British Citizenship

British Citizenship Eligibility Checker

Test your time outside the UK against the naturalisation absence rules: no more than 450 days in 5 years, and no more than 90 days in the final 12 months before you apply.

450 days / 5 years90 days / final year

Your Details

Planned application date

Absence limits are measured backwards from this date.

Date you were granted ILR (optional)

Most people wait 12 months after ILR before applying.

I’m married to / in a civil partnership with a British citizenThe 12-month wait after ILR does not apply on the spouse route.

Trips Outside the UK (last 5 years)

Left the UK

Returned to the UK

Enter your planned application date to check your eligibility.

Naturalisation Residence Requirements Explained

The 450-day rule

You must not have spent more than 450 days outside the UK during the 5 years before your application. This is a hard limit, though caseworkers have limited discretion in exceptional circumstances.

The 90-day rule

Separately, 90 days is the guideline for absences in the final 12 months. It is not an automatic refusal: caseworkers routinely exercise discretion up to around 100 days, and beyond that where you have strong ties to the UK. Many applicants simply wait until this window clears.

12 months after ILR

You normally need to have held ILR (settled or pre-settled status) for at least 12 months before applying. This wait does not apply if you are married to a British citizen.

Other requirements

You’ll also need to pass the Life in the UK Test, meet the English language requirement, be of good character, and have been lawfully resident throughout the qualifying period.

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Disclaimer

This tool checks the residence and absence requirements only and is not legal advice. It does not assess good character, the Life in the UK Test, or English language. Always verify against the official guidance on GOV.UK or consult a qualified immigration adviser.