1. Passing the Test → Filing the Application (AN form)
Once you pass the Life in the UK Test and meet the English language requirement (B1 level via an approved SELT or equivalent), you submit the AN form for Naturalisation online via gov.uk. The application fee is roughly £1,630 for an adult (as of 2026), plus a £19.20 biometric enrolment fee. Your test result links digitally to the application, but it is wise to keep a PDF copy of the pass notification.
2. Decision Letter → Citizenship Ceremony
Standard processing is about 6 months, although timelines can vary. If approved, the Home Office sends a decision letter plus an invitation to the Citizenship Ceremony. You must attend the ceremony within 3 months of the decision, usually at your local council. At the ceremony you take the Oath of Allegiance to the monarch and the Pledge to the United Kingdom, and pay a registration fee of about £80. After the ceremony you receive your Certificate of Registration and become a British citizen.
3. Identity Documents · Passport
The UK has no compulsory national ID, so the most practical follow-up is applying for a British passport. With your Citizenship Certificate you can apply immediately via gov.uk Passport. The adult fee is about £88.50 online / £100 by post (as of 2026), with typical delivery in 3–10 weeks. If you need to travel sooner, the 1-day Premium or 1-week Fast Track services are available for an additional fee.
4. Handling Your Original Citizenship
UK law expressly permits dual citizenship. However, your country of origin may treat things differently — South Korea, Japan, China, India and others restrict or revoke citizenship on voluntary acquisition of a foreign nationality. Check with your home consulate; for South Korean nationals, voluntary acquisition of UK citizenship results in automatic loss of Korean nationality.
5. Tax · Social Security
The UK taxes on a residence basis, so naturalisation does not in itself change your tax status. Whether you are a UK tax resident depends on the Statutory Residence Test (SRT). Your National Insurance (NI) record is based on residence and work history, not citizenship, and your future State Pension is calculated from NI contributions independently of citizenship.
6. Voting · Local Rights
You gain the right to vote in all elections immediately — General Elections, local elections and referendums. You still need to register at gov.uk/register-to-vote. (Since Brexit, the UK no longer takes part in European Parliament elections.) Commonwealth and Irish citizens already have some voting rights, but British citizenship adds the right to stand for office.
7. Children's Citizenship
Children under 18 can be registered alongside a parent's naturalisation using Form MN1. Children born in the UK automatically acquire British citizenship if at least one parent was British or settled at the time of birth. Children born in the UK before their parents naturalised may not be automatic citizens — they can usually be registered via Form MN1 once a parent becomes British.
8. FAQ
Q. Can family attend the ceremony? A. Usually 1–2 guests are welcome, but rules vary by council — check the invitation.
Q. What if I lose my Certificate? A. You can apply for a replacement from the Home Office for a fee.
Q. Will my original citizenship be lost? A. UK law permits dual citizenship, but your home country's law applies. For example, South Korea automatically removes Korean nationality on voluntary acquisition of a foreign citizenship.
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Fees and timelines are as of May 2026 and subject to change. Always check gov.uk for the latest.