric residence permit or proof of ILR/settled status.
• Life in the UK Test certificate.
• English language certificate.
• Marriage certificate (if applying by marriage).
• Proof of residence (utility bills, P60S, tenancy agreements, etc.).
• Names of two referees, including one British citizen and one professional.

Step 5 - Complete the Application Online

You can apply for UK citizenship online at the government website: https://www.gov.uk/. Here are the steps to get started:

• Fill out the naturalisation application (Form AN).
• Upload your documents.
• Pay the application fees.
• Book a biometric appointment at the UKVCAS centre.

Step 6 - Attend Your Biometric Appointment

At your UKVCAS appointment, you'll:

• Provide fingerprints and a photograph.
• Verify your identity.

Step 7 - Wait for the Decision

Processing time for British citizenship applications can take up to 6 months. However, many applicants hear back sooner.

Step 8 - Attend Your Citizenship Ceremony

If your application is approved, you'll receive an invitation to a citizenship ceremony from your local council. You must attend the ceremony within 3 months of approval. At the ceremony:

• You'll make an Oath or Affirmation of Allegiance to the king and pledge loyalty to the UK.
• Receive your British citizenship certificate.
• Get your UK citizenship card.
• After this, you can apply for your British passport. 

What is the UK Citizenship Cost for Indians?

As of 2025, the cost of UK citizenship for Indians might be higher than in 2024. In 2024, the application cost was £1,330, approximately Rs.1.40 lakh. However, in 2025, candidates must pay £1,735, approximately Rs.2.00 lakh for naturalisation. This cost includes the cost of a citizenship ceremony. However, there is no coverage for the cost of the English language test, the Life in the UK exam, or biometric enrollment.

Please note that the UK citizenship cost mentioned above is subject to change. For the latest update on visa fees, please refer to the country's official websites.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applying for United Kingdom citizenship is a significant undertaking. However, minor errors during the procedure may result in unnecessary costs, rejections, or delays. Here are some common mistakes that you should steer clear of to prevent setbacks:

• Applying before completing the required residency period.
• Failing the Life in the UK test.
• Not meeting the English language requirement.
• Submitting an incomplete or incorrect application form.
• Spending too much time outside the UK.
• Hiding or not declaring criminal records or immigration breaches.
• Missing the biometric appointment deadline.
• Skipping the mandatory citizenship ceremony.

Read More: What is Dual Citizenship?

Your Road to British Citizenship!

Becoming a British citizen is more than just filling out forms; it’s about building your life and identity in a place you want to call home. The journey to UK citizenship can be challenging, but it is worthwhile, regardless of whether you qualify by naturalisation, marriage, or birth in the country. Check out our guide to understand  UK nationality requirements, prepare your documents, and keep up with price structures.

So, are you ready to make the UK your forever home? Start your journey today!

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