Absences in the final year

I'm going to apply for British citizenship (I currently hold EU-settled status) and I wanted advice on the following point:

"You normally only exercise discretion for excessive absences during the final year of
the qualifying period under section 6(1) if the future intentions requirement is met.
Where the applicant is applying under section 6(2) or has met the future intentions
requirement the following will apply. Total absences:
• of 100 days or less; exercise discretion
• between 100 and 180 days, where the residence requirement across the
qualifying period is met – discretion is only appropriate where the applicant
demonstrates strong links through the presence of family, employment and
their home in the UK"

I have been absent from the UK for 115 days in the last 12 months, exceeding the 90-day limit due to an overseas posting for work. From what I understand, this should be acceptable as discretion may be applied if I can demonstrate strong ties to the UK, such as family, employment, and a home here.

My concern is how to demonstrate family ties, as I am Spanish and have no family in the UK. However, I can provide proof of employment, having worked here for three years, and proof of residency, as I’ve lived in the UK for seven years. Would this be sufficient?

Any guidance on this would be appreciated. Thank you.

Having family in the UK is not a requirement. Submit your tenancy agreement/mortgage statement and letter from your employer - you can also submit bank statements to show your most of your estate and finances are in the UK.

Thank you very much for your reply. Very useful!

Hi,

I was in a similar situation but with the 5-years and I was granted citizenship.

Prepare documentation clearly explaining that those days abroad were necessary, and have this done by your line manager in a proper formal letter.

If you have any other extra day, think about whether you had a good reason for being outside the UK and motivate it with documents.

You can prepare a document (maybe with the help of a solicitor) explaining the circumstances and literally anything that can show your attachment to the UK. I know it sounds silly, but my solicitor suggested me to also add that I have a cat in the UK whom I would like to see growing in this country (which is true, and I love my fluffy boy). Any bits you can add will help.