📘 Chapter 1: The Values and Principles of the UK
TRUE or FALSE: You must give up your original citizenship to become British.
Correct answer: FALSE
A TRUE
✓ FALSE
C Only for some countries
D Only if you hold ILR
💡 Explanation
FALSE. Dual nationality is permitted in the UK — you do not have to give up your original citizenship.
Key facts to remember
- Citizenship gives right to British passport and to vote in all elections
- Must be 18+, of good character, with language proficiency
- Must pass the Life in the UK test
- 5 years residence required (3 if married to British citizen)
- Must hold ILR for at least 12 months
- Strict absence limits: 450 days in 5 years, 90 days in final year
- British citizens cannot be deported
- Citizenship can be passed to children
- Dual nationality is permitted
Why this is the answer
From the official Life in the UK study material — 1.2.2 Requirements for citizenship:
British citizenship gives you the right to live permanently in the UK, to hold a British passport, and to vote in all elections. To apply for citizenship (naturalisation), you must be aged 18 or over, be of good character, have sufficient knowledge of English, Welsh, or Scottish Gaelic, and have passed the Life in the UK test.
You must have lived in the UK for at least five years (or three years if married to a British citizen) and have held ILR for at least 12 months before applying. You must not have been outside the UK for more than 450 days during the five-year period, and not more than 90 days in the last 12 months.
Once granted citizenship, you can apply for a British passport and travel freely. British citizens cannot be deported from the UK. You can also pass on your citizenship to your children in certain circumstances. Dual nationality is permitted — you do not have to give up your original citizenship.
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