The United Kingdom includes England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland and is a very attractive country for a large number of people, whether it is because of the socio-cultural or simply economic aspects. Becoming a UK citizen (United Kingdom, U. K. Citizen) can sometimes be complicated due to the different types of British citizenship that exist and the different requirements that each of them requires.
Steps
Step 1. Verify that you don't already have any kind of British nationality
According to the British law (British Nationality Act, 1981) in this regard, in addition to the usual British citizen, there are four other distinct forms of nationality: British subject, British overseas citizen, British overseas territories citizen and British protected person. For each of them there is a particular procedure to follow to obtain ordinary British citizenship, which differs considerably from those who do not have any type of British nationality.
Step 2. Make sure you meet the requirements to apply for British citizenship
- Be over 18 years of age. Minors can have the request presented by their parents or guardians.
- Enter the UK legally and strictly abide by all immigration laws.
- Demonstrate good character. You will need to demonstrate that you know and respect the rights and obligations of UK law, comply with the laws and fulfill your duties and obligations as a resident. This includes the payment of taxes and social security contributions. The border agency, which monitors and manages immigration to the UK, will check with the relevant police offices and government departments.
- Demonstrate a solid ability to understand and want. Also referred to as the "full capacity requirement", it implies full awareness and ability to take one's own actions and decisions (such as becoming a British citizen in the first place), fully understanding the consequences.
- Relocate and reside in the UK for at least 5 years after applying for citizenship. If you are married or civilly united with a person of British citizenship, 3 years will suffice. If you, your spouse, or civil partner work for a government service overseas, you may not need to meet residency requirements.
Step 3. Fill in the AN form to apply for citizenship
- You declare your intention to continue living in the UK, working for the government overseas, for a UK owned company or an international organization of which Britain is a member.
- Reveal any possible involvement in acts of terrorism, crimes against humanity, genocide or war crimes. If you are unsure, you will need to mention any type of deed that may possibly be considered part of the above actions when submitting your request.
- Learn to speak English, Welsh or Scottish Gaelic fluently.
- Pass the UK knowledge of life test.
Step 4. Attend the citizenship ceremony, take the oath and pledge allegiance to the Crown in front of the appropriate state officer
Advice
- As a citizen of any country of the European Free Trade Area (Schengen or EEC) or of Switzerland, having the right to free movement, the requirements for citizenship may be different.
- You can still become a British citizen after committing any violation of the law (including traffic offenses) if your sentence has been "served" and you have spent an additional specified period of time without committing any other offenses. You will also need to detail any civil proceedings that have had a negative outcome against you in court, such as bankruptcy for example.
