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Papers · the UK
Updated September 2026

🏳️ How do I apply for citizenship, and who helps with the application?

Direct answer

Naturalisation has conditions (years of lawful residence, language level, integration test, income, no serious record), a procedure (application at UK Visas and Immigration (Home Office) (0300 790 6268), fee, interview, a decision within a legal deadline that is often exceeded), and consequences you should check first — whether you may keep your current nationality. HMRC — National Insurance number / General Register Office (0800 141 2079) confirms your registration history, which is the proof of residence years. Civil Legal Advice / Citizens Advice / Law Centres (0345 345 4 345) advises for free if the case is complicated (gaps, a refusal, a criminal record).

Call firstUK Visas and Immigration (Home Office)
Report toHMRC — National Insurance number / General Register Office
If that failsCivil Legal Advice / Citizens Advice / Law Centres

🗣️ What to say

"I have lived lawfully in the UK since [date] and hold [permit]. I would like to apply for naturalisation. Which conditions apply to my case, which documents do you need, what is the fee and the expected processing time?"

🪜 Step by step

  1. Check the conditionsYears, language level, test, income. UK Visas and Immigration (Home Office)'s site has a checklist; migrant-support organisations run free info sessions.
  2. Collect proofRegistration history from HMRC — National Insurance number / General Register Office, permits, language certificate, tax and income records, birth certificate with apostille and translation.
  3. Dual nationality?Check both countries' rules before applying; some require renunciation, some do not.
  4. Apply at UK Visas and Immigration (Home Office)Fee is due at filing. Ask for the legal decision deadline and note it.
  5. Refused: objectWithin the deadline, with reasons; Civil Legal Advice / Citizens Advice / Law Centres helps. Many refusals are about missing documents, not eligibility.

📇 All contacts

UK Visas and Immigration (Home Office)Visas, settlement, citizenship applicationsFor residence and citizenship📞 0300 790 6268🔗 www.gov.uk/contact-ukvi-inside-outside-uk
HMRC — National Insurance number / General Register OfficeNI number, birth/marriage certificates; no address registration in the UKOn arrival and for certificates📞 0800 141 2079🔗 www.gov.uk/apply-national-insurance-number
Civil Legal Advice / Citizens Advice / Law CentresLegal aid on low income, free adviceWhen you cannot afford a solicitor📞 0345 345 4 345🔗 www.gov.uk/civil-legal-advice
Local Government & Social Care Ombudsman / Parliamentary OmbudsmanComplaints about councils and government departments, freeWhen a public body does not answer or acts unfairly📞 0300 061 0614🔗 www.lgo.org.uk

❓ Frequently asked

Do my children get citizenship too?

Usually included in the parent's application if minors and living with you; ask to add them explicitly.

I was abroad for a year in between

Long absences can break the residence count; check the rule for the UK before you apply, and explain the reason if allowed.

How long does it take?

From several months to a couple of years. The legal deadline gives you a lever (notice of default) if it is exceeded.

📎 Sources

Last checked: 2026-09-26

🔎 Common searches

Recognise your own search? The answer above covers all of these.

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🧭 Is this still correct?

We check this information carefully, but phone numbers, websites and rules change — and sometimes we get something wrong. Spotted a mistake or a change? Let us know below.

🔗 Related questions

⏳Residence permit delay→🔢National ID number→📜Apostille→🎓Diploma recognition→

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