If you hold settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you can normally apply for British citizenship after holding that status for 12 months. If you are married to or in a civil partnership with a British citizen, you can usually apply as soon as you have settled status, provided you meet the other naturalisation requirements.
The wider route is explained in British citizenship for EEA nationals and family members.
Settled status is not citizenship
Settled status is indefinite leave to remain under the EU Settlement Scheme. It allows you to live and work in the UK without a time limit, but it is still an immigration status rather than British nationality.
Settled status can generally be lost after five continuous years outside the UK. Citizenship, by contrast, does not expire simply because you live abroad.
EUSS status is held digitally, so it is important to keep your UKVI account details up to date. Our guide to eVisas and digital status explains how to prove your status and check it before travelling.
What you normally need to apply
| Requirement | Standard position |
|---|---|
| Settled status | Usually held for 12 months; no 12-month wait if married to a British citizen |
| Residence | 5 years, or 3 years if applying as the spouse/civil partner of a British citizen |
| Absences | Normally no more than 450 days in 5 years, or 270 days in 3 years |
| Final-year absences | Normally no more than 90 days |
| Life in the UK Test | Must normally be passed before applying |
| Language | English, Welsh or Scottish Gaelic requirement, unless exempt |
| Good character | Must satisfy current Home Office guidance |
| Referees | Two qualifying referees required |
Home Office guidance allows discretion in some cases involving excess absences, but this is not automatic. Read British citizenship and days outside the UK and the good character requirement for British naturalisation before applying.
What about comprehensive sickness insurance?
Older EEA residence histories can still raise questions about comprehensive sickness insurance, particularly for periods when someone was a student or self-sufficient under the former EEA Regulations.
However, the position is more nuanced than simply asking whether you bought private insurance. Home Office guidance reflects the Court of Justice decision that a person entitled to comprehensive NHS treatment through ordinary residence may be treated as having held comprehensive sickness insurance. Where settled status has already been granted, earlier EEA-law residence issues may still be considered under the good-character assessment, but discretion can apply.
Non-EEA family members with settled status generally follow the same naturalisation framework. If you are married to a British citizen, see British citizenship for British spouses and British citizenship after ILR.
You will also need two suitable referees. One must normally be a professional person, while the other must hold a British citizen passport and be either a professional person or aged over 25. Both must usually have known you for at least three years. See British citizenship referees explained.
If something goes wrong
Naturalisation refusals do not carry a general statutory right of appeal. Depending on the circumstances, you may be able to request reconsideration, make a fresh application or consider judicial review. Read Home Office withdraws citizenship refusals for relevant examples.
A refusal of settled status is different and may carry appeal rights. See EU Settlement Scheme refusals.
Frequently asked questions
Can I apply for British citizenship with pre-settled status?
Potentially, yes. GOV.UK confirms that some EEA nationals and family members with pre-settled status may qualify if they can demonstrate five years of qualifying residence and activity under the relevant rules. You do not always have to obtain settled status first.
Do I have to give up my existing nationality?
The UK permits dual citizenship. Whether you can keep your other nationality depends on the law of the other country.
How long does naturalisation take?
The Home Office aims to decide naturalisation applications within six months, although some cases take longer. A priority nationality service is also now available for eligible applicants applying from within the UK.
What if I came to the UK on another route?
Settlement may instead arise through the Skilled Worker visa, ILR based on long residence or another qualifying route. Founders may also use self sponsorship, while employers recruiting workers without EUSS status may need a sponsor licence application.
Current requirements are published on the GOV.UK citizenship pages.
If your residence history includes long absences, pre-settled status or older EEA-law issues, speak to Garth Coates immigration solicitors before applying.
