18 Acquisition by naturalisation.U.K.
(1)If, on an application for naturalisation as a [F1British overseas territories citizen] made by a person of full age and capacity, the Secretary of State is satisfied that the applicant fulfils the requirements of Schedule 1 for naturalisation as such a citizen under this subsection, he may, if he thinks fit, grant to him a certificate of naturalisation as such a citizen.
(2)If, on an application for naturalisation as a [F1British overseas territories citizen] made by a person of full age and capacity who on the date of the application is married to such a citizen, [F2or is the civil partner of such a citizen] the Secretary of State is satisfied that the applicant fulfils the requirements of Schedule 1 for naturalisation as such a citizen under this subsection, he may, if he thinks fit, grant to him a certificate of naturalisation as such a citizen.
(3)Every application under this section shall specify the [F3British overseas territory] which is to be treated as the relevant territory for the purposes of that application; and, in relation to any such application, references in Schedule 1 to the relevant territory shall be construed accordingly.
[F4(4)This section is subject to sections 31, 33 and 36 of the Illegal Migration Act 2023 (restriction of eligibility for citizenship etc).]
Textual Amendments
F1Words in. s. 18 substituted (26.2.2002) by British Overseas Territories Act 2002 (c. 8), s. 2(2)(b)
F2Words in s. 18(2) inserted (5.12.2005) by Civil Partnership Act 2004 (c. 33), ss. 261(1), 263, Sch. 27 para. 76; S.I. 2005/3175, art. 2(2) (subject to art. 2(3)-(5))
F3Words in s. 18(3) substituted (26.2.2002) by British Overseas Territories Act 2002 (c. 8), s. 1(1)(b)
F4S. 18(4) inserted (20.7.2023) by Illegal Migration Act 2023 (c. 37), ss. 37(10), 68(3)(a) (with s. 55(9))
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C1S. 18 restricted (20.7.2023) by Illegal Migration Act 2023 (c. 37), ss. 33(2)(b), 68(3)(a) (with s. 55(9))