£1,735 in fees, 6 months of waiting, a 29-page Form AN - and one improperly formatted translation of your birth certificate can send the whole thing back to square one. Someone I know from Kharkiv had her documents returned twice: first the diploma translation didn’t have the translator’s signature with membership number, then the criminal record check turned out to be older than 6 months. She lost 4 months and an extra £200. So you don’t repeat that experience - let’s break down the entire process of getting British citizenship from A to Z.
Who Can Apply for British Citizenship¶
British citizenship through naturalisation is the most common pathway for foreign nationals, including Ukrainians. It’s governed by the British Nationality Act 1981 and submitted using Form AN.
Core Requirements¶
- Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or settled status - you must have had permanent residence rights in the UK for at least 12 months at the date of application
- 5 years of continuous lawful residence in the UK before getting ILR (or 3 years if married to a British citizen)
- Life in the UK Test - a test on British life, history and culture. You take it once and it covers all purposes
- English language at B1 level - speaking and listening only. Reading and writing aren’t tested for citizenship
- Good character - clean criminal record, no serious immigration violations, tax compliance
- Intention to live in the UK - you need to confirm that Britain will be your main home
Absence Limits¶
The Home Office is very strict here. Over the past 5 years, you can’t have spent more than 450 days outside the UK total. And in the last 12 months before applying - no more than 90 days. Go over and your application could be refused or delayed.
Tip: keep a spreadsheet with dates of every trip abroad - entry and exit. The Home Office checks this very carefully through the e-Gates system, and even a day trip to Paris counts.
Spouse of a British Citizen¶
If you’re married to a British citizen, the path is shorter:
- 3 years of residence instead of 5
- No more than 270 days absence over 3 years
- No more than 90 days in the last year
- You can apply immediately after getting ILR (no need to wait 12 months)
What About the Ukraine Scheme? Does It Count Toward Citizenship?¶
Here’s the critically important bit for Ukrainians. The Ukraine Scheme (Homes for Ukraine, Ukraine Family Scheme, Ukraine Extension Scheme) consists of temporary visa programmes. And they do not lead to ILR or citizenship.
As GOV.UK explains:
Ukraine scheme permission will not count towards the ten-year Long Residence route to British settlement.
This means: even if you’ve been living in Britain since 2022 under Homes for Ukraine - that time doesn’t count toward ILR through the Long Residence route.
To start the path to citizenship, you need to switch to a “regular” visa: - Skilled Worker visa - if you have a sponsor employer - Family visa - if you have a British partner - Graduate visa - after completing a British degree - Global Talent - for specialists with outstanding achievements
Only after switching to one of these visas does the 5-year countdown to ILR begin, then another year to citizenship. In practice: Ukrainians who switched to Skilled Worker in 2023-2024 will be able to apply for citizenship around 2029-2030 at the earliest.
What Changed in 2025-2026: New Rules¶
Potential Extension of the ILR Path to 10 Years¶
In May 2025, the British government published an Immigration White Paper proposing to increase the residence requirement for ILR from 5 to 10 years for most visa routes. This is the so-called “earned settlement” system.
There are exceptions - partners of British citizens and victims of domestic abuse keep the 5-year period. There’s also a proposed bonus system: good character, integration, volunteering, and tax compliance could reduce the period.
As of March 2026, these changes haven’t taken effect yet - the consultation period ran until February 2026, and no specific implementation date has been announced. But it’s worth preparing now.
Fee Increases¶
From 8 April 2026, the naturalisation application fee increases from £1,605 to £1,709 (plus £130 for the ceremony). That’s £1,839 total instead of £1,735. If you’re planning to apply - submit before April and save £104.
Full Document Checklist for Form AN¶
There are a lot of documents, and most need to be in English. Anything in Ukrainian or another language needs a certified translation.
Documents Requiring Certified Translation¶
| Document | Purpose | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Birth certificate | Identity and nationality proof | Full certified translation, apostille on original |
| Marriage/divorce certificate | Marital status confirmation | Required if marriage was abroad |
| Criminal record check from Ukraine | Good character requirement | Must be no older than 6 months at submission |
| Children’s birth certificates | If including children in application | Each one translated separately |
| Diploma/degree certificate | If submitting for qualification proof | For UK ENIC (formerly NARIC) separately |
| Name change certificate | If name has changed | Surname change after marriage documents too |
| Military service record | For background check | Not always required, but Home Office may request it |
Documents in English (No Translation Needed)¶
- Passport (current)
- BRP card (Biometric Residence Permit) or eVisa confirmation
- Life in the UK Test pass certificate
- SELT English test result (IELTS Life Skills etc.)
- ILR/settled status confirmation
- Council tax bills or bank statements (proof of residence)
- Payslips or P60 (proof of income and tax)
- Referee declarations (from two referees)
Two Referees¶
This often catches people off guard. You need two people who’ve known you for at least 3 years: - One must be a British citizen - Both must be “of professional standing” - doctor, lawyer, teacher, accountant, police officer etc. - They sign a declaration confirming they know you, vouching for your good character and identifying you in a photo
Tip: start thinking about referees early. Finding a British professional who’s known you 3 years isn’t always easy, especially if you work in an environment where most colleagues are immigrants.
What Is Certified Translation in the UK¶
Here’s where Britain differs significantly from, say, Germany or France. The UK doesn’t have a “sworn translator” system. Instead, it uses certified translation - where the translator self-certifies their work.
What a Certified Translation Must Include¶
According to Home Office requirements, each translation must be accompanied by a statement (certificate of accuracy) containing:
- Confirmation that it’s an accurate and complete translation of the original
- Date of translation
- Translator’s full name and contact details
- Translator’s qualifications or professional body membership
- Translator’s signature
Which Translators Are Accepted¶
The Home Office recommends using translators with membership in recognised professional organisations:
- CIOL (Chartered Institute of Linguists) - MCIL or FCIL
- ITI (Institute of Translation and Interpreting) - MITI or FITI
- ATC (Association of Translation Companies) - for agencies
As CIOL, ITI and ATC note in their joint guide:
The UK does not have a system of ‘sworn’ or ‘certified’ translators, but translations required for official purposes can be ‘self-certified’ by practising translators listed by the Chartered Institute of Linguists and the Institute of Translation and Interpreting.
In plain English: any qualified translator in the UK can do a certified translation, but the stronger their credentials, the fewer questions the Home Office will ask.
How Much Does Certified Translation Cost¶
| Document | Approximate Price | Turnaround |
|---|---|---|
| Birth certificate | £30-50 | 1-3 working days |
| Marriage certificate | £30-50 | 1-3 working days |
| Criminal record check | £40-60 | 1-3 working days |
| Diploma (1 page) | £30-45 | 1-3 working days |
| Diploma supplement (10+ pages) | £150-300 | 3-5 working days |
| Urgent translation (same-day) | +50-100% surcharge | 24 hours |
Prices depend on the language pair (Ukrainian-English is usually pricier than Polish-English due to a smaller pool of translators), document complexity and urgency.
If you’re short on time and the document is straightforward (birth certificate, marriage certificate) - you can use ChatsControl for a quick AI translation as a draft, then order the certified version from a qualified translator.
Life in the UK Test: What It Is and How to Pass¶
The Life in the UK Test is mandatory for everyone applying for ILR or citizenship (except those under 18 or over 65, and people with certain medical conditions).
Test Format¶
- 24 questions multiple choice
- 45 minutes to complete
- You need 75% - at least 18 correct out of 24
- Taken at one of the official test centres across Britain
- Cost: £50 on weekdays, £65 on Sundays or during peak hours
- Book at least 3 days ahead on GOV.UK
- Certificate valid for 2 years from the test date
What They Ask¶
Questions are based on the official book “Life in the United Kingdom: A Guide for New Residents”. Topics:
- British history (from the Celts to modern times)
- Political system (Parliament, monarchy, devolution)
- Legal system (courts, human rights)
- British culture (holidays, traditions, sport)
- Everyday life (NHS, education, volunteer work)
Statistics show an overall pass rate of about 70-75%. For EU nationals it’s higher (86%), for everyone else - 68%. Almost a third don’t pass on the first attempt.
Tip: don’t skip the preparation. Even if you’ve lived in Britain for years, questions about Tudor monarchs or the Magna Carta can catch you off guard. There are free practice tests at lifeintheuktest.com - do at least 10-15 practice runs before the real thing.
English Language Requirement: What Exactly You Need¶
For British citizenship you need B1 speaking and listening. Important: reading and writing aren’t assessed for citizenship (unlike some visa routes).
Accepted Tests (SELT - Secure English Language Test)¶
The Home Office only accepts tests from approved providers:
| Provider | Test | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS SELT Consortium | IELTS Life Skills B1 | £150-170 |
| Trinity College London | GESE Grade 5 | £130-150 |
| LanguageCert | LanguageCert International ESOL SELT | £140-160 |
| Pearson | PTE Home B1 | £120-150 |
Important: results are valid for 2 years from the test date. Regular academic IELTS (the one for universities) is not accepted for immigration purposes - you specifically need IELTS for UKVI or IELTS Life Skills.
Who’s Exempt from the Test¶
- Nationals of majority English-speaking countries (list on GOV.UK)
- Holders of a British academic degree (Bachelor’s or higher)
- Holders of an academic degree recognised as equivalent to a British one through UK ENIC (formerly NARIC)
- People with physical or mental conditions that prevent them from taking the test
Tip for Ukrainians: if you got a Master’s or PhD from a British university - no test needed. But if you only have a Ukrainian diploma - even in English studies - you’ll need to either take a SELT or get UK ENIC confirmation that your degree is equivalent.
Apostille, Legalisation and Ukrainian Document Specifics¶
Apostille¶
Ukraine is a member of the Hague Convention, so British authorities accept an apostille on Ukrainian documents. You’ll need an apostille on:
- Birth certificate
- Marriage/divorce certificate
- Criminal record check
- Diploma and diploma supplement
You can get an apostille through the Ministry of Justice of Ukraine or regional justice departments, and remotely through Diia (e-apostille).
Criminal Record Check¶
For the good character requirement, you need a criminal record check from every country where you’ve lived after age 18 for more than 12 months. For Ukraine:
- Order through Ukraine’s Ministry of Internal Affairs or Diia
- Valid for: 6 months (order it 2-3 months before submission so it doesn’t expire while you gather the rest)
- Needs apostille
- Needs certified translation into English
If you’ve lived in Germany, Poland or another country for over a year - you’ll need a check from there too.
Name Discrepancies¶
A classic problem for Ukrainians - different spellings of your name across documents. For example: “Олена” on the birth certificate, “Olena” in the passport, “Elena” on the BRP. Or the patronymic (by father’s name) that exists in Ukrainian documents but is absent from British ones.
What to do: - The translation should clearly show the original spelling and its transliteration - If there are discrepancies - prepare a cover letter or affidavit of name discrepancy - The translator should keep the patronymic in the translation and explain in a note that it’s a patronymic (father’s name), not a middle name
Step-by-Step Application Process¶
Step 1: Gather Documents (1-3 Months)¶
Start collecting at least 3 months ahead. Especially the criminal record check - from Ukraine this can take a week to a month, plus time for apostille and translation.
Step 2: Find Your Referees¶
Start looking for two referees early. Remember: one must be a British citizen, both must be “professional standing”, and they must have known you 3+ years.
Step 3: Take the Life in the UK Test¶
If you haven’t taken it for ILR yet - do it now. The certificate is valid for 2 years. If you already passed it for ILR and the certificate is still valid - no need to retake.
Step 4: Prove Your English¶
Either take a SELT test or make sure you have an exemption (British degree etc.).
Step 5: Complete Form AN Online¶
Since 2024, submission is fully online through GOV.UK. The form is 29 pages, but the online version simplifies the process. Fill it in carefully - errors can delay processing.
Step 6: Pay the Fee¶
£1,735 (before April 2026) or £1,839 (after April 2026). Online payment by card. The fee isn’t refunded if your application is refused.
Step 7: Submit Documents¶
Upload scans of all documents through the online portal. You usually don’t need to send originals by post - the Home Office reviews digital copies.
Step 8: Wait for the Decision (3-6 Months)¶
The majority of British naturalisation applications are processed in around six months. Decisions on more straightforward and well-prepared applications can be made in as little as three to four months.
You’ll receive the decision by post or through your online account.
Step 9: Citizenship Ceremony¶
If approved, you’ll be invited to a citizenship ceremony at your local registration office. You’ll take an oath (or affirmation - without the religious element) of allegiance to the King and your duties as a citizen. You receive your Certificate of Naturalisation.
After the ceremony, you can apply for a British passport (another £82.50-93.50 depending on type).
Total Cost of Getting Citizenship¶
| Cost Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Form AN application + ceremony | £1,735 (before April 2026) / £1,839 (after) |
| Life in the UK Test | £50-65 |
| English language test (SELT) | £120-170 (if needed) |
| Certified translations (3-5 documents) | £150-400 |
| Apostille on Ukrainian documents | UAH 1,400-2,800 (≈£25-50) |
| Criminal record check | Free via Diia or ~UAH 200 |
| UK ENIC (if diploma evaluation needed) | £49.50 + VAT |
| Passport (after receiving citizenship) | £82.50-93.50 |
| Total (approximate) | £2,200-2,700 |
For families with children: a child’s application costs £1,214 (no ceremony fee), so the total can increase significantly.
Common Mistakes When Applying - What to Watch For¶
-
Translation without a certificate of accuracy. The translation must have a statement from the translator with their name, qualifications, signature and date. Without it - they’ll send it back
-
Expired criminal record check. 6 months is the deadline. Order it last, when everything else is ready
-
Exceeding allowed absences. Even a day trip to Calais counts. Check your travel dates very carefully
-
Errors in dates and name spellings. If Form AN says “Olena” but the certificate translation says “Elena” - that’s a red flag for the Home Office
-
Applying without ILR. Sounds obvious but it happens: people apply for citizenship without holding ILR or settled status, or without having held ILR for 12 months
-
Unsuitable referees. One referee must be a British citizen. Both must be “professional standing” and have known you 3+ years
FAQ¶
How much does it cost to apply for British citizenship?¶
The total is roughly £2,200-2,700 including all costs: the £1,735 fee (before April 2026), Life in the UK test £50-65, language test £120-170, document translations £150-400, and additional costs for apostille and certificates. If you’re applying for the whole family - budget separately for each child (£1,214).
Does time under the Ukraine Scheme count toward citizenship?¶
No, time spent in the UK under any of the Ukrainian visa schemes (Homes for Ukraine, Family Scheme, Extension Scheme) does not count toward ILR through the Long Residence route. You need to switch to a “regular” visa (Skilled Worker, Family etc.) and start the 5-year count from scratch.
Do I need a sworn translator for UK documents?¶
The UK doesn’t have a “sworn translator” system like Germany or France. Instead, you need a certified translation - a translation with a certificate of accuracy, signed by a qualified translator (preferably a member of CIOL, ITI or ATC). The translator self-certifies their translation with their signature and credentials.
How long does the citizenship application take?¶
The standard timeframe is 6 months. Well-prepared applications without errors can be processed in 3-4 months. Complex cases (document discrepancies, good character issues) may take longer.
Can I hold dual Ukrainian-British citizenship?¶
The UK doesn’t prohibit dual citizenship - you can keep your Ukrainian passport. On Ukraine’s side: from 16 January 2026, the law permits dual citizenship with certain countries (USA, Canada, Germany, Poland, Czech Republic). The UK’s status on this list may change - keep an eye on updates.
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