Naturalisation Criteria

Foreign nationals may apply for certificates of naturalisation. This also applies to Commonwealth citizens and Irish citizens. Applicants must:

• have lived legally in the United Kingdom/Islands for five years (the last year should have been free of any time limit);

• be 18 or over;

• be of sound mind;

• be of good character;

• have sufficient knowledge of English, Welsh or Scottish Gaelic (depending on their age and physical and mental condition); and

• stay closely connected with the United Kingdom/Jersey

  The wife or husband of a British citizen may apply for naturalisation after living in the United Kingdom legally for three years.

• The applicant's stay must not be subject to any time limit on the date of application;

• the applicant must be 18 or over and not of unsound mind,

• the applicant must have sufficient knowledge of English, Welsh or Scottish Gaelic (depending on their age and physical and mental condition).

• but does not have to intend to live in the United Kingdom once naturalised

He or she must be of good character.

To meet these residence requirements, you must not be absent from the United Kingdom for more than 450 days over the 5-year period, or for more than 270 days over the 3-year period. In each case, you must not be absent for more than 90 days in the last year of the period.

More details about naturalisation can be obtained by contacting the Service