If you are an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen with settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you can apply to become a British citizen by naturalisation. You use the same application (Form AN) and meet the same rules as other applicants.

You need settled status, not pre-settled status. Pre-settled status does not let you apply for citizenship.

There are two routes. Section 6(1) is the general route. Section 6(2) is the shorter route for the spouse or civil partner of a British citizen.

Settled status lets you live in the UK for life, but you can lose it if you spend more than 5 years in a row outside the UK. British citizenship cannot be lost through time abroad, and it gives you a British passport and the right to vote in all UK elections.

Check Your Eligibility

Eligibility criteria

Is British Citizenship right for you?

This route is for EU, EEA and Swiss citizens who already hold settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme and have built their life in the UK.

Check Your Eligibility

Apply For British Citizenship

You are likely eligible if:

You are aged 18 or over
You hold settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme
You have lived in the UK for the 5 years before you apply (3 years if you are married to a British citizen)
You have held settled status for at least 12 months (no wait if you are married to a British citizen)
You meet the English, Life in the UK test and good character requirements

This route may not be right for you yet if:

You hold pre-settled status. You need to get settled status first.
You only hold an old permanent residence document. These stopped being valid in 2021, so you need settled status.
You have spent more than 450 days outside the UK in the last 5 years, or more than 90 days in the last 12 months
You have unresolved convictions, unpaid tax or a past immigration breach

Good character and intent to live in the UK

A Home Office caseworker assesses your criminal history, immigration history, honesty and financial conduct.

You must also show that you intend to make the UK your main home.

Life in the UK test

You must pass the Life in the UK test. Most EU and EEA nationals did not need it for settled status, so you will usually need to take it before you apply.

English language

You must be able to prove English skills at CEFR B1 in speaking and listening, or show a valid exemption.

Most EU and EEA nationals need a test or a degree taught in English. Irish and Maltese nationals are exempt by nationality.

Physical presence anchor

You must be able to prove you were physically in the UK on the day exactly 5 years before your application is received (3 years on the Spouse route).

Final year absences

You can only have been absent from the UK for 90 days or less in the last 12 months before your application.

This is the same for the General and Spouse routes.

Minimum absences

You must have been absent from the UK for less than 450 days across the 5 year minimum residency.

For the Spouse route, this reduces to a maximum of 270 days across the 3 year minimum residency.

Settled status

You must hold settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme. Pre-settled status does not qualify.

On the general route, you must have held settled status for at least 12 months. On the Spouse route, you only need to hold it on the day you apply.

Application Process

Step-by-Step Application Process

Check Your Eligibility

Apply For British Citizenship

Step 1: Check your settled status

The applicant confirms they hold settled status, not pre-settled status, and checks the date it was granted.

Step 2: Check your residence and absences

The applicant confirms the qualifying date and counts every absence against passport stamps and travel records.

Step 3: Pass the Life in the UK test

The applicant books and passes the Life in the UK test.

Step 4: Prove your English language level

The applicant secures English language evidence at CEFR B1, or confirms an exemption.

Step 5: Choose your two referees

The applicant identifies two referees who meet the Home Office criteria on profession, age and relationship to the applicant.

Step 6: Complete Form AN and pay the fees

The applicant completes Form AN online through GOV.UK, shares their settled status code and pays the application fee and the ceremony fee.

Step 7: Give your biometrics and wait for the decision

The applicant enrols biometrics. The Home Office then decides the application, usually within 6 months.

Step 8: Attend your citizenship ceremony

On approval the applicant receives an invitation to a citizenship ceremony and must attend within three months, taking the oath of allegiance and the pledge.

Step 9: Collect your certificate and apply for your passport

The certificate of naturalisation is issued at the ceremony. The applicant can then apply for a British passport.

| | | |---|---| | Your current passport or national identity card, plus every passport or ID card covering the full qualifying period of 3 or 5 years. | Proof of your settled status. This is a UKVI share code from your online account, not a physical document. | | Your Life in the UK test pass notification letter. | Your SELT certificate at B1 or above, or a degree taught or researched in English with ENIC confirmation where obtained overseas. (Or evidence of an exempting nationality or condition.) | | A full schedule of your absences from the UK across the qualifying period, with dates of departure and return. | Details of two referees, one of whom must hold a recognised profession and one of whom must normally be a British citizen aged 25 or over. | | For Spouse 6(2) applicants, the marriage or civil partnership certificate and evidence of the partner's British citizenship. | Evidence of your tax compliance where the applicant is self-employed or a company director. | | Full disclosure of any criminal convictions, cautions, fixed penalty notices and civil judgments. You must include those spent under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act. | |

| COMPONENT | FEE | |---|---| | Naturalisation as a British citizen (adult) | £1,709 | | Citizenship ceremony | £130 | | Life in the UK test | £50 payable per attempt | | English language test | Variable (approved SELT provider pricing / not payable where an exemption applies) | | Nationality review (Form NR) | £513 |

Why AY&J

Why work with AY&J?

Learn More About us

We have helped many EU and EEA nationals become British. We check your settled status, residence dates and absences before you pay the fee, and prepare your full application.

5,000

Successful immigration applications

Years of UK immigration experience

4.9

Average rating from Trustpilot & Google

Testimonials

In our clients' own words.

Some honest reflections from our clients we think you'll see a clear theme.

“AY&J Solicitors took us through the entire sponsor licence and intra-company transfer process smoothly. We secured our licence in record time and brought our technical specialist to the UK without delay. Their service was personal, knowledgeable, and highly responsive.”

Simon Pollack

Director at Calibrant Ltd

"Before coming to AY&J Solicitors, I made three major mistakes on my Entrepreneur visa application that could have completely ruined my status in the UK. Other famous law firms wanted £50,000 just to look at my case. When I met Yash and Anna, their clear logical thinking, expertise, and reasonable pricing stood out immediately. They worked with me like a true team, resolved every issue, and saved both my UK and Chinese businesses."

Xiao Li

CEO of Fusion Pay Ltd

"I was in a position where I had literally just a couple of months to turn everything around.

Atter doing research online, I came across AY&J Solicitors' YouTube videos, and right from initial contact, I knew I was in capable hands.

They guided me step-by-step, answered my gazillion questions, and helped me secure a sponsor licence and my Skilled Worker visa in record time. Their customer service really sets them apart!"

Jennifer

Management Consultant

"Working with AY&J Solicitors turned what felt like a complex visa journey into a true victory. Their legal team guided me step-by-step through every intricate detail of the Skilled Worker visa, sponsorship, and settlement process. Thanks to their meticulous approach and deep UK immigration expertise, I was able to secure Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and build a successful future in the UK."

Mounir

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

You'll find some answers to commonly asked questions here but if you still have questions, don't hesitate to reach out to the AY&J team.

Check Your Eligibility

Decisions, ceremony and after citizenship

Can I keep my EU citizenship if I become British?

The UK allows dual nationality. Some countries limit it, so check with your country's embassy before you apply.

Application, fees and timing

How much does British citizenship cost in 2026?

The Home Office fee is £1,709, plus £130 for the citizenship ceremony, a total of £1,839. The Life in the UK test costs £50. The fee is not refunded if you are refused.

Tests, documents and good character

How do I prove my settled status?

Settled status is digital. You prove it with a share code from your UKVI online account. Make sure the passport or ID card linked to your account is up to date.

Eligibility and residence

Can EU and EEA nationals apply for British citizenship?

Yes. If you are an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen aged 18 or over with settled status, you can apply by naturalisation. You must also meet the residence, absence, English, Life in the UK test and good character requirements.

Decisions, ceremony and after citizenship

Do I have to attend a citizenship ceremony?

Yes, if you are 18 or over. You must attend within 3 months of your invitation. You become a British citizen at the ceremony and receive your certificate of naturalisation.

Decisions, ceremony and after citizenship

What can I do if my application is refused?

There is no right of appeal. You can ask for a review (Form NR, £513), make a new application, or in some cases challenge the decision by judicial review. Check the deadline on your refusal letter.

Application, fees and timing

How long does the application take?

Most decisions are made within 6 months. Your ceremony takes place after approval, so allow extra time before you become a British citizen.

Tests, documents and good character

Do I need to take the Life in the UK test?

Yes, unless you are 65 or over or have a long-term condition that prevents you from taking it. Most EU and EEA nationals did not need the test for settled status, so you will usually need to take it now. It costs £50 each time.

Tests, documents and good character

Do EU nationals need an English test?

You need English at B1 or above for speaking and listening. Most EU and EEA nationals show this with an approved test or a degree taught in English. Irish and Maltese nationals are exempt, as are people aged 65 or over.

Eligibility and residence

Can I lose my settled status?

Yes. You can lose settled status if you spend more than 5 years in a row outside the UK. British citizenship cannot be lost through time abroad.

Eligibility and residence

How many days can I spend outside the UK?

On the general route, no more than 450 days in the 5 years before you apply, and no more than 90 days in the last 12 months.

On the spouse route, the limits are 270 days in 3 years and 90 days in the last 12 months.

Eligibility and residence

I had permanent residence before Brexit. Can I use it to apply?

Permanent residence documents stopped being valid in 2021. You need settled status to apply for citizenship. Your years in the UK before Brexit can still count towards your residence period.

Eligibility and residence

How long after getting settled status can I apply?

On the general route, you must have held settled status for at least 12 months. If you are married to a British citizen, you can apply as soon as you have settled status, provided you have 3 years' residence.

Some people who held permanent residence before getting settled status may be able to apply sooner. We check this for you.

Eligibility and residence

Can I apply for British citizenship with pre-settled status?

No. You need settled status first. Most people can switch from pre-settled to settled status once they have 5 years of continuous residence in the UK.