UK Citizenship Information
Citizenship for the United Kingdom can be earned in many ways. It may be inherited, granted through a Commonwealth nation or gained through residence in the UK. Once granted, U.K. citizenship conveys certain rights and privileges such as European Union citizenship, the right to vote and the right to bring family members to the UK to settle with you.
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Eligibility
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Standard requirements for naturalization in the UK require the applicant to meet several criteria. The applicant must be over the age of 18, of sound mind and able to communicate in English, Welsh or Scots Gaelic. Applicants must also demonstrate knowledge of life in the UK by passing an exam and meet residency requirements.
Residency Requirements
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Residency requirements for UK naturalization vary. For most applicants, they must have been resident in the UK for five years before the application with no more than 450 days outside of the UK during that time. In the 12 months before the application, the applicant cannot have been out of the UK for more than 90 days. For spouses of UK citizens, the qualifying period is three years of residence instead of five.
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Good Character
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Another requirement for naturalization is that the applicant must be of good character. This requirement checks the applicant's criminal record, financial history and employment record. Unspent criminal convictions and undischarged bankruptcies mean that the application for naturalization is likely to be denied.
EEA Residency
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UK citizenship automatically grants the holder the right to residency anywhere in the European Economic Area. Each EEA country has different rules and laws about how to register residency in any of these countries. EEA residents can live and work anywhere within the EEA, opening up a world of job and lifestyle possibilities for UK citizens with wanderlust.
Passports
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UK citizens are entitled to receive a UK passport after applying. This document proves UK nationality and means that the holder is no longer subject to immigration controls when entering and exiting the UK. This passport can be used as proof of identity; it can also be used to enter other countries.
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References
- Photo Credit great britain image by Franz Metelec from Fotolia.com
