This page provides details about the good character requirement that must be met by anyone applying for British nationality unless:

• they are under 10 years old when making the application; or
• are stateless and;
• they are a British overseas citizen, a British subject or a British protected person and are applying on application form B(OS).

Home Office will consider you to be of good character if you show respect for the rights and freedom of the United Kingdom, have observed its laws and fulfilled your duties and obligations as a resident.

Home Office will check with the police and may contact other government departments as part of the character check. By signing the application form you are giving your consent for the Home Office to contact these organisations to obtain information about you.

Changes to good character policy

On 5 December 2007 the Home Secretary announced changes to the way that an applicant's good character will be assessed for the purposes of naturalisation and registration as a British citizen.

The changes took effect as from 1 January 2008. This page has been updated to include the changes.

Applications made on and after that date will normally be refused if the applicant has been convicted of a criminal offence and the conviction has not yet become 'spent' in accordance with the provisions of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.