UK explains how foreigners can know if they're eligible for citizenship. Irish citizens must have lived in the UK for five years before they are eligible. Those holding settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme face a similar requirement, needing to have lived in the UK for 12 months after obtaining that status before they can apply. People with pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme can also apply, provided they are from the EU, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and began living in the UK by 31 December 2020. These include having a British parent, holding another form of British nationality, being stateless, or having previously renounced citizenship.