What are the good character requirements for British citizenship?

When applying for British citizenship, either through naturalisation or registration, there are extensive eligibility requirements that must be met, including the good character requirement.

Although the British Nationality Act 1981 does not provide a strict definition on good character, the Home Office outlines the general factors that will be considered when assessing whether an individual is of good character.

A person will not normally be considered to be of good character if there is information to suggest that they have a criminal history in the UK or outside, financial issues, have been found to be deceptive and dishonest, or have fallen foul previously of UK immigration laws. This list is not exhaustive.

Even if the person does not clearly fall into one of these categories but there are general doubts about their character, an application for British citizenship can still be refused. 

The good character requirement does not apply to children under the age of 10 and those who are stateless, amongst some other limited groups.

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