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My wife and I have lived in the UK for the past two years. She has the right of abode and I have recently been granted ILR. We are both retired and want to spend our life travelling the world before eventually returning to live in the UK where we own our own home.

In the two years we have been in the UK, we have spent 202 days out of the country, touring throughout Europe. Over the next few years we expect to continue this pattern, spending at least nine months of each year out of the UK.

From my understanding of the citizenship rules, we are not likely to be successful in an application whilst ever we are pursuing our travels. Is that correct? Do we have any options?

If not married to BC you have to be a resident in the UK for the last 5 years and have ILR for 1 year. In the final year you are allowed 90 days of absences and 450 days in total for the 5 year period. Anything above that and you will have to apply for discretion.
Have in mind that if absent form UK for more than 2 years continuously your ILR will be revoked.
Page 7-8:
https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/s ... let-an.pdf

Yes, thank you. That was also my reading of the requirements. I have read though, that there may be some flexibility in regards to the times out of the country dependant on the circumstances. I know, for example, that will allow more days out of the country if you have been resident for longer than five years, e.g. seven or eight.

I was particularly interested to hear if the nature of absences have any bearing? We are simply going to be absent on extended holidays. Does that make any difference or is it irrelevant?

The nature of absences is irrelevant unless you are working for UK based company and you are absent due to business reasons.

thank you, much appreciated