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 fee is £1,839 for an adult (as of October 2026) — £1,709 to apply plus the £130 citizenship ceremony fee. Giving your biometric information (fingerprints and a photo) is free. In the application you enter the unique reference number you received when you passed the test.
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 receiving the invitation, usually at your local council. At the ceremony you take the Oath of Allegiance (or an affirmation) to the monarch and make the Pledge to the United Kingdom. The ceremony cost is already included in your application fee. At the end of the ceremony you receive your certificate of British citizenship 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. A first adult passport costs £102 online / £115.50 by paper form (as of October 2026). You'll usually get it within 3 weeks, but it can take longer if HM Passport Office needs more information or needs to interview you. The 1-day Premium and 1-week Fast Track services cannot be used for a first adult passport; if you must travel urgently for medical treatment or because someone close to you is seriously ill or has died, call the Passport Adviceline.
4. Handling Your Original Citizenship
The UK allows dual citizenship (gov.uk), so becoming British does not require you to give up your current nationality under UK law. Whether you keep it depends on your own country's law: many countries remove citizenship when you voluntarily take another nationality (South Korea, for example). Before applying, check with your country's embassy or consulate.
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.) Irish and qualifying Commonwealth citizens can already vote in General Elections; for other nationals, British citizenship is what brings the General Election vote.
7. Children's Citizenship
Children under 18 can be registered as British citizens alongside or after a parent's naturalisation (fee £1,000; apply online, or by post 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 a parent became British or settled may not be automatic citizens — they can usually be registered once a parent becomes British or settled (fee £1,000; apply online, or by post using Form T).
8. FAQ
Q. Can family attend the ceremony? A. You're usually allowed to bring 2 guests, but check your invitation and local council.
Q. What if I lose my Certificate? A. You can apply to UK Visas and Immigration (Home Office) for a replacement; it costs £456 (gov.uk).
Q. Will my original citizenship be lost? A. Not under UK law, which permits dual citizenship. Your current country's law decides whether you keep it — many countries (South Korea, for example) remove nationality when you voluntarily acquire another. Check with your country's embassy or consulate before applying.
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Fees and timelines are as of October 2026 and subject to change. Always check gov.uk for the latest.