- Application fee (USD) 2335 2434
updated passport rank and destination count to July 2026 Henley figures (https://www.henleyglobal.com/newsroom/press-releases/henley-passport-index-20th-anniversary) Source
Minimum cost
$2,434
application fee
Timeline
3 years
residency required
Visa-free access
184
passport rank #6
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
- 184 destinations
- Passport rank
- #6 (Henley Index)
Spouses or civil partners of British citizens can apply for naturalisation after at least 3 years' residence in the UK once they hold indefinite leave to remain, settled status, or indefinite leave to enter. They must meet good-character, language and Life in the UK requirements, and must have been physically present in the UK on the exact date three years before applying. This route has no 12-month wait after obtaining indefinite leave. Absence limits are normally 270 days over three years and 90 days in the final year.
Fees and costs
- Application fee
- $2,434
Eligibility and requirements
- Minimum age 18+
- Police clearance not required
- Medical exam not required
- Language B1 CEFR or equivalent (Home Office-approved Secure English Language Test (B1 CEFR speaking and listening))
- Language exemptions Nationals of listed majority English-speaking countries; age 65 or over; long-term physical or mental condition; qualifying degree or prior accepted English evidence
- 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
- #6 (Henley Index)
- Visa-free access
- 184 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, sections 6(2) and Schedule 1
Notes and caveats
The current Home Office fee is £1,709 application fee plus £130 citizenship ceremony fee (£1,839 total). At GBP 1 = USD 1.3237 on 2026-10-09, the total is approximately USD 2,434. The Life in the UK test costs £50. The standard absence thresholds are 270 days in the three-year qualifying period and 90 days in its final 12 months; discretion may apply. Applicants need to be physically present in the UK exactly three years before the application is received. A spouse route applicant does not need to wait 12 months after obtaining indefinite leave.
Also in United Kingdom
Last verified Oct 9, 2026 Last changed Oct 9, 2026 Source