Life in the UK Test for EU citizens & settled status
Last reviewed · Reviewed by the BritainTest editorial team
If you are an EU citizen, whether you need the Life in the UK Test depends on what you are applying for. You did not need it for settled status through the EU Settlement Scheme, but you do need it to become a British citizen. This guide explains the difference. It is general information, not immigration advice, so check your own case on GOV.UK.
Settled status did not need the test
Settled status, granted through the EU Settlement Scheme, is a form of indefinite leave to remain for EU citizens who were resident in the UK before the end of the Brexit transition. Getting settled status did not require the Life in the UK Test or the English requirement. The same goes for pre-settled status: no test is needed to hold it or to upgrade to settled status. Our settled vs pre-settled status guide explains the difference between the two.
If you are an EU citizen who arrived after Brexit and came on a work, family or other visa instead, the normal rules apply: you take the test at the settlement (ILR) stage, the same as any other nationality. For the family route, our guide to the Life in the UK Test on a spouse or partner visa covers the details.
You need the test to become a citizen
Becoming a British citizen is a separate step. If you have settled status and want to naturalise, you must meet the KoLL requirement: pass the Life in the UK Test and meet the B1 English requirement. Our ILR vs citizenship guide explains how settlement and citizenship relate.
Settled status vs citizenship
| Settled status (EUSS) | British citizenship | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | A form of ILR for EU citizens resident before Brexit | Becoming a British citizen, with a passport |
| Life in the UK Test | Not required | Required |
| English (B1) | Not required | Required |
Who is exempt
If you do need the test, the usual exemptions apply: you may not need it if you are under 18, aged 65 or over, or have a long-term physical or mental condition. See our who needs to take the test guide, and confirm your own route on GOV.UK.
Frequently asked questions
- Do EU citizens need the Life in the UK Test?
- Not for settled status through the EU Settlement Scheme, but yes if you go on to apply for British citizenship.
- Is settled status the same as citizenship?
- No. Settled status lets you live and work in the UK. Citizenship makes you a British citizen, with a passport.
- Did I need the test for settled status?
- No. The EU Settlement Scheme did not require the Life in the UK Test or the English requirement.
- What do I need to become a British citizen?
- The Life in the UK Test and B1 English, along with the other citizenship requirements.
- Am I exempt from the test?
- You may be if you are under 18, aged 65 or over, or have a long-term physical or mental condition.
Official sources (GOV.UK)
This page explains the Life in the UK Test for EU citizens and settled status and is for study and preparation only. It is general information, not immigration advice, and does not determine your eligibility for settlement or citizenship. For official rules and any updates, rely on GOV.UK; GOV.UK guidance controls if anything here differs.
Related guides
View all guides →Life in the UK Test for a Spouse or Partner Visa
On a spouse or partner visa, you need the Life in the UK Test at the settlement (ILR) stage, usually after 5 years. What else you need and who is exempt. General information, not advice.
How to Become a British Citizen (Naturalisation)
How to become a British citizen: who is eligible, the residence and good-character requirements, the Life in the UK Test and B1 English, how to apply, and the ceremony. General information, not advice.
The Knowledge of Language and Life in the UK (KoLL) Requirement
The KoLL requirement explained: to settle or become a citizen you must pass the Life in the UK Test and meet the English requirement at B1, unless you are exempt. General information, not advice.
Life in the UK Test for ILR vs British Citizenship
You need the test for both ILR and citizenship, but usually take it once. The difference between settlement and citizenship, and the usual order. General information, not advice.
Life in the UK Test: Format, Pass Mark & How It Works
How the test works: 24 questions in 45 minutes, an 18/24 (75%) pass mark, fees, booking, exemptions and retakes, and how to practise.