A guide to British Citizenship by Registration

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?

The requirements for registering as a British citizen differ depending on whether the application is being made by a child or an adult. There are a number of different sections of the British Nationality Act 1981 which set out the circumstances in which a person can register as a British citizen.

British Citizenship for children

In order for children to register as a British citizen they must generally 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.

Or

• 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 ten applying in either category must also be able to demonstrate that they are of good character.

There are a number of different ways in which a child can be registered as a British citizen. You can find further information on registration applications for children born in the UK here, and for children born outside the UK here.

In certain circumstances, a child can apply to register as a British citizen on a discretionary basis. If you would like further information regarding these circumstances, then please contact us.

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 would have had the right to become a British citizen when they were born, had certain prior restrictions not been in place.

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 contact us or complete our enquiry form below.

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