UK Naturalisation Test: Life in the UK Test and Citizenship Guide

What is naturalisation?

Naturalisation is the legal process of becoming a British citizen as an adult. You apply to the Home Office, prove you meet a set of residency, character and knowledge requirements, and if approved you attend a citizenship ceremony and receive a certificate of naturalisation. After that you can apply for a British passport.

Who can apply

Most applicants need to meet all of the following. Rules differ for spouses or civil partners of British citizens, so check the official guidance for your route.

• Age. You must be 18 or over and of sound mind.
• Residency. At least five years in the UK (three if married to a British citizen), holding indefinite leave to remain or settled status for at least 12 months before applying.
• Absences. No more than 450 days outside the UK across the five-year qualifying period (270 days on the three-year route), and no more than 90 days in the final 12 months.
• Good character. A clean immigration history and no serious criminal record.
• English language. Speaking and listening at CEFR B1 or above, usually evidenced by an approved test or a recognised degree taught in English.
• Life in the UK test. A pass result, which does not expire once obtained.

The naturalisation test: what people actually mean

When people search for the "naturalisation test UK" they almost always mean the Life in the UK test. It is the official knowledge-of-life test the Home Office uses for both naturalisation and settlement applications.

• Format. 24 multiple-choice questions in 45 minutes, taken on a computer at an approved test centre.
• Pass mark. 18 out of 24, which is 75%.
• Source material. The official handbook, Life in the United Kingdom: A Guide for New Residents.
• Fee. £50 per attempt.
• Validity. A pass does not expire, and the same reference number can be reused for a later settlement or citizenship application. See whether the Life in the UK test expires for detail.

For a deeper look at scoring and the day itself, see our guides on the pass mark, how hard the test is, and test day.

Documents you will need

Gather these before you start the online application so you do not lose progress partway through:

• Your current passport, plus any expired passports covering the qualifying period.
• Biometric residence permit or proof of settled status.
• Your Life in the UK test pass reference number.
• English language evidence — an approved test certificate or a recognised degree.
• Details of two referees who have known you for at least three years.
• Records of every absence from the UK during the qualifying period.

Step by step

1. Check you are eligible. Read the GOV.UK eligibility page for your route — five-year, three-year spouse, EEA or Crown service. If you are unsure, an OISC-regulated adviser can confirm before you spend money on tests and fees.
2. Pass the Life in the UK test. Book through GOV.UK only, allow a few weeks to prepare, and aim well above 75% in practice so nerves do not push you below the line. Check the exemption rules first — applicants aged 65 or over, and some medical cases, do not need to sit it at all.
3. Meet the English language requirement. Unless you hold an exempt qualification, take an approved Secure English Language Test at B1 or above.
4. Complete the online application (form AN). Apply via GOV.UK. The fee is £1,839, made up of a £1,709 application fee and a £130 ceremony fee. Fees are reviewed regularly, so confirm the live amount before paying.
5. Book a biometrics appointment. You will attend a UKVCAS appointment to give fingerprints and a photo, and to upload supporting documents.
6. Wait for a decision. Most arrive within six months. The Home Office may ask for extra information — respond quickly to avoid delays.
7. Attend your citizenship ceremony. Once approved you have 90 days to book a ceremony at your local council. You take an oath or affirmation of allegiance and receive your certificate of naturalisation.
8. Apply for your British passport. The naturalisation certificate is not a travel document; apply for a passport separately once you have it.

Costs at a glance

• Life in the UK test: £50 per attempt.
• Approved English test: roughly £150 to £200, only if you need one.
• Naturalisation application (form AN): £1,839 in total, including the ceremony fee.
• First British passport: from around £88.50 online.

Fees change. Home Office and HM Passport Office fees are reviewed regularly. Always confirm the current amount on GOV.UK before you pay.

How long does naturalisation take?

From submitting the AN form, the Home Office aims to decide most cases within six months. Add a few weeks at the end for the ceremony booking. Realistically, plan for six to nine months from application to certificate, plus another one to four weeks for the passport.

Common mistakes that cause delays

• Miscounting absences. Count every day outside the UK, including arrival and departure days.
• Applying too early. Wait until you have held ILR or settled status for at least 12 months, unless you qualify under the spouse route.
• Forgetting minor offences. Declare everything, including fixed penalty notices and driving offences. Omitting them can be treated as deception.
• Weak referees. Choose referees who clearly meet the criteria and can be contacted easily.