Indefinite Leave to Remain vs British citizenship: which is the better choice for long-term UK residents

For many long-term residents the choice between indefinite leave to remain (also known as ‘ILR’ or ‘settlement’) and British citizenship is crucial. At Seraphus, we understand the uncertainties of immigration statuses. This guide explains the differences, highlights the benefits and limitations of each, and offers practical information to help you make an informed decision about your future in the UK.

You can secure residency in the UK by obtaining indefinite leave to remain. This gives you the right to reside in the UK permanently with fewer conditions than a temporary immigration status. Many people choose to take the next step — acquiring UK citizenship — often through naturalisation. If you are considering applying for British citizenship, understanding the rights, responsibilities, and eligibility requirements is essential.

For further information on British citizenship and the application process, please visit our British citizenship page and our guide on whether you should become British.

Indefinite leave to remain is a form of settled status granted to long-term UK residents. It allows you to live in the UK permanently without the need for a visa or extensions of limited leave to remain. 

Holders of indefinite leave enjoy several advantages:

• Right to reside in the UK permanently without the need to renew a visa.
• Access to some public funds
• Pathway to citizenship: After holding indefinite leave for a specified period (usually 12 months), you may be eligible to apply for British citizenship.
• Family considerations: When parents hold indefinite leave, it can simplify the process for their children to obtain indefinite leave. Also, children born in the UK to parents with indefinite leave often have a clearer pathway to getting British citizenship, ensuring your loved ones can also fully benefit from UK residency.
• Travel flexibility: visa-free travel within certain countries.

Despite its benefits, indefinite leave has several limitations:.

• Travel restrictions: Extended stay outside the UK could affect your status, particularly if you spend consecutive years outside the UK.
• No voting rights in UK national elections.
• Limited access to certain benefits
• Less security than citizenship: Although indefinite leave provides more security than limited leave to remain, it does not offer the same protection as British citizenship. The Home Office may revoke indefinite leave more readily — especially in cases involving criminal convictions — compared to the stronger safeguards afforded by UK citizenship.

UK citizenship represents the highest level of status in the UK. It grants the right to live in the UK permanently and further benefits. 

Applying for British citizenship involves a rigorous process—including passing the Life in the UK test, demonstrating English language proficiency, and meeting strict residency, criminality, and immigration criteria. However, once achieved, it offers the highest level of protection available. 

Read more guidance on our British citizenship by Naturalisation page.

British citizenship offers more rights and benefits than indefinite leave:

• Voting rights in national UK elections.
• Enhanced travel freedom: After getting British citizenship, you can apply for a British Passport. A British passport provides visa-free travel options and British consular assistance.
• Stronger protection: citizenship offers more robust protection against the risk of status cancellation, ensuring you are entitled to remain in the UK permanently. 
• citizenship for your children: Your children born to you in the UK can automatically acquire British citizenship, simplifying family residence considerations.
• Access to certain employment and public office: Some roles and opportunities are reserved solely for citizens.
• Access to benefits: You will be able to access benefits on the same basis as UK citizens. 

When deciding between indefinite leave and British citizenship, consider the following key differences:

• Eligibility and application process: Indefinite leave is often the initial status for long-term residents. British citizenship requires an additional 12-month period of residence (unless you are married to a UK citizen) after indefinite leave, along with the successful completion of the Life in the UK test and other documentation requirements.
• Rights and privileges: While both statuses allow you to live in the UK, only British citizenship provides full political rights, such as voting and standing for public office.
• Travel flexibility: Indefinite leave holders have visa-free travel within certain limits, but a British passport significantly expands your travel freedoms.
• Security of status: citizenship offers a more secure status, reducing the risk associated with extended absences or policy changes by the Home Office.
• Family considerations: British citizenship can be automatically extended to children born to you, whereas indefinite leave might require additional applications for family members.

When weighing your options, consider your long-term goals and priorities:

• Multiple nationalities: The UK allows people to have more than one citizenship (for example, British and Nigerian), but some countries do not. Before applying to become British, check if your country allows dual citizenship so you don’t lose your current nationality.
• Travel requirements: Do you need extensive visa-free travel? A British passport might be the better option.
• Family needs: If you want citizenship for your children and dependents, naturalisation offers clear advantages.
• Political participation: If voting and civic participation are important, UK citizenship is the route to take.
• Application processing times and fees: Consider the indefinite leave fees, processing times, and the potential cost of also applying for British citizenship.
• Risk of losing status: Indefinite leave comes with restrictions such as limits to how much time you can spend outside the UK without affecting your status. 

Transitioning from indefinite leave to British citizenship is a multi-step process:

1. Ensure eligibility: After holding indefinite leave for at least 12 months (unless married to a British citizen), you may be eligible to apply for naturalisation. 
2. Prepare your documents: Gather all necessary documents, including proof of residence, identity, and evidence of having passed the Life in the UK test.
3. Submit your application: Complete the British citizenship application process. Our detailed guidance can be found on our British citizenship application page.
4. Legal assistance: The process can be complex, and professional legal advice is invaluable. 

In summary, while indefinite leave offers a secure and stable residency status, British citizenship unlocks additional benefits such as full political rights, greater travel freedom, and enhanced security for your family. Your choice will depend on your personal circumstances, long-term goals, and the lifestyle you envision in the UK.