Requirements and Guidance
Applications for naturalisation or registration as a British citizen are considered under the provisions of the British Nationality Act 1981.
The decision is at the discretion of the Lieutenant Governor and is based on statutory criteria such as residence, language, knowledge of life in the UK and Islands and good character.
The requirements for Naturalisation include – but are not limited to:
- Meeting the residential requirements for your application type
- Satisfying the good character requirement -please read the relevant section in the guidance
- Satisfying the English speaking and listening requirements
- Satisfying the knowledge of life in the United Kingdom and Islands requirement
- Demonstrating that the applicant intends to have their home in the Isle of Man/British Isles
There are different requirements for Registration depending on personal circumstances. Further information can be found here:
Born in the UK, Isle of Man and Islands
Children born abroad who have since become settled
The Home Office provide the following publications setting out the various requirements for British citizenship. All applicants should read these before making an application to ensure that they meet each appropriate requirement to avoid having their application refused:
Naturalisation- Guide to the requirements
Naturalisation- Guide to completing the application form
Registration of children- Guide to registration of children under 18
Guidance for other application routes
The guidance documents used when deciding applications for British citizenship can be viewed on the Home Office Website
