A Complete Guide to Naturalisation Under Section 6(2) BNA 1981
- Michael Crago
- Sep 29
- 4 min read
If you are married to or in a civil partnership with a British citizen, you benefit from an accelerated path to British citizenship through Section 6(2) of the British Nationality Act 1981 (BNA 1981).
This section offers a shorter qualifying residence period, reflecting your established commitment to the UK through your relationship. However, the requirements for continuous residence and immigration status are precise and unforgiving.
At Nuvora, we specialise in family-based nationality claims. We focus on securing these entitlements precisely, ensuring the complex statutory timelines are met perfectly to secure this important status.
What is Naturalisation Under Section 6(2)?
Naturalisation is the legal process by which an adult (18 or over) who was not born British applies to become a British citizen.
Section 6(2) is the dedicated route for applicants who are married to, or the civil partner of, a British citizen on the date of application. It accelerates the continuous residence requirement from five years to three years. Like all naturalisation applications, the grant remains at the discretion of the Home Secretary.
Eligibility Requirements (Do You Qualify?)
To satisfy the statutory requirements for naturalisation under Section 6(2), you must meet all the following criteria:
Marital Status: You must be legally married to or in a civil partnership with a British citizen on the date of your application.
Age and Capacity: Must be of full age (18 or over) and capacity (sound mind).
Residence Period: You must have lived in the UK for a minimum of 3 years immediately preceding the date of application.
Continuous Residence (Absences): During this 3-year qualifying period, you must not have been absent from the UK for more than 270 days in total.
Final Year Presence: You must not have been absent from the UK for more than 90 days in the 12-month period immediately preceding the date of application.
Immigration Status (Settlement): On the date of application, you must hold an immigration status free from time restriction (e.g., Indefinite Leave to Remain, Settled Status). Unlike the 6(1) route, you are not required to have held this settlement status for a full 12 months, but you must have it when you apply.
Physical Presence (Start Date): You must have been physically present in the UK on the day 3 years before the application is received.
Knowledge of Language and Life in the UK (KoLL): You must demonstrate sufficient knowledge of English (B1 level or higher, unless exempt) and have passed the Life in the UK Test.
Good Character: You must satisfy the Home Secretary that you are of good character (assessed on criminal history, financial solvency, and compliance with immigration laws).
The Challenge: Absences and Timing
The most common pitfalls are the continuous residence requirements. Having 270 days of absence in the 3-year period, or 90 days in the final year, results in an automatic failure unless the Home Office exercises discretion (which is rare and should not be relied upon).
Facing Excessive Absences? While strict statutory limits must be met, the Home Office retains discretion to overlook absences exceeding the 270-day and 90-day limits under compelling circumstances. If your absence figures exceed the maximum statutory period, do not assume refusal. Please consult our detailed guide on Discretionary Naturalisation Absences to understand the high threshold required to successfully petition the Home Secretary for discretion on your behalf.
The Application Process: Step-by-Step
Naturalisation applications under Section 6(2) are made on Online.
Preparation and KoLL: Pass the Life in the UK Test and secure your English language certificate.
Calculate Absences: Meticulously calculate all absences over the 3-year period to ensure compliance with the 270-day and 90-day limits.
Gather Documents: Compile evidence of your permanent status (ILR/Settled Status), your marriage certificate, evidence of continuous residence, and KoLL test results.
Complete and Submit Form: Submit the application online to the Home Office.
Pay Fees: The application fee and mandatory ceremony fee must be paid upfront.
Biometrics: Attend an appointment at a UKVCAS service point to provide biometrics.
Decision and Ceremony: The Home Office aims for a decision within 6 months. Upon approval, you attend a citizenship ceremony.
What Does it Cost?
As of the date of this post (late 2025), the core fees for a standard adult naturalisation application under Section 6(2) are the same as the 6(1) route:
Fee Type | Amount (Approximate) | Notes |
Naturalisation Application Fee (Form AN) | £1,605 | Home Office processing fee. |
Citizenship Ceremony Fee | £130 | Mandatory statutory fee. |
Total Core Cost | £1,735 | Payable at submission. |
Additional Costs: Life in the UK Test (£50) and English language test (variable, approx. £150).
Bringing Your Family Members (Dependants)
Adult naturalisation applications under Section 6(2) can include minor children in certain circumstances.
Children who are eligible for citizenship must apply jointly for registration under the relevant section (e.g., Section 1(3) if one parent is applying to be naturalised).
Applications for children can also be submitted concurrently with the parent's naturalisation application.
The Path to Citizenship
A successful application under Section 6(2) leads to a grant of British Citizenship, allowing you to attend a ceremony and obtain a British passport.
Because you are married to a British citizen, your status is British Citizen otherwise than by descent, meaning you can pass your citizenship on to children born outside the UK, securing the family's long-term nationality link.
Securing Your Accelerated Route
The 6(2) route may be "accelerated," but it demands the same precision as any other nationality application. The 270-day and 90-day absence limits are strict.
Book a consultation today with one of our IAA-qualified immigration professionals to ensure your final step to British Citizenship is seamless and successful.
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