Absence limits for naturalisation
| Standard route, s6(1) | Spouse / civil partner of a British citizen, s6(2) | |
|---|---|---|
| Qualifying period | 5 years | 3 years |
| Total absences allowed | 450 days | 270 days |
| Absences in the last 12 months | 90 days | 90 days |
| ILR / settled status | Held for at least 12 months | Needed at the time of applying (no 12-month wait) |
The 90 days in the last 12 months are part of the overall total, not in addition to it. You must also have been physically in the UK at the start of the qualifying period, meaning the date 5 years (or 3 years) before the Home Office receives your application.
How absences are counted
As with ILR, only whole days outside the UK count. The days you leave and return are not absences. The calculator uses the same shared trip list as our ILR absence calculator, so you only need to enter your travel once.
What if you're slightly over?
The Home Office has discretion to overlook excess absences in some cases. It looks at how far over you are, the reasons (for example work or family emergencies), and whether your home, family and working life are clearly in the UK. Small excesses are often treated more favourably than large ones, but nothing is guaranteed. Read the official Naturalisation as a British citizen by discretion guidance, or speak to an immigration adviser, before applying with excess absences.
Other requirements (not checked here)
- Good character, including no serious immigration breaches in the qualifying period.
- The Life in the UK test and English at B1 level or above (unless exempt).
- An intention to live in the UK (standard route).