British citizenship documents checklist

You must provide all the mandatory documents with your British citizenship application as per the British citizenship documents checklist 2025 listed below.

You will find here a general document checklist required for the British citizenship application and you might need to provide additional documents depending on the type of UK nationality application and your personal circumstances.

Please contact our British citizenship lawyer on 0161 989 9370 or fill in the enquiry form to take the first step towards your successful UK citizenship application.

Related Topics

• What documents are required for British citizenship?
• Proof of identity
• Evidence of residency
• English language test
• Life in the UK test
• Marriage or civil partnership certificate
• Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What documents are required for British citizenship?

The applicants will need to provide several documents in the support of their British citizenship application depending on their personal circumstances.

You must provide the following documents when you apply for British citizenship by naturalisation:

• Your current passport or the valid ID document
• Your BRP card (if have been issued to you)
• Proof you have Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or settled status
• List of absences from the UK
• Proof of knowledge of English or English language test certificate
• Life in the UK test certificate
• Marriage or civil partnership certificate (if applicable)

Proof of identity

Providing a passport, birth certificate, or travel document issued by the Home Office is the common way to prove your identity. However, you can also use other documents such as a driving licence to confirm your identity.

Evidence of residency

Usually, you can prove your continuous residency and absences from the UK by showing your passport where the passport was stamped when you leave or enter the UK.

If there is not enough evidence on your passport then you may use other documents such as a letter from your employer(s) confirming your start date, payslip, P60, utility bills, or any other documents which indicate that you have been in the UK for the required period of time.

English language test

If you are applying for British citizenship and you're 18 or over then you might need to prove your knowledge of the English language.

The British citizenship applicants must meet the English language requirements to prove that they can read, write, speak and understand English to a certain level on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) scale.

You can prove your knowledge of the English language by having either an English qualification at the B1 level or a degree taught in English.

You do not need to prove your knowledge of English if you are aged 65 or over or unable to, because of a long-term physical or mental condition.

Life in the UK test

The Life in the UK test is a requirement for most applicants for British citizenship. It is a computer-based test that assesses your knowledge of British history, culture, and traditions.

The test consists of 24 multiple-choice questions that you must answer within 45 minutes. The questions cover a wide range of topics, such as British history, government, laws and customs, sports, and the arts.

To pass the test, you must answer at least 18 questions correctly (75%). If you fail the test, you can retake it after 7 days, but you will need to pay the test fee again.

Passing the Life in the UK test is a requirement for most applicants for British citizenship, but there are some exemptions and alternatives available in certain circumstances. It is always advisable to seek professional advice to determine your individual requirements for the test.

Marriage or civil partnership certificate

If you are married to or in a civil partnership with a British citizen, you will need to provide your marriage or civil partnership certificate.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)