How to Get British Citizenship in 2026: Complete Guide for Italians in the UK

10 Jul How to Get British Citizenship in 2026: Complete Guide for Italians in the UK

You’ve been living in the UK for years, you have your Settled Status or ILR sorted — and now you’re wondering: is it worth taking the next step and becoming a British citizen? For many Italians in the UK in 2026, the answer is yes. And there’s an urgent reason not to wait: the rules are changing.

What Is Naturalisation and Who Can Apply?

Naturalisation is the main route through which a foreign national living in the UK obtains British citizenship. It’s not automatic: you need to apply, meet specific requirements, and pass some tests. The result, however, is worth it: a British passport, the right to vote, full legal protection — and no longer depending on immigration rules.

For Italian citizens in the UK, the two main routes are: standard naturalisation (5 years of residence) and naturalisation as the spouse of a British citizen (3 years).

Requirements for Naturalisation in 2026

To apply for British citizenship by standard naturalisation, you must meet all of the following criteria:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Have lived legally in the UK for at least 5 continuous years (3 years if you are the spouse of a British citizen)
• Hold Settled Status (EUSS) or ILR for at least 12 months at the date of application
• Not have spent more than 450 days outside the UK in the previous 5 years, and no more than 90 days in the last year
• Pass the Life in the UK Test (a test on British history, culture and everyday life)
• Demonstrate English language knowledge at least at B1 CEFR level (certificate from a UKVI-recognised provider)
• Be of good character (clean criminal record, no immigration rule breaches)
• Intend to continue to reside in the UK as your principal home

For the spouse route, the requirements are the same, but the residence period drops to 3 years and no 12-month ILR waiting period applies.

How Much Does It Cost in 2026?

• Adult naturalisation application (Form AN): £1,735
• Minor registration application: £1,214
• Life in the UK Test: £50
• Biometric enrolment: £19.20

IMPORTANT: The fee is non-refundable if the application is refused. It is essential that documentation is complete and correct before submission.

How the Process Works

• STEP 1 — Eligibility check: confirm you meet all requirements before starting
• STEP 2 — Pass the Life in the UK Test: book and sit the test at an authorised centre
• STEP 3 — English language certificate: obtain or check the validity of your B1 certification
• STEP 4 — Gather documents: passport, proof of residence, ILR/Settled Status, referees
• STEP 5 — Online application via the UKVI portal (Form AN) and fee payment
• STEP 6 — Biometric enrolment at a UKVCAS centre within 45 days
• STEP 7 — Wait for the decision: approximately 6 months (sometimes 3-4 months for simpler cases)
• STEP 8 — Citizenship ceremony: receive the naturalisation certificate and take the oath

Why Act Now: The 2026 ILR Reform

IMPORTANT UPDATE 2026: The UK government has proposed (White Paper May 2025, consultation closed February 2026) extending the standard ILR qualifying period from 5 to 10 years for most routes. A language requirement increase from B1 to B2 is also proposed. While not yet final law, the direction is clear. Those who already meet the requirements should not wait.

The proposed ‘earned settlement’ system ties ILR to the applicant’s economic and social contribution — with a potentially shorter timeline for higher earners, but a longer path for everyone else. Those who already meet the naturalisation requirements have every reason to proceed before these changes come into force.

Dual Citizenship: Can I Keep My Italian Passport?

Yes. Italy permits dual citizenship. Obtaining British citizenship does not automatically result in losing Italian citizenship. It is, however, advisable to check your specific situation with the Italian Consulate, particularly if there have been changes in civil status or residence.

How We Can Help

Words at Hand supports you with all non-English documentation required by the Home Office for your naturalisation application:

• Certified translation of birth certificate if not in English
• Translation of marriage certificate (if married abroad)
• Translation of criminal record certificate from your country of origin
• Translation of foreign academic diplomas or qualifications
• Translation of any other foreign document required by UKVI

Our translations are accepted by the Home Office and meet all UKVI requirements.

Contact us today: cristina@wordsathand.com | WhatsApp: +44 7824 347667 | wordsathand.com/contact