Settlement and citizenship requirements

To apply for settlement or British citizenship, you usually need to show two things:

• you can speak and read English
• you understand life in the UK

This means you usually need to:

• pass the Life in the UK test
• provide accepted evidence of English speaking and listening skills

The English level is B1 on the Common European Framework of Reference. This is the same as ESOL Entry Level 3.

You can usually prove your English with a recognised English test qualification from an approved test centre.

Requirements can change. Check Home Office guidance before applying for settlement or citizenship.

Key words

• Settlement means permission to live in the UK permanently.
• Naturalised citizen means someone who became British by applying.
• B1 and ESOL Entry Level 3 describe the English level.

Official guidance

This page was checked against GOV.UK guidance in May 2026.

Use GOV.UK as the final source before you apply or pay for anything:

• Life in the UK test guidance
• English language guidance

Common questions