Minimum cost
$2,335
application fee
Timeline
3 years
residency required
Visa-free access
185
passport rank #4
Dual citizenship
Allowed
Path to citizenship
- Residency3 years · permanent
- Apply180-365 days
- Citizenshipafter the oath
Overview
- Country
- United Kingdom
- Program
- UK Citizenship by Marriage
- Local name
- British Citizenship by Naturalisation (Spouse Route)
- Type
- Marriage Fast-Track
- Status
- Active
- Residency required
- 3 years
- Processing time
- 180-365 days
- Dual citizenship
- Allowed
- Visa-free countries
- 185 destinations
- Passport rank
- #4 (Henley Index)
Spouses or civil partners of British citizens can apply for citizenship after 3 years of residence in the UK with Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or settled status. Unlike other routes, no 12-month waiting period after receiving ILR. Must pass the Life in the UK Test (24 multiple-choice questions) and demonstrate English language proficiency. Maximum 270 days outside UK in the 3-year period.
Fees and costs
- Application fee
- $2,335
Eligibility and requirements
- Minimum age 18+
- Police clearance required
- Medical exam not required
- Language B1 CEFR or equivalent (IELTS for UKVI or Trinity SELT)
- Language exemptions Nationals of majority English-speaking countries; over 65; disability
- Civics test Life in the UK Test (24 multiple-choice questions)
- Oath required
Residency requirements
- Residency required
- 3 years
- Residency type
- Permanent
- Continuous
- Must be unbroken
- Max absence
- 270 days
- Cohabitation
- Must live with spouse
Passport and mobility
- Passport rank
- #4 (Henley Index)
- Visa-free access
- 185 countries
- Passport validity
- 10 years
- EU citizenship
- No
- Schengen access
- No
- US E-2 treaty
- Yes — eligible for US investor visa
Physical presence
- Must visit country
- Yes
How to apply
- Method
- Online
- Apply from abroad
- Must apply in-country
- Application type
- Open
- Official website
- www.gov.uk
- Legal basis
- British Nationality Act 1981, Section 6(2)
Notes and caveats
Current fee is GBP 1,839 including ceremony fee, approximately USD 2,335 at GBP 1 = USD 1.27. Life in the UK Test costs GBP 50 per attempt. Must be present in UK on exact date 3 years before application. Max 90 days abroad in the final 12 months. No waiting period after receiving ILR (unlike non-spouse route which requires 12 months).