British Citizenship by Registration

What is British Citizenship by Registration?

British Citizenship by Registration is a process which enables certain individuals who are not automatically a British citizen to become one. It is different to British Citizenship by Naturalisation.

What are the Key Requirements for British Citizenship by Registration?

Some of the eligibility criteria to apply for British Citizenship by Registration, are as follows:

1. Must have been born in the UK on or after 1 January 1983 and since their birth one of their parents became a British citizen or obtained permission to stay in the UK permanently before the applicant turned 18. Application for registration must be submitted before an applicant turns 18; or
2. Must have been born in the UK on or after 1 January 1983 and before 1 July 2006. When the applicant was born, either both of their parents were not British citizens or settled in the UK, or their father was a British citizen or settled in the UK and was not married to their mother. The applicant must also have lived in the UK until they were at least 10 years of age and must not have spent more than 90 days outside of the UK in each of the first 10 years of their life; or
3. Must have been born in the UK on or after 1 July 2006. When the applicant was born, neither of their parents were British citizens or settled in the UK. The applicant must not have spent more than 90 days outside of the UK in each of the first 10 years of their life; or
4. Must have been born outside the UK before 1 January 1983 and either, the applicant’s parents were not married when they were born, or their mother was British, but father was not. When the applicant was born their parents were citizens of the UK and Colonies. They must also have been one of the following:
   1. born or adopted in the UK; or
   2. given citizenship after applying for it in their own right (not based on having a British parent); or
   3. working as a Crown servant when the applicant was born
5. Must have been born outside the UK on or after 1 January 1983 and before 1 July 2006. The applicant’s father must have been a British citizen when the applicant was born and either:
1. born or adopted in the UK; or
2. given citizenship after applying for it in their own right (not based on having a British parent); or
3. working as a Crown servant when the applicant was born
6. Must have been born outside the UK on or after 1 July 2006 and:
1. Lived with their parent in the UK;
2. Must be under the age of 18;
3. Their mother or father was a British citizen when the applicant was born;
4. They have lived in the UK with their parents for the 3 years before the date they apply;
5. Must prove that the applicant and their parents have not spent more than 270 days outside the UK during those 3 years and were in the UK exactly 3 years before the day the Home Office receives your application;
6. If the applicants parents are divorced or legally separated, only one parent needs to live in the UK with you. Both parents must consent to your application.
Or
1. The applicants British parent lived in the UK before the applicant was born;
2. Must be under the age of 18;
3. Their mother or father was a British citizen when the applicant was born;
4. The applicant’s British parent lived in the UK for at least 3 years before the applicant was born;
5. The applicant’s British parent did not spend more than 270 days outside the UK during those 3 years;
6. The applicant’s British parent had a British mother or father who could pass on their citizenship to them. The applicant’s British parent’s mother or father could pass on their citizenship if they were one of the following:
• born or adopted in the UK.
• given citizenship after applying for it in their own right (not based on having a British parent)
• working as a Crown servant when your parent was born
7. Must be a British Overseas Territories citizen, or a British overseas citizen, or a ‘British subject’, or British national (overseas) or a British protected person. The applicant must also have either, worked as a Crown servant at any time or must have been in the UK 5 years prior to the date of the application and lived in the UK for 5 years. In this 5-year period the applicant must not have spent more than 450 days abroad during, and no more than 90 days abroad in the last 12 months.
8. Must be a British Overseas citizen, or a British subject, or a British protected person, or a British National (Overseas). Applicants are ineligible to apply if they are a citizen or national of another country, or a British Overseas Territories citizen. Applicants will need to satisfy the Home Office that they have not voluntarily lost through action or inaction any other nationality at any time after 4 July 2002 (or, if they are only a British National (Overseas), after 19 March 2009).
9. Must have been born outside the UK on or after 13 January 2010 and one parent must have been serving as a member of the UK armed forces. The applicant will also require the consent of both parents to register as a British citizen. (If one of the parents has died, then only the consent of the surviving parent is required).

How We Can Help You

British nationality law can be extremely complicated. Our highly experienced team will provide expert advice and guidance to you.

If you have any questions, please complete our online enquiry form or email us at [email protected]. Alternatively, you can call us on 01724 701111 and one of our experts will be happy to assist you.