December 11, 2025

Difference Between ILR and Citizenship: UK Guide

Trying to decide between Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and British citizenship? This guide gives you the quick answer, then walks you step-by-step through rights, timelines, costs, documents, and the Life in the UK Test so you can choose with confidence in 2025.

We also show you how to prepare faster and smarter with the Life in the UK Test App so you avoid retakes and delays.

ILR vs British citizenship in 2025: the quick answer

The difference between ILR and citizenship is about permanence and civic rights:

ILR: Settlement status. Live, work, and study without time limits, but ILR can lapse if you stay abroad too long. No UK passport or full voting rights.
British citizenship: Full nationality. UK passport, voting in all UK elections, and no lapse from time abroad.

Think of it as permanent residence vs citizenship (UK): ILR gives secure residence; citizenship adds nationality and stronger protections.

Simple infographic comparing ILR and British citizenship on passport, voting, and absence limits

Definitions and legal status explained

What is Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)?

ILR (also called settlement) lets you live, work, and study in the UK without time limits. You can access the NHS and, if eligible, certain public funds. ILR is a settled immigration status, not nationality, and it can lapse after long absences from the UK. You can later use ILR to apply for citizenship.

See official guidance: GOV.UK: Indefinite leave to remain and ILR: legal position.

What is British citizenship (naturalisation)?

British citizenship is full UK nationality. It allows you to hold a UK passport, vote in UK elections, serve on a jury, and receive UK consular assistance abroad. Unlike ILR, citizenship is not affected by time spent outside the UK.

See: GOV.UK: British citizenship.

Rights and protections: side-by-side

Everyday rights: work, study, NHS, and benefits

Work and study: Both ILR holders and citizens can take any lawful employment and study without immigration restrictions.
NHS: Both can access the NHS. Routine eligibility checks may apply for some services.
Public funds: ILR may qualify for certain benefits if you meet wider rules; citizenship has no immigration-based restriction.

Civic and travel rights: voting, jury service, UK passport, consular help

Voting: Citizens can vote in all UK elections and referendums. ILR alone does not grant full voting rights.
Jury service: Typically for citizens (subject to general eligibility).
Passport: Only citizens can hold a British passport.
Consular protection abroad: Citizens can access UK consular help when overseas.

Absences and re-entry: will your status lapse?

ILR lapse risk: ILR can be treated as lapsed after 2 years of continuous absence from the UK; you may need to apply to return or start a new route.
Citizenship: No lapse due to time abroad; you keep nationality.
EUSS settled status: Different absence rules may apply compared with standard ILR; check official guidance before long trips.

At a glance

Right/Rule	ILR	Citizenship
Live/work/study	Yes	Yes
NHS access	Yes	Yes
Vote in all elections	No	Yes
British passport	No	Yes
Consular help abroad	Limited	Yes
Lapse from long absences	Possible (e.g., 2 years)	No

Restrictions and risks to know before you choose

Deportation, deprivation, and criminality impacts

ILR holder: Can be removed for serious criminality or breach of immigration rules.
Citizen: Generally protected from removal. However, citizenship can be deprived in limited cases (e.g., fraud in the application or serious conduct), subject to strict legal tests.

Dual nationality, home-country rules, and tax

Dual nationality: The UK allows dual nationality, but some countries restrict or prohibit it. Always check your home country’s rules. See our guide: Dual citizenship UK: rules and two passports.
Tax and obligations: Citizenship alone doesn’t automatically change your UK tax status, but your worldwide tax position can be affected by residence, domicile, and treaties. Seek qualified advice if unsure.
Military/service duties: Some countries impose obligations on nationals, even if they acquire another nationality. Verify before you apply.

Eligibility and timelines: from visas to the finish line

Common routes to ILR and typical timeframes

Work routes: Skilled Worker is usually 5 years; some routes like Global Talent or Innovator Founder may qualify in 3 years (Tier 1 legacy routes could be 2–3).
Family routes: Partner/parent routes to ILR; timing depends on your path and meeting rules.
Long residence: 10 continuous lawful years in the UK.
Private life: Certain applicants can qualify on private life grounds.
EUSS settled status: For eligible EU/EEA/Swiss nationals and family members under the EU Settlement Scheme.

When you can apply for citizenship after ILR

Typical wait: Usually 12 months after getting ILR (not required if applying as the spouse/civil partner of a British citizen and you meet residence rules).
Residence and absences: You must meet strict residence limits across the qualifying period and the last 12 months before application.
Good character: Background checks cover criminality, immigration history, and financial soundness.

See the current rules: GOV.UK: British citizenship.

Timeline infographic showing typical path from visa to ILR to citizenship with 5 years and 12 months markers

Fees, documents, and process compared

ILR application: costs, forms, biometrics, decisions

Where to apply: Online via GOV.UK.
Fees: Check the latest ILR fee and optional priority services on GOV.UK. For a 2025 breakdown, see our guide: ILR application fee vs UK citizenship cost (2025).
Biometrics: Attend a UKVCAS appointment to submit fingerprints and photo.
Processing: Standard timelines vary by route; priority options may be available.
Outcome: You’ll receive confirmation and status access (eVisa/BRP transition is ongoing). Keep proof safe.
Guided help: See Indefinite Leave to Remain: Step-by-Step Roadmap.

Citizenship application: costs, ceremonies, passport

Where to apply: Online naturalisation application via GOV.UK.
Fees: Check current naturalisation and ceremony fees on GOV.UK; see our 2025 cost guide linked above.
Biometrics: Provide biometrics as instructed.
Ceremony: On approval, attend a citizenship ceremony and receive your Certificate of Naturalisation.
Passport: Apply separately for your first British passport after the ceremony.
More help: Read How to Get British Citizenship: The Complete Guide.

Documents checklist: ILR vs citizenship

Use this side-by-side checklist to reduce mistakes and delays:

Category	ILR	Citizenship
Identity	Valid passport/travel document; BRP/eVisa details	Valid passport/travel document; BRP/eVisa details
Residence evidence	Proof covering your qualifying route and periods	Proof of residence for the qualifying years
Absences	Travel history for route-specific rules	Detailed travel list to show you meet absence limits
English language	B1 English (unless exempt)	B1 English (unless exempt)
Life in the UK Test	Pass certificate/number (unless exempt)	Pass carries over if already passed; otherwise provide proof
Other	Route-specific documents (e.g., employment, relationship)	Good character evidence; referees; any name change documents

Life in the UK Test: what changes between ILR and citizenship

Who must take it, when, and exemptions

Requirement: Most adult applicants for ILR and citizenship must satisfy Knowledge of Language and Life in the UK (KoLL): B1 English (or exemption) and the Life in the UK Test.
Exemptions: Typically age 65+ or a qualifying long-term medical condition/disability with appropriate evidence.
Retakes: You can retake the test if you fail; prior passes remain valid for future applications.
Carry-over: If you passed the Life in the UK Test for ILR, you usually do not retake it for citizenship—just include your previous pass details.

Pass first time: use the Life in the UK Test App

The Life in the UK Test App helps you master the official handbook without overwhelm:

Full official handbook content optimised for mobile, with a smart learning assistant (Brit-Bear).
Readiness score so you know exactly when you’re prepared.
650+ practice questions with explanations, plus realistic mocks and Hard Mode.
Offline access for commuting and last-minute revision.

Avoid retakes and save time. Download now: App Store | Google Play.

7- and 14-day study plans with the app

Use these accelerated plans depending on your ILR or citizenship timeline.

7-day plan (fast track)

Days 1–2: Read core chapters in the app; enable Brit-Bear insights.
Day 3: Drill 200 questions; review explanations.
Day 4: Take 2 mock tests; analyse weak areas.
Day 5: Hard Mode mock + targeted revision.
Day 6: Final full-length mock; aim for 90%+.
Day 7: Light review; book test when readiness score stays high.

14-day plan (balanced)

Week 1: Read all chapters; daily quick quizzes (50–80 questions).
Week 2: Alternate mocks and topic drills; finish with 2 Hard Mode mocks scoring 85–90%+.

Start preparing today: Download on App Store | Get it on Google Play.

Which is right for you? Decision paths

Choose ILR now if…

You don’t yet meet citizenship residence or absence limits, or you need to build “good character” evidence over time.
Your country restricts dual nationality and you need to consider renunciation or alternatives.
You need settlement security for work or family reasons, but aren’t ready for the extra cost/time of naturalisation yet.
You are unsure about long-term UK plans and may spend extended time abroad (noting ILR lapse risks).

Choose citizenship if…

You want a UK passport, full voting rights, and UK consular help worldwide.
You plan long trips abroad and want to remove ILR lapse risk.
You meet residence/absence limits and the good character requirement.
You want the strongest long-term protection against removal.

Special cases: EUSS settled status, Irish citizens, Windrush

EUSS settled status: Absence rules differ from standard ILR. Check the latest GOV.UK guidance before extended travel.
Irish citizens: Broad rights to live and work in the UK without needing ILR; some may still choose to naturalise. Review GOV.UK for specifics.
Windrush: If you might be eligible via the Windrush routes, consult official guidance for tailored support and documentation needs.

Common myths and mistakes to avoid

“ILR never lapses.” False. Long absences can cause ILR to lapse; citizenship is not affected by time abroad.
“You must retake the Life in the UK Test for citizenship.” Not if you already passed—your pass normally carries over.
“Children follow adult rules.” Children’s routes to citizenship differ. Check GOV.UK for child registration and residence details.
“Dual nationality is always allowed.” The UK allows it, but your country may not—verify first.
“Any document will do.” Missing residence/absence evidence is a common reason for delays. Use the checklists above.

FAQs on ILR vs citizenship

How long can I stay outside the UK with ILR?
Extended absences (e.g., 2 years) can cause ILR to lapse. Plan trips carefully and keep ties to the UK.

Do I need to retake the Life in the UK Test for citizenship?
Usually no—your earlier pass remains valid. Include the same pass details in your naturalisation application.

Can I switch routes and still qualify for ILR?
Some routes allow switching. Long residence (10 years) can also be an alternative path. Check route-specific rules on GOV.UK.

Does the UK allow dual citizenship?
Yes, the UK does—your home country’s rules may differ. See our guide on dual nationality before you apply.

How long do decisions take?
Timelines vary by route and season. Priority services may be available for ILR; citizenship includes a ceremony step after approval.

Next steps and official resources

Official GOV.UK links you’ll need

Plan your budget and paperwork with our in-depth guides:

Download the Life in the UK Test App

Turn stress into structure and pass first time with targeted practice and realistic mocks.