British Citizenship and the Good Character Requirement

When you apply for British citizenship by naturalisation or registration (if aged 10 or over), you must satisfy the “good character” requirement. It is a legal test, governed by the British Nationality Act 1981, and implemented via detailed Home Office policy guidance.  

If the Home Office concludes you are not of good character, your application will be refused — regardless of meeting other requirements. 

In practice, whether someone is “of good character” is assessed case by case, weighing both negative and positive factors. Let’s dive into what this means, how criminal history and immigration issues play a part, and answer common questions from applicants.  

What Does “Good Character” Mean? 

The law itself does not define “good character.” Instead, Home Office guidance sets out the types of behaviour that tend to indicate a lack of good character.  

Assessments look at the whole of your conduct — criminal record, immigration history, honesty, financial behaviour, etc.  

Decisionmakers apply the standard on the balance of probabilities, meaning they consider all evidence, negative and mitigating, and decide whether it is more likely than not that you are of good character.   

Criminal Convictions & How They Are Treated 

Before 31 July 2023 

Under the “old tariff” system (pre31 July 2023), convictions were treated by fixed thresholds: 

These rules continue to apply for applications lodged before that date that are yet to be decided.   

From 31 July 2023 Onwards 

The guidance introduced stricter rules for applications made on or after 31 July 2023.  

There is now a presumption of refusal in certain cases. A person will normally be refused if they: 

• Received a custodial sentence of 12 months or more, or consecutive sentences totalling 12 months or more (UK or overseas)  

• Are a persistent offender showing disregard for the law  

• Committed an offence causing serious harm  

• Committed a sexual offence or are on the sexual offences register. 

However, refusal is not automatic in every case — a caseworker may consider an “exceptional grant” if there are powerful mitigating or compelling factors.  

For lesser offences (custodial less than 12 months, noncustodial, outofcourt disposals), the applicant must show that on the balance of probabilities they are of good character, considering all mitigating evidence.  

Other Key Factors: Immigration, Deception & Financial Conduct 

Immigration Breaches & Illegal Entry 

• The guidance gives weight to breaches of immigration law, such as overstaying or entering illegally.  

• From 10 February 2025, the guidance states that an application will normally be refused if the applicant previously entered the UK illegally (whether or not long ago).  

• Arriving via a “dangerous journey” (e.g. small boat, hidden in a vehicle) without valid clearance will be grounds for refusal from that date.  

• For applications before that date, illegal entry may be considered but can sometimes be disregarded if there are exceptional circumstances.  

Deception, Dishonesty & NonDisclosure 

• Concealing offences, misrepresenting facts, or providing false information in the application can lead to refusal under deception/dishonesty grounds.  

• False statements made in any immigration or citizenship application within the last 10 years are particularly scrutinised.  

• Even if the falsehood seems minor, if it undermines trust in your integrity, the caseworker may refuse. 

Financial Irregularities & Other Conduct 

• Failures to pay council tax, litigation debts to the Home Office, or misuse of public funds can reflect poorly on character.  

• Bankruptcy or liquidation may also raise questions about suitability, though these alone do not automatically disqualify an applicant.  

• High public profile misconduct, notoriety, or reputational concerns can factor in decisions, especially if widely known. 

Exceptional Grants & Rehabilitation 

Even where an applicant would normally be refused, the guidance allows for exceptional grants in rare cases. Mitigating circumstances might include: 

• Very old convictions with many years of clean conduct 

• Demonstrable rehabilitation, voluntary work or service to community 

• Serious health issues or compelling personal factors 

• Offences committed overseas which are not equivalent in UK law 

Each case must be considered individually. 

FAQs from Applicants 

Q: Does having a criminal conviction automatically disqualify me? 
A: No — it depends on the sentence, how long ago it was, the number of offences, your conduct since, and whether you can show mitigation. Some convictions may lead to a presumption of refusal, while others require a balancing exercise. 

Q: Do I have to declare everything — even minor fines and traffic offences? 
A: Yes — you must disclose all criminal convictions and disposals (UK and overseas). Fixed penalty notices are also disclosed, but they are less likely to count unless they resulted in court action or show a pattern.  

Q: What about entering the UK without permission in the past? 
A: If your application is made on or after 10 February 2025, illegal entry is normally a ground for refusal. For earlier applications, illegal entry may be considered but might be disregarded in exceptional circumstances.  

Q: Can I still get citizenship if I committed an offence overseas? 
A: Yes, overseas convictions are treated similarly to UK ones (based on the sentence imposed). But conduct that is lawful abroad but not in the UK may be scrutinised.  

Q: If I concealed something or made a mistake, is my application doomed? 
A: Not always. The guidance allows for genuine mistakes. But deliberate deception or nondisclosure of relevant information is a serious risk factor and often leads to refusal.  

Q: Can I appeal a refusal on good character grounds? 
A: No — there is no right of appeal against citizenship refusal based on good character. However, refusal decisions may be challenged by judicial review on limited grounds (e.g. irrationality).  

Tips for Applicants 

1. Be honest and full in disclosures. Nondisclosure is a big red flag. 

1. Provide context & mitigation. Explain your behaviour, show rehabilitation, community work, etc. 

1. Allow time. Older or minor convictions may fade in significance, but recent ones are more harmful. 

1. Avoid dishonesty. Even small lies can undermine your entire application. 

1. Legal advice may help. Especially in difficult cases (e.g. criminal record, immigration breach). 

The “good character” requirement is one of the most complex and unpredictable parts of the British citizenship process. While it allows for discretion in exceptional circumstances, it also places a heavy burden of proof on the applicant to establish trustworthiness, honesty, and compliance with the law over time. 

How Migrate UK Can Help 

At Migrate UK, we understand that the “good character” requirement can feel like a grey area — especially if you have a past conviction, immigration issue, or any history you’re unsure how to present. 

Our experienced immigration specialists: 

• Review your record and flag potential risks before you apply 

• Help you prepare detailed mitigation statements and character evidence 

• Advise on timing your application to maximise your chances 

• Handle complex cases involving criminal, immigration, or financial histories 

• Represent you in exceptional grant requests to the Home Office 

• Offer transparent, honest advice — even if that means waiting to apply 

Don’t risk a refusal. Let us guide you. 

Book an initial consultation with our team on info@migrate-uk.com today and take the next step towards British citizenship — confidently and correctly.