Individuals over 18 who have been living in the United Kingdom for at least the last five years (three years if you are married to a British citizen or are a civil partner of one) may apply for British citizenship through naturalization. You may also apply for British citizenship if you or your husband/wife or civil partner is in Crown or in designated service outside the UK.

To be eligible for naturalisation, you must pass the Life in the UK test. Otherwise, you must take and pass a course in English and citizenship. For those who do not have English as a main language, the ESOL course can help improve proficiency in the English language. However, if you are over the age of 65, you will not need to meet the language and knowledge in UK life requirements of the Border Agency. Just send your passport or birth certificate as evidence of your age together with your application.

The next step in your application is providing original copies of the following documents (translations must be provided if documents submitted are not in English):

• Evidence of your identity
• Evidence of knowledge of English and of life in the UK
• Exemption from knowledge of English and life in the UK requirement (if applicable)

If your application is based on residence in the UK, you must submit the following additional documents:

• Evidence of lawful residence during the residential qualifying period
• Evidence that you are free from immigration time restrictions

If your application is based on Crown service or on marriage to a British citizen in Crown or designated service, you must submit a letter from the relevant employer confirming your recruitment along with the important dates, places, position held, and the extent of the employer’s interest for your application to be granted.

If your application is based on self-employment, you must submit your most recent HM Revenue and Customs self-assessment statement of account.