British Citizenship Application Document Checklist

Applying for British citizenship? Our document checklist ensures you have everything covered, from proof of identity to residence and language proficiency.

When applying for British citizenship, you must include documents like your passport, Life in the UK test certificate, and proof of settled status or ILR.

Unsure about which documents to submit for your British citizenship application? Call our UK nationality solicitors at 0203 417 3700 for assistance.

Table of Contents

What is British citizenship?

British citizenship grants an individual the right to live and work in the UK without immigration restrictions and access to a British passport.

Depending on your circumstances, you may be able to apply for British citizenship through Naturalisation or Registration if you meet the eligibility criteria.

Need help with your British citizenship application? Contact our solicitors at 0203 417 3700 for legal advice and assistance with your application.

What is the difference between British citizenship by registration and naturalisation?

You may apply for British citizenship through naturalisation or registration, depending on your circumstances and connection to the UK.

Naturalisation is for non-British adults meeting residency requirements, while registration is mainly for children or those with certain British connections.

Compared to naturalisation, British citizenship by registration has different and often less strict requirements that must be met before applying.

Naturalisation is the most common route to British citizenship, typically requiring 5 years of residency in the UK (or 3 years if married to a British citizen).

Typically, children or individuals with specific UK connections (such as having a British parent) can apply for British citizenship through registration.

What documents do you need to apply for British citizenship?

You will need to provide:

• Your valid passport
• Your BRP card or eVisa, if you have one
• Proof of settled status or ILR
• Evidence of continuous residence in the UK
• List of absences from the UK
• Life in the UK test certificate
• Proof of your knowledge of English
• Proof of good character
• Marriage certificate (if applying based on marriage to a British citizen)
• Criminal convictions disclosure (if applicable)
• Signed declarations from two referees
• British citizenship application form
• Proof of application fee payment
• Criminal convictions disclosure (if applicable)
• Certified translation of any documents that are not in English or Welsh.
• Additional documents as per your circumstances

Proof of continuous residence in the UK

When applying for British citizenship by naturalisation, you need to prove 5 years of continuous residence in the UK (or 3 years if married to a British citizen).

To prove your continuous residence, you can provide:

• Tenancy agreements.
• Letters from a landlord.
• Mortgage statements.
• Title deeds (for owned accommodation).
• Utility bills (e.g., electricity, water, gas).
• Council tax bills.
• TV license letters.
• Payslips, P60s, or tax returns.
• Bank statements with regular transactions.
• Correspondence from educational institutions.
• Correspondence from dentists or healthcare providers.
• Passport showing entry and exit stamp.
• A list of all absences from the UK during the qualifying period.

Ensure the documents cover your entire period of residence and confirm you haven't exceeded the allowed absence limit for your immigration category.

Evidence of your knowledge of English for British citizenship

You can prove your knowledge of English by providing:

• A secure English language test (SELT) certificate.
• Proof of English qualification at CEFR B1, B2, C1, or C2 level.
• A degree certificate (if your degree was taught in English).

You do not need to prove your knowledge of English if you're aged 65 or over, have a mental condition, or are a national of an English-speaking country.

Proof of passing the Life in the UK Test

You'll need to submit your Life in the UK Test certificate to prove you've passed the test, as it's a mandatory requirement of British citizenship applications.

As part of your British citizenship application, you'll generally need to pass the 'Life in the UK Test', which assesses your understanding of British history, culture, customs, and laws.

The Life in the UK test consists of 24 multiple-choice questions, and you need to score at least 75% to pass.

The test covers topics such as:

• British history and historical events.
• British culture, customs, and traditions.
• Government and law in the UK.
• The role of institutions and the rights and responsibilities of citizens.
• Practical information about life in the UK, such as transport, housing, and education.

Applicants for British citizenship who are under 18 or 65 years and older at the time of their application are exempt from the Life in the UK knowledge requirement.

Who can be a referee for a British citizenship application?

You need two referees to confirm your identity for the British citizenship application. One must be a British citizen, and the other a reputable professional.

Both must have known you for at least 3 years and be of professional standing (e.g., doctor, lawyer, teacher).

Neither referee should be related to the applicant, live at the same address, or benefit personally or financially from the application.

Proof of ‘Good Character' for British citizenship application

You must disclose any criminal convictions or police cautions as part of the ‘Good Character' requirement. Failure to do so may lead to application rejection.

You can provide:

• Criminal records check (if applicable)
• Details of any convictions or police cautions

Marriage certificate (if applicable)

If you are applying as the spouse of a British citizen, you must submit a marriage certificate as proof of your relationship. You may also need to provide additional evidence of cohabitation, such as joint bank statements or utility bills in both names.

Additional documents are needed when applying for British citizenship by registration

If you are applying for British citizenship by registration, additional documents may be required, such as:

• Adoption certificate (if applicable)
• Parental consent (for children under 18)
• Parent's British citizenship details (for children of British citizens)
• Proof of UK connection (e.g., British parentage or residency)
• Additional documents depending on your circumstances

What should I do if I'm unsure about the documents I need?

If you're unsure about which documents to include in your British citizenship application, it's highly recommended to seek advice from our expert immigration solicitor.

Failure to provide all the mandatory supporting documents for a British citizenship application can result in delays, rejection, or refusal of your application.

"For professional advice on the documents needed for your British citizenship application, contact our immigration solicitors at 0203 417 3700.

How can our solicitors help with your naturalisation application?

Our specialist UK immigration solicitors in London can assist with your British citizenship by naturalisation application by:

• Assessing your eligibility for British citizenship.
• Addressing complex issues like gaps in residence.
• Helping gather and organise necessary documents.
• Accurately complete and submit your application forms.
• Handling all legal work until the Home Office decision is received.
• Ensuring the application is complete and accurate to avoid delays or rejections.

If you need help with your British citizenship by naturalisation application, call our immigration solicitors in London at 0203 417 3700 or fill in our online form.

Contact British citizenship solicitors

For assistance with your British citizenship application and required documents, contact our British citizenship solicitors in London at 0203 417 3700.