How to Get a British Passport for EU Citizens

The process for EU citizens who wish to apply for a British passport normally involves 4 steps:  

1. Live in the UK for at least 5 years on an immigration route to settlement
2. Apply for ILR / settlement
3. Apply for British citizenship (12 months after ILR)
4. Apply for a UK passport.

After Brexit, EU nationals can gain settlement either through the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) or remaining in the UK continuously on an immigration route that qualifies them for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). Having gained ‘settled status’ or ILR, EU citizens must then live in the UK for at least 12 months before applying for British citizenship through naturalisation. After citizenship is granted, applicants attend a citizenship ceremony and receive a Certificate of British Citizenship. With this certificate, they can apply for a British passport. Passport applications usually take about three weeks to process. 

British citizenship through naturalisation requirements

To apply for British citizenship, EU nationals must meet several requirements:

• Hold settled status (or ILR) for at least 12 months.
• Have lived in the UK for five continuous years (or three years if married to a British citizen).
• Pass the Life in the UK test.
• Demonstrate English language proficiency at B1 level or above.
• Meet the good character requirement.

Continuous Residence Requirements for British Naturalisation 

EU citizens must have lived in the UK for at least five years before applying for citizenship. During this period, they must not have spent more than 450 days outside the UK. In the 12 months immediately before applying, absences must not exceed 90 days. 

If married to a British citizen, the qualifying period is three years. During this time, absences must not exceed 270 days in total, and no more than 90 days in the final year. 

Good Character Requirement for British Naturalisation

Applicants must be of good character. This means having no serious criminal record, complying with UK immigration laws, and showing evidence of tax compliance and positive community integration. The Home Office checks police certificates from all countries where the applicant has lived for six months or more. 

British Passport for Children Born in the UK to EU Nationals

A child born in the UK to EU parents is not automatically a British citizen. Eligibility depends on the parents’ immigration status at the time of birth: 

• If at least one parent had settled status (or ILR) under the EUSS at the time of birth, the child is usually a British citizen and can apply for a passport.
• If neither parent had settled status, the child may not be a British citizen and will need to apply for citizenship later, if eligible.

EU Countries That Allow Dual Citizenship

Some EU countries allow dual citizenship, meaning citizens do not need to renounce their original nationality after obtaining British citizenship. The following EU countries generally permit dual citizenship: 

• Portugal
• Ireland
• Italy
• France
• Germany
• Spain
• Poland
• Greece
• Sweden
• Netherlands
• Luxembourg
• Malta
• Cyprus
• Romania
• Bulgaria

Always check the specific rules for your country, as some may have additional requirements or exceptions.