EU Settled Status to British citizenship: every step
If you have pre-settled status, you can get settled status after 5 years of continuous residence, and the Home Office may convert you automatically. With settled status you can usually apply for British citizenship after holding it for 12 months, or straight away if you are married to a British citizen. The EU Settlement Scheme is not affected by the earned settlement changes.
What is changing
The government's November 2026 response lists the EU Settlement Scheme among arrangements that are not affected by the earned settlement reforms.
The route at a glance
Step 1 of 5
Pre-settled status
Keep living in the UK. To keep continuity you must not be away for more than 6 months in any 12-month period (one absence of up to 12 months is allowed for an important reason such as childbirth, serious illness or study).
- When
- When you applied to the EU Settlement Scheme
- Cost
- Free
Step 2 of 5
Settled status
The Home Office checks tax, benefit and travel records and may convert you automatically, emailing you first. You can also apply yourself for free if you are eligible. If you are not converted, you keep pre-settled status.
- When
- After 5 years of continuous residence
- Cost
- Free
Step 3 of 5
Hold settled status for 12 months
Most people must hold settled status for 12 months before applying for citizenship. Settled status is only lost after 5 years in a row outside the UK (4 years for Swiss citizens).
- When
- 12 months after settled status (not needed if married to a British citizen)
Step 4 of 5
British citizenship
You need 5 years in the UK, no more than 450 days abroad in those 5 years and no more than 90 in the last 12 months, the Life in the UK test, English and good character. You must have been in the UK exactly 5 years before the Home Office receives your application.
- When
- After the 12 months
- English
- B1 speaking and listening (unless exempt)
- Cost
- £1,709 + £130 ceremony
Step 5 of 5
Ceremony and passport
Attend your citizenship ceremony, then apply for your first British passport. Check whether your other country allows dual nationality.
- When
- After approval
- Cost
- £102 first adult passport (online)
You will need the Life in the UK test
767 free practice questions and 60 mock tests. No login, no paywall.
Frequently asked questions
Does pre-settled status turn into settled status automatically?
It can. GOV.UK says the Home Office uses travel, tax and benefit records to check if you have 5 years of continuous residence and emails you if you are being considered for conversion. You can also apply yourself for free. If you are not converted, you keep pre-settled status.
How long after settled status can I apply for British citizenship?
Usually after holding settled status for 12 months. If you are married to a British citizen you do not need to wait the 12 months.
Do EU citizens need the Life in the UK test for citizenship?
Yes. To apply for British citizenship you need to pass the Life in the UK test and meet the English requirement, unless you are exempt. You do not need it for settled status itself.
How long can I leave the UK with settled status?
Up to 5 years in a row without losing settled status (4 years for Swiss citizens and their family members). For citizenship, though, you need no more than 450 days abroad in the 5 years and 90 days in the last 12 months.
Is the EU Settlement Scheme affected by the 10-year ILR changes?
No. The government's November 2026 response says the EU Settlement Scheme is not affected by the earned settlement reforms.
Rules this tool uses
- Settled status after 5 years of continuous residence (absences up to 6 months in any 12 months, with listed exceptions)
- Citizenship: settled status held 12 months (not needed if married to a British citizen), 450/90 day absence limits
- EUSS not affected by earned settlement (November 2026 response)
- GOV.UK: What settled and pre-settled status means
- GOV.UK: Switch from pre-settled to settled status
- GOV.UK: Apply for citizenship with ILR or settled status
Checked against GOV.UK: November 2026.
This is a free guide, not legal advice, and we are not linked to the Home Office. Rules and fees can change. Always check GOV.UK before you apply. For complex cases, speak to a regulated immigration adviser.