Becoming a British citizen is the final step in making the United Kingdom your permanent home. It is not an automatic right but an important privilege that carries legal responsibilities and benefits — from the right to vote and hold a British passport to complete freedom from immigration control.
At Gentili Stark, our British Citizenship Solicitors in London have over 20 years of experience guiding individuals and families through complex nationality applications. Whether you are applying for yourself or on behalf of your child, we provide clear advice, meticulous case preparation, and friendly support from start to finish.
Most adults become British citizens through naturalisation. This route applies once you have achieved settled status or ILR and meet the residence and character requirements. Our solicitors will guide you through proving your residence, preparing your documents, and ensuring you meet all statutory tests before submission.
Children under 18 can obtain citizenship through registration. The rules differ depending on where and when the child was born, and whether the parents were settled or British at the time. We assist with applications under sections 1(3), 1(4), and 3(1) of the British Nationality Act 1981, ensuring each child’s connection to the UK is clearly demonstrated.
A person born outside the UK may automatically be British if one of their parents is British 'otherwise than by descent'. We help confirm your entitlement and gather the necessary documentary evidence — birth certificates, passports, and proof of parentage.
Children born in the UK are not always British automatically. We advise families on when a child qualifies immediately at birth and when registration is required — for instance, once a parent becomes settled in the UK.
If you are married to, or in a civil partnership with, a British citizen, you may apply after 3 years’ residence in the UK instead of 5. You must still meet the Life in the UK and English language requirements, as well as demonstrate good character.
We regularly assist BNO status holders and their family members seeking to transition from the BNO visa to British citizenship. Our team ensures smooth coordination between your ILR stage and naturalisation eligibility.
The UK permits dual citizenship, meaning you can hold your original nationality while becoming British. However, not all countries allow this, so we recommend checking with your embassy before applying. We can also assist with renunciation if you wish to give up British citizenship for personal or legal reasons.
In rare cases, citizenship can be withdrawn due to fraud or national-security concerns. If you receive such a notice, seek urgent legal advice. Our solicitors can assist with appeals and judicial reviews.
Applicants must prove sufficient knowledge of English and British life.
We advise on accepted test providers, exemptions, and how to prepare effectively.
Our London-based citizenship solicitors provide end-to-end guidance — from eligibility checks and document collation to application submission and post-decision support. We also assist with appeals, judicial reviews, and complex cases, including those involving long residence or absences from the UK.
Success story: We recently helped a family from Italy secure British citizenship after 12 years in the UK, despite complex absences and missing records.
I just wanted to say thank you for your help with the British citizenship.
You were very helpful and communicated well with me and made me feel at ease. You were with me all through the process. Thank you
I would recommend this solicitor for help with becoming a British citizen
Stephane is the most considerate person and ensures that cases win. He explains every step of the process throughly and makes sure that I understand decisions I make to the highest extent. He also charges a reasonable price for the high level of work done. Moreover Stephane is a kind individual who makes everything understandable and easy to follow. Knowing that Stephane is handling a case is very reassuring. He is the reason why I can live with my son.
I cannot recommend Gentili-Stark enough they spent time on my case, they advised me each step of the way while also preparing all the necessary documents.
They always explained all the steps clearly, all the communication was spot-on and without any delay. I recommend getting in touch with them, truly a fast, friendly & very professional team.
As a writer of expert medico-legal reports in the immigration and asylum context, I have worked with Stephane Gentili over several years. I have been very impressed both by his commitment to his clients and by the thoroughness of his work.
Thank you so much for all the work you did on my case, if it wasn’t for you, I wouldn’t be in the position I’m in today. Your dedication makes you the best lawyer I’ve ever come across and I just want to thank you so so much.
