UK naturalisation documents required: Citizenship guidance

When applying for British citizenship, submitting the right evidence is crucial. Missing or incorrect paperwork is one of the most common reasons for refusal. Below is a comprehensive list of UK naturalisation documents required for a successful application, along with tips on how to prepare and organize them.

All UK naturalisation documents you need to know

The Home Office requires clear, complete, and up-to-date documents to prove your identity, residence, and eligibility for British citizenship.

1. Proof of identity

You must show who you are and your nationality. Acceptable documents include:

• Current passport (all pages, including blank ones)

• Travel document (if you don’t hold a passport)

• Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) or Residence Card

• National identity card (for EEA or Swiss nationals)

If you’ve held multiple passports in the past 5 years, include copies of all of them to show your travel history.

2. Proof of immigration status

To apply for British citizenship, you must already have Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), settled status, or permanent residence.

You’ll need to provide:

• Your ILR stamp, BRP, or settled status share code (if granted digitally under the EU Settlement Scheme)

• A Home Office decision letter confirming your status

Make sure your ILR or settled status has been valid for at least 12 months before applying (unless married to a British citizen).

3. Proof of residence in the UK

To meet the residency requirement, you need to show that you’ve lived continuously in the UK for 5 years (or 3 years if applying as a spouse).

Accepted evidence includes:

• P60s, payslips, or employer letters showing continuous employment

• Bank statements or utility bills covering the required period

• Tenancy agreements, mortgage statements, or council tax bills

• HMRC tax records or Self-Assessment returns (for self-employed applicants)

It’s best to include evidence that clearly shows your name, address, and dates of residence across the qualifying period.

4. Absence and travel records

The Home Office checks how many days you spent outside the UK. Provide:

• All passports covering the qualifying period, showing travel stamps

• A list of all absences (with dates and reasons) for the past 5 years

• Travel confirmations if you no longer have stamps (e.g., airline emails or booking receipts)

Keep total absences within 450 days over 5 years and 90 days in the last 12 months.

5. English language requirement

You must prove you meet the English speaking and listening requirement. Provide one of the following:

• An approved English test certificate at B1 level or higher

• A UK university degree certificate (taught in English)

• A foreign degree accompanied by a UK NARIC (Ecctis) confirmation letter

• Proof of exemption (e.g., age over 65 or a qualifying medical condition)

6. Life in the UK Test certificate

All applicants must pass the Life in the UK Test, which covers British values, history, and laws.

Include your original test pass notification letter — photocopies are not accepted.

7. Referee declarations

You must nominate two referees who can confirm your identity and good character.

Each must sign your referee declaration form and meet Home Office criteria:

• One referee must be a British citizen and professional (e.g., teacher, doctor, accountant)

• The second can be any person of professional standing (but not related to you)

Include the signed referee pages with your online or printed Form AN.

8. Additional supporting documents

Depending on your situation, you may also need:

• Marriage or civil partnership certificate (if applying as a spouse of a British citizen)

• Change of name documents (deed poll, marriage certificate, or statutory declaration)

• Adoption papers (if applicable)

• Home Office correspondence from previous visa applications

• Criminal record certificates or police clearance if requested

9. Digital uploads & scans

Most UK naturalisation applications are made online. When submitting documents, you’ll be instructed to upload digital copies (PDF or image format) to your UKVCAS account. Ensure all documents are:

• Clear and readable

• Properly labelled (e.g., “Proof of residence – bank statements”)

• In English or Welsh — otherwise, include certified translations

So, what are the documents required to apply for citizenship? A checklist