Specialists in immigration law
British Citizenship
British Citizenship offers long-term security and allows you to apply for a British passport. Eligibility to register as a British Citizenship is set out in the British Nationality Act 1981, for example by descent. You may also be eligible to apply for naturalisation if you hold settlement/ILR providing you meet the Home Office requirements. These include, continuous residence, English language, passing life in the UK test and satisfying the good character requirement. Ridley & Hall will guide you through your options and evidence to help you apply with confidence.
Why Choose Ridley & Hall
Experienced solicitors guiding you every step of the way
Tailored advice for your unique situation
Transparent fees and clear communication
Eligibility
If you have settled status or indefinite leave to remain for 12 months and have lived in the UK for 5 years you may be eligible to apply for citizenship, to apply you must:
- be over 18
- prove you were in the UK 5 years before the date of application
- prove your knowledge of English at qualification level B1, C1 or C2, or a degree taught in English, unless an exemption applies
- have passed life in the UK test
- intend to continue to live in the UK
- be of good character, any person applying for citizenship since 10 February 2025 who previously entered the UK illegally will normally be refused
Call the Immigration Team You can also apply if
You have pre-settled status and you are from the EU, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and started living in the UK by the 31st of December 2020, you’ve lived in the UK for 5 years consistently and in that time you were working (looking for work for up to 3 months), studying or were self-sufficient.
Call the Immigration Team 
Changes to come in Autumn 2026 for citizenship applications:
With the standard baseline for residence requirement for settlement to increase from 5 years to ten years this will mean a longer wait for applicants to then be able to apply for citizenship.
The following changes have been announced:
- English Language requirement to increase from B1 to B2
- tougher life in the UK test
- introduction of a minimum taxable incomed of £12,570 per year for at least 3-5 years
Call the Immigration Team “We understand how overwhelming immigration rules and policies can feel for individuals and families, we are therefore committed to being empathetic to your needs, giving clear and supportive advice. We’re easy to reach and easy to talk to.”
Misbah Mohammed
Solicitor
British Citizenship
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I need to live in the UK before applying for British citizenship?
Most applicants can apply after five years of residence in the UK and holding Indefinite Leave to Remain for at least 12 months. If you are married to a British citizen, you may be able to apply after three years of residence.
Do I need Indefinite Leave to Remain before applying for citizenship?
In most cases, yes. Applicants usually need Indefinite Leave to Remain or settled status before applying for British citizenship.
How long does a British citizenship application take?
Citizenship applications are typically processed within several months, although processing times can vary depending on the individual case and Home Office workload.
Can my children apply for British citizenship?
In many cases, children may be eligible to register as British citizens, depending on their place of birth, their parents’ immigration status and how long they have lived in the UK.
Meet our Expert Immigration Specialist: Misbah
Start your immigration journey
with confidence.We keep our rates low and provide the option of fixed fee advice, so costs are clear from the start. Our friendly and experienced team are available to assist with all your Immigration matters. Contact us today:* Please note that the information provided is for general information purpose only, for advice specific to your case we ask that you contact us at Ridley and Hall where we can offer you an initial free consultation.
info@ridleyandhall.co.uk