In 2024, Americans sought to become British citizens en masse, setting a historic record. Read about the reasons for this phenomenon and the procedure for obtaining a United Kingdom passport in this article

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In 2024, the number of Americans applying for Britishcitizenship reached a historic high. Among the main factors contributing to this growth, experts cite Donald Trump's return to US politics and changes in British tax law.

The reasons for the increase in citizenship applications and ways to obtain a British passport in 2025 are discussed later in this article.

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How many Americans have received British citizenship?

The UK Home Office reports that in 2024, more than 6,100 applications for citizenship were submitted by US representatives - a 26% increase compared to 2023 and the highest figure in the last two decades. Overall, the number of applications for British citizenship increased by 6%, amounting to 251,000 - this was also a record.

The increase in the number of applicants was particularly noticeable in the fourth quarter of 2024: the number of applications from Americans increased by 40% compared to the same period in 2023, amounting to approximately 1,700.

Important! In addition, there has been an increase in Americans wishing to obtain Irish citizenship. In 2024, the number of such applications increased by 46%, especially among those with Irish roots and can obtain a passport by descent.

Why has the number of Americans wishing to obtain citizenship of the United Kingdom increased?

Migration lawyers believe that the increased interest in British citizenship is associated with the election campaign and the victory of Donald Trump in the 2024 elections. In addition, an important factor was the UK's refusal to grant non-dom tax status, which previously allowed foreigners living in the country not to pay taxes on income earned abroad. This has prompted some wealthy Americans to apply for citizenship to avoid the tax changes.

How to become a British citizen in 2025?

Before you can apply for British citizenship, you must meet certain requirements, which may vary depending on your personal situation. The most common ways to become a British citizen are through naturalisation, descent or marriage.

Naturalisation

Naturalisation is the process by which a foreign national can become a British citizen. To be eligible for naturalisation, you must meet the following requirements:

- Age: You must be at least 18 years old.

- Residence: You must have lived in the UK for at least 5 years before applying (3 years if you are married to a British citizen).

- Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR): You must have had Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) for at least 12 months before applying for citizenship (unless you are married to a British citizen).

- Period of stay: You must not have been outside the UK for more than 450 days in the 5 years preceding your application and no more than 90 days outside the UK in the 12 months preceding your application.

- Good character references: You must prove that you are of good character, meaning you have no serious criminal convictions and you must not have been involved in any immigration policy breaches.

- English language skills: You must prove that you can speak English at level B1 (intermediate). This is usually done by taking an English language exam or providing a certificate proving your level.

Citizenship by descent

If you were born outside the UK but one or both of your parents are British citizens, you may be eligible for British citizenship by descent. This rule usually applies to those whose British parents were born or naturalised in the UK or another British Overseas Territory.

Citizenship by marriage

If you are married to a British citizen, you may be eligible to apply for British citizenship after living in the UK for at least 3 years. You will still need to meet the requirements for residence, including ILR and good character.

UK Citizenship Application Process

Once you meet the eligibility criteria, you can begin the process of applying for UK citizenship by:

Step 1 – Gather your documents

You will need to provide a number of documents to support your application, including:

- Proof of identity (passport, birth certificate).

- Proof of residence (e.g. utility bills, tenancy agreements).

- Proof of your ILR status (e.g. biometric residence permit).

- Proof of English language proficiency (e.g. exam certificates, academic transcripts).

- Proof of no criminal record (if applicable).

Step 2 – Complete the application form

The application for British citizenship is made online or by post. The form is detailed and asks for personal information, including your immigration history, employment and residence in the UK. Please be thorough and honest when completing the form as any inaccuracies may delay or negatively impact your application.

Step 3 – Biometrics Appointment

As part of the application process, you will need to attend a biometrics appointment where your fingerprints and photograph will be taken. This helps to confirm your identity and to carry out a security check.

Step 4 – Pay the fee

The cost of applying for British citizenship is approximately £1,330 (as of 2025). Depending on your specific circumstances, there may be additional costs, such as a biometrics appointment or document translation. Be sure to check the current fees before applying.

Step 5 – Wait for a decision

The Home Office will review your application and make a decision. The process can take several months (usually 6 months, but this can vary). During this time, you may be asked to provide additional documents or attend an interview. If your application is accepted, you will be invited to a citizenship ceremony.

British Citizenship Ceremony

Once your application is approved, you will need to attend a citizenship ceremony. This is a formal event where you pledge your allegiance to the UK and pledge to uphold British values. The ceremony is usually held at your local council office or other official venue. After the ceremony, you will officially become a British citizen and will receive a certificate of naturalisation.

Read more about the available ways to become a UK citizen and the process for obtaining your document in this article.

Those who meet the eligibility criteria and follow the application process will be able to become a British citizen in 2025. Whether you are looking to pursue a career in the UK, join family members or seek a new life in a culturally diverse and vibrant country, British citizenship opens the door to many opportunities.

Book a consultation with a migration lawyer to find out the current rules for moving to the UK and obtaining citizenship.

Reminder! Georgia has launched a program that offers foreigners the opportunity to obtain citizenship of the country by making significant financial contributions to the country's economy. This initiative is aimed at attracting foreign investment and stimulating the economic development of Georgia. We have already told you what investment methods are available to expats, what requirements are imposed on applicants and the advantages of a Georgian passport.

Photo – paragonlaw.co.uk