British Nationality Act 1981

British Citizenship & Naturalisation Lawyers London

Applying for British citizenship is the final step in securing your permanent belonging in the United Kingdom, granting the right to a British passport and full civil participation.

Naturalisation under Section 6 of the British Nationality Act 1981 requires careful verification of statutory residence rules, absence calculations, and the mandatory Good Character requirement.

Good Character Scrutiny: The Home Office applies strict Good Character guidance. Unspent criminal convictions, motoring offenses (speeding points), tax compliance issues (late HMRC filings or unpaid penalties), and historical immigration breaches can result in naturalisation refusal. We audit your background to protect your citizenship application.

Routes to British Nationality

Section 6(1) BNA

Naturalisation (General Route)

For adults who have held Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or EU Settled Status for at least 12 months, with no more than 450 days absence over the past 5 years and no more than 90 days in the final 12 months.

Assess Naturalisation →

Section 6(2) BNA

Spouse of a British Citizen

An accelerated route with a 3-year qualifying period. If you are married to a British citizen, you can apply immediately upon obtaining ILR (no requirement to hold ILR for 12 months first).

Spouse Route to Citizenship →

Section 1 & 3 BNA

Child Registration

Registering children born in the UK once a parent obtains ILR (Section 1(3)), children born abroad to British parents, or discretionary registration of minors under Section 3(1).

Child Registration Advice →

Passport Services

First British Passport

Attending the citizenship ceremony, receiving the Certificate of Naturalisation, and submitting your first British passport application to HM Passport Office.

Passport Inquiries →

Citizenship Eligibility Review

Confirm your qualifying dates and absence limits.