Discretion on absences from the UK during the residential qualifying period
This page explains how we can use our discretion when considering applications for naturalisation from applicants who have been absent from the UK during their residential qualifying period.
We normally disregard absences of up to 300 days.
If you have been absent for between 301 and 540 days, we will disregard this if you meet all the other requirements and have established your home, family and a large part of your estate here. We would also expect that:
- for absences of up to 450 days, you have been resident in the UK for the past four years; or
- for absences of more than 450 days, you have been resident in the UK for the past five years; or
- the absences occurred because you were serving abroad in Crown service or because your husband, wife or civil partner was serving abroad in Crown or designated service; or
- the absences were unavoidable owing to the nature of your work - for example, because you are a merchant seaman or you work for a UK-based business which requires frequent travel abroad; or
- there are exceptional or compelling reasons of an occupational or compassionate nature, such as having a firm job offer for which British citizenship is a genuine requirement.
Absences during the final year
If you have been absent from the UK for up to 100 days in total during the final year, we normally disregard the absence.
If you have been absent from the UK for between 101 and 180 days in total during the final year, we normally disregard the absence if:
- you have met the residence requirements over the qualifying period; and
- you have demonstrated a link with the UK by establishing your home, family and a large part of your estate here.
If your absence lasted between 101 and 180 days and you have not met the residence requirements over the qualifying period, we will only disregard the absence if:
- you have demonstrated a link with the UK by establishing your home, family and a large part of your estate here; and
- the absence occurred because you were serving abroad in Crown service, or for a compelling occupational or compassionate reason.
If you have been absent from the UK for more than 180 days in total during the final year, we will only disregard the absence if:
- you have met the residence requirements over the qualifying period; and
- you have demonstrated a link with the UK by establishing your home, family and a large part of your estate here; and
- the absence occurred because you were serving abroad in Crown service, or for a compelling occupational or compassionate reason.
If your absence lasted more than 180 days and you have not met the residence requirements over the qualifying period, we will only consider disregarding the absence in exceptional circumstances.
Terms explained
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Discretion
This means we can consider the particular circumstances and in special cases grant an application.
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Estate
Everything that you own.