Applying for
British Citizenship
as an EEA national

8 July 2016

If you are an EEA (European Economic Area) national in the UK, you may qualify to apply for British citizenship which will secure your immigration status ahead of a potential exit from the European Union (EU).

Although it is not yet clear as to what kind of transitional immigration arrangements will be made by the UK government should the UK formally leave the EU, it makes sense for any EEA national wishing to remain in the UK on a long-term basis to look into their current immigration options now.

What is British Citizenship?

British citizenship entitles the holder to all the rights of a UK citizen, and allows you to apply for a British passport.

Do I qualify to apply for British Citizenship?

There are certain criteria which you must meet in order to apply to become a British citizen. In order to qualify for British citizenship you must:

have obtained confirmation that you acquired Permanent Residence rights at least 12 months prior to submitting your citizenship application;
have been resident in the UK for no less than five years (three if married to a British citizen);
not have been in breach of the Immigration Rules at any time during those five years in the UK;
meet the English language requirement;
pass the Life in the UK test;
intend to make the UK your home; and
prove that you are of good character (this is primarily demonstrated by a lack of criminal convictions).

You must also be able to prove that you have not been absent from the UK for more than a total of 450 days over the course of the past five years, and for no more than 90 days during the year immediately prior to your citizenship application.

How do I apply?

In order to be eligible for British nationality, you must have already held permanent residency for at least one year prior to submitting your application, unless you are married to a British citizen.

Your application can be submitted by post or via appointment. In some circumstances, an application for a British passport may be made at the same time as your citizenship application.

How long will it take?

Given that a large number of such applications are expected following the referendum result, you may have to wait for up to six months for postal applications to be processed.

Can my family members also apply for British Citizenship?

Yes, but your family members must qualify to apply for British citizenship in their own right, independently from your submission. There are different application rules for children under the age of 18.

Contact us for more information on your current immigration options as an EEA national in the UK, or as their employer. Smith Stone Walters is a UK immigration practice; moving people to the UK is what we do best.

More on Brexit and the UK’s immigration system:

EEA nationals: how to apply for permanent residency

How will the vote to leave affect UK employers?

EEA nationals: your post-Brexit options

Brexit: what does it mean for UK immigration?