British Citizenship for EU Nationals

British citizenship allows EU nationals to live, work and travel without immigration restrictions, offering full rights and protections under UK law. Those who secure citizenship can apply for a British passport, vote in general elections and access all public services without limitations.

Becoming a British citizen is a major life decision, and EU nationals should carefully consider the process and implications before applying. To qualify, applicants must have lived in the UK for at least five years and hold Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) for at least 12 months. Applicants must also pass the Life in the UK Test and meet the English language requirement. A clean immigration and criminal record is also required under the good character assessment.

Incorrect or incomplete applications can lead to delays or rejections. Applying for citizenship is expensive, and refusals do not result in a refund.

In this guide, we set out the key requirements for EU nationals looking to apply for British Citizenship.

 

Overview of British Citizenship for EU Nationals

 

If you are an EU citizen and have been living in the UK for 6 or more years, you could be eligible to make an application to be naturalised and acquire British Citizenship, provided – in most cases – that you have held either EU settled status or ILR for at least 12 months. The UK naturalisation rules are governed by the British Nationality Act 1981, with the key requirements including”

 

• You must have been living in the UK for 6 or more years
• You must meet the residence requirements which include an assessment of your absences from the UK and where you intend to live after making the application
• You will need to pass the Life in the UK Test
• You also need to pass an approved English Language Test – or have an approved degree from /be a national of a majority English speaking country
• You must meet the “Good Character” guidance, for example no recent or serious criminal convictions, you must not be bankrupt, or associated with those considered to have “bad character”

 

 

Benefits of becoming a British citizen for EU nationals

 

Acquiring British citizenship provides EU nationals with numerous legal, social, and economic benefits:

 

• Right to live and work in the UK permanently – No need to renew visas or worry about immigration status.
• No immigration restrictions when travelling – British citizens can re-enter the UK freely without restrictions.
• Access to public services – Full access to state benefits, NHS services, and the ability to vote in UK general elections.
• Stronger employment prospects – Some UK government jobs and professions require British citizenship.
• Freedom to apply for a British passport – One of the world’s most powerful passports, allowing visa-free travel to over 180 countries.
• Ability to pass citizenship to children – British citizens can pass their nationality to children born abroad, ensuring long-term family security.

 

 

Requirements for EU nationals to obtain British citizenship

 

EU nationals aspiring to acquire British citizenship must fulfil several essential criteria to be eligible for naturalisation. Firstly, applicants must be over 18 years of age and demonstrate a continuous lawful residence in the UK for at least five years prior to the application date. During this period, they should not have spent more than 450 days outside the UK, ensuring their commitment to residing within the country. Additionally, in the 12 months immediately preceding the application, absences from the UK must not exceed 90 days. These residency requirements underscore the importance of establishing a stable and ongoing connection to the UK.

Another requirement is holding Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme. Applicants must have held this status for at least 12 months before applying for citizenship, unless they are married to or in a civil partnership with a British citizen, in which case the 12-month waiting period is waived.

Proficiency in the English language is also mandatory. Applicants are required to provide evidence of their ability to communicate effectively in English, which can be demonstrated through an approved language test or by holding a degree taught in English.

Applicants also need to pass the “Life in the UK Test“, which assesses the applicant’s knowledge of British customs, history and laws. The test covers a range of topics, including British traditions, political systems, and historical events, providing a comprehensive overview of life in the UK.

Finally, all applicants must be deemed to be of “good character”. This involves having a clean criminal record, adhering to UK laws, and fulfilling financial obligations such as taxes. The Home Office conducts thorough background checks to ensure that applicants have consistently exhibited conduct befitting a British citizen. Factors such as criminal convictions, bankruptcy or immigration offences can adversely affect the assessment of good character.

 

Pre-settled status & British citizenship

 

Pre-settled status was granted to EU nationals and their family members who began their residence in the UK before 31 December 2020 but had not completed five continuous years of residence at the time of their application under the EU Settlement Scheme. This status allows individuals to live, work, and study in the UK temporarily, serving as a bridge toward achieving settled status and, subsequently, British citizenship.

As of January 2025, the UK Home Office has implemented significant changes affecting EU nationals holding pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS). These changes are designed to streamline the transition from pre-settled to settled status, thereby facilitating the path to British citizenship.

Previously, pre-settled status holders were required to apply for settled status upon completing five years of continuous residence in the UK. However, starting from late January 2025, the Home Office has initiated a process to automatically convert eligible pre-settled status holders to settled status. This automatic grant is contingent upon the Home Office verifying continuous residence through existing government data, such as tax and benefits records. Eligible individuals will receive notifications via email regarding their status change and are advised to ensure their contact information is current on their eVisa accounts.

For those whose pre-settled status is nearing expiration and who have not yet met the criteria for settled status, the Home Office will automatically extend their pre-settled status by an additional five years. This extension provides ample time for individuals to accrue the necessary continuous residence period required for settled status eligibility. Importantly, this extension is granted without the need for a new application.

With the new automatic conversion process, eligible individuals can attain settled status more efficiently, subsequently allowing them to fulfil the residency requirements for naturalisation. Applicants must still meet other standard criteria for citizenship, including demonstrating English language proficiency, passing the Life in the UK Test and satisfying the good character requirement.

 

 

Can EU nationals apply for British citizenship if they missed the EU Settlement Scheme deadline?

 

The EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) was introduced to allow EU, EEA, and Swiss nationals residing in the UK before 31 December 2020 to secure their right to remain in the country post-Brexit. The original deadline to apply was 30 June 2021. However, the UK Home Office has provisions in place to accept late applications under certain circumstances.

EU nationals who missed the deadline may still be eligible to apply if they can demonstrate reasonable grounds for failing to do so. The Home Office has outlined several reasons that may be considered valid, including:

 

• Medical conditions – If the applicant was seriously ill or had an ongoing medical condition that prevented them from applying in time.
• Lack of capacity – If the person lacked physical or mental capacity, such as individuals under long-term care or those with cognitive impairments.
• Vulnerable situations – If the applicant was a victim of domestic abuse, modern slavery, or was homeless and was unaware of the requirement to apply.
• Compelling practical reasons – If the applicant faced barriers such as bereavement, legal issues, or significant disruption to their personal life that prevented them from meeting the deadline.
• Children – If a child did not apply because their parent or guardian failed to do so on their behalf.

 

The Home Office assesses late applications on a case-by-case basis, and applicants must provide evidence to support their reasons for missing the deadline. If a late application is refused, individuals may not have the right to remain in the UK and could face removal proceedings.

To increase the chances of a successful late application, it is recommended to seek legal advice and submit an application as soon as possible. For further information, applicants should check official government guidance or consult with our immigration specialists.

 

What are the fees for applying for British citizenship as an EU national?

 

Applying for British citizenship is a significant financial commitment. The main application fee for naturalisation is currently £1,735 per adult applicant, which includes the cost of the citizenship ceremony. However, additional costs may apply depending on the applicant’s circumstances:

 

• Biometric fee – £19.20 for fingerprint and photo submission.
• Life in the UK test – £50 per attempt.
• English language test (if required) – £150 on average, depending on the test provider.
• Document translations – If any documents need to be officially translated into English, this can cost around £75-£150 per document.

 

There is no refund if the application is refused, so it is vital to ensure all requirements are met before applying.

For applicants who cannot afford the fee, there is currently no fee waiver for citizenship applications. However, some individuals may qualify for legal aid or financial support through community organisations offering immigration assistance.

 

What happens if an EU national’s British citizenship application is refused?

 

If an EU national’s British citizenship application is refused, the applicant does not automatically lose their current immigration status. However, it is essential to understand the reasons for refusal and the possible options for challenging or reapplying.

Common reasons for refusal include:

 

• Failure to meet residency requirements – The applicant has exceeded the allowed number of absences from the UK (more than 450 days in the last five years or 90 days in the last 12 months).
• Not holding settled status or ILR for long enough – The applicant must have had settled status or Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) for at least 12 months before applying (unless married to a British citizen).
• Failure to meet the English language or Life in the UK test requirements – Applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency and pass the Life in the UK test.
• Good character concerns – A criminal record, unpaid taxes, or previous breaches of immigration laws can lead to refusal.
• Insufficient evidence – Missing documents or inconsistencies in the application can result in rejection.

 

If the applicant believes the refusal was due to an error in the Home Office’s decision, they may request an Administrative Review. However, this is rarely available for citizenship applications. If the decision was unlawful, unreasonable, or procedurally unfair, an applicant may consider a Judicial Review, though this is complex and costly.

If the refusal was due to residency requirements, good character issues, or missing evidence, the applicant may correct the issue and submit a new application in the future.

 

Need assistance?

 

At DavidsonMorris we have the experience to advise you on the most appropriate type of application for your individual circumstances and have the insight to make the naturalisation application process as smooth as possible. Contact us for specialist advice.

 

British Citizenship for EU Nationals FAQs

 

Can EU nationals still apply for British citizenship?

Yes, EU nationals can apply for British citizenship if they meet the residency, language, and good character requirements, and have held settled status or ILR for at least 12 months.

 

Do EU nationals need settled status to apply for British citizenship?

Yes, unless they already have Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). Those with pre-settled status must first switch to settled status before applying for citizenship.

 

How long do EU nationals need to live in the UK before applying?

EU nationals generally need five years of continuous residence plus 12 months with settled status or ILR before applying, unless married to a British citizen.

 

How much does it cost to apply for British citizenship?

The British citizenship application fee is £1,735 per adult application.

 

What is the Life in the UK Test?

It is a multiple-choice test covering British history, culture, and laws. Applicants must pass it before applying for citizenship unless they have an exemption.

 

What is the good character requirement?

Applicants must have a clean criminal record, pay UK taxes, and comply with immigration laws. Serious offences or unpaid taxes may result in refusal.

 

Can EU nationals with dual nationality apply for British citizenship?

Yes, but they should check whether their home country allows dual nationality, as some countries may require them to renounce their original citizenship.

 

Does British citizenship affect an EU national’s right to live elsewhere in the EU?

Becoming a British citizen does not automatically remove EU rights, but individuals may need to check freedom of movement rules for their home country.

 

Can British citizenship be revoked?

Yes, in cases of fraud, serious criminal activity, or national security threats. Otherwise, British citizenship is permanent and does not require renewal.

 

Glossary

 

Term	Definition
British Citizenship	Legal status allowing individuals full rights in the UK, including the right to live, work, vote, and apply for a British passport.
EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS)	A UK government scheme allowing EU, EEA, and Swiss nationals to obtain settled or pre-settled status after Brexit.
Settled Status	Permanent residence granted to EU nationals under EUSS, allowing them to stay indefinitely and apply for British citizenship after 12 months.
Pre-Settled Status	Temporary status granted to EU nationals who have lived in the UK for less than five years, allowing them to later apply for settled status.
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)	Permanent residence granted to non-EU visa holders, allowing them to stay in the UK without immigration restrictions.
Continuous Residence	Requirement that an applicant has lived in the UK for a set period without excessive absences, usually no more than 450 days in five years.
Life in the UK Test	A multiple-choice test assessing knowledge of British history, culture, and laws, required for citizenship and settlement applications.
Good Character Requirement	A criterion for citizenship applications requiring applicants to have a clean criminal record, pay taxes, and comply with UK laws.
English Language Requirement	Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English, usually through an approved test or a degree taught in English.
Naturalisation	The process by which a foreign national applies for British citizenship after meeting legal requirements.
Dual Nationality	The ability to hold British citizenship while retaining citizenship of another country, depending on the laws of the applicant’s home country.
Citizenship Ceremony	A formal event where successful applicants pledge allegiance to the UK and receive their certificate of naturalisation.