A guide to British Citizenship by Registration

Q: Who can apply to register as a British citizen?

In most cases,applications to be registered as a British citizen are made on behalf of children based on the status of their parent(s). However,certain adults are also able to apply to register as a British citizen.

Q: Can British Citizenship ever be revoked?

Once acquired,British citizenship status cannot be revoked other than in exceptional circumstances.

Q: Can you hold dual nationality after becoming a British citizen?

Whilst the UK allows its citizens to hold dual nationality,many other countries require their citizens to give up their nationality when becoming British. We therefore recommend that prior to making an application,applicants check the rules regarding nationality in their home country.

Q: What documents do I need to register for British citizenship?

For most cases,a significant amount of evidence is likely to be needed to ensure that an application to register as a British citizen is successful. Our immigration experts will guide you through the specific evidence that will be needed for your application.

Q: Is travel outside the UK allowed when applying for British Citizenship?

Yes,unlike applications for permission to stay in the UK,travel once an application to become a British citizen by naturalisation has been submitted is permitted.

Q: Does a person who has registered as a British citizen automatically receive a British passport?

No – once a person is registered as a British citizen,they can then make an application for a British passport to HM Passport Office.

Who can apply to register as a British citizen?

In most cases, applications to be registered as a British citizen are made on behalf of children based on the status of their parent(s). However, certain adults are also able to apply to register as a British citizen.

What are the main requirements for a British Citizenship application?

British Citizenship for children

In order for children to register as a British citizen they must be able to demonstrate that either:

they were born in the UK on or after 1 January 1983;
they were not automatically British by birth;
their mother or father subsequently became a British citizen or settled in the UK before the applicant turned 18; and
the application is made before the applicant turns 18.

they were born outside of the UK; and
one or both parents are applying for British citizenship at the same time;
if only one parent is applying for British citizenship, the other parent is settled in the UK; and
the application is made before the applicant turns 18.

Those who are over the age of 10 applying in either category must also be able to demonstrate that they are of good character.

There are also many other circumstances in which a child can apply to register as a British citizen, generally on a discretionary basis. If you would like further information regarding these circumstances, then please get in touch.

British Citizenship for adults

Adults are also able to register as British citizens in certain situations. These include where:

they have another form of British nationality or;
they have a connection with Gibraltar or Hong Kong or;
they have a British mother or father and had the right to become a British citizen when they were born.

Can British Citizenship ever be revoked?

Once acquired, British citizenship status cannot be revoked other than in exceptional circumstances.

Can you hold dual nationality after becoming a British citizen?

Whilst the UK allows its citizens to hold dual nationality, many other countries require their citizens to give up their nationality when becoming British. We therefore recommend that prior to making an application to naturalise as a British citizen, applicants check the rules regarding nationality in their home country.

Registration as a British citizen: How our immigration solicitors can help

The Home Office will carefully scrutinise an application for registration as a British citizen. If it considers that the applicant does not have the right to become a British citizen, the application will fall for refusal. It is therefore essential that the application is prepared thoroughly and carefully.

We are experienced in preparing registration applications to ensure a successful outcome and will provide expert guidance and assistance to you throughout the process.

If you require legal assistance or would just like to discuss your situation with one of our experts on a no-obligation basis, please call us or complete our enquiry form below.

British Citizenship by registration FAQs

What documents do I need to register for British citizenship?

For most cases, a significant amount of evidence is likely to be needed to ensure that an application to register as a British citizen is successful. Our immigration experts will guide you through the specific evidence that will be needed for your application.

Is travel outside the UK allowed during the application process?

Yes, unlike applications for permission to stay in the UK, travel once an application to become a British citizen by naturalisation has been submitted is permitted.

Does a child registering as a British citizen need to attend a citizenship ceremony?

Children do not have to attend a ceremony. This is only required for those who are 18 or over.

What evidence will the applicant receive to show they are registered as a British citizen?

All successful applicants receive a certificate that demonstrates they are a British citizen.

Does a person who has registered as a British citizen automatically receive a British passport?

No – once a person is registered as a British citizen, they can then make an application for a British passport to HM Passport Office.