 BRITISH CITIZENSHIP
Depending on your current citizenship or nationality, you may be able to apply in several ways.
Please note that the information provided in this section is not intended to be comprehensive, and is not a complete statement of immigration and nationality law or policy.
British citizenship is one of the six different forms of British nationality. Some of these were defined in the British Nationality Act 1981, which came into force on 1 January 1983. The laws defining how citizenship can be obtained changed on that date, which is why you will often see references to 1983 on this site.
The forms of nationality are:
- British citizenship;
- British overseas citizenship;
- British overseas territories citizenship;
- British national (overseas);
- British protected person; and
- British subject.
Other forms of British nationality have existed, but they are not current.
Only British citizens, and certain British subjects with right of abode through qualifying connections under the Immigration Act 1971, have the right to live and work in the United Kingdom. People holding one of the other forms of nationality may live and work in the United Kingdom if their immigration status allows it.
British nationality is defined in law. Whether a person has a claim to British nationality can be determined by applying the definitions and requirements of the British Nationality Act 1981 and related legislation to the facts of their date and place of birth and descent.
The most acceptable evidence of British citizenship is a British passport. .
How to apply for proof that you have not become a British citizen
In order to obtain a passport in another country, you may need proof that you have not become a British citizen by registration or naturalisation in the United Kingdom. You can get this proof by applying to UKBA for confirmation that you have not acquired British citizenship.
Who has the right to live in the United Kingdom?
This is officially known as right of abode in the United Kingdom. It means you do not need an immigration officer's permission to enter the country and may live and work here without restriction.
All British citizens have the right of abode in the United Kingdom.
Some Commonwealth citizens also have the right of abode.
If you wish to claim the right of abode, you must prove it by producing:
- a United Kingdom passport describing you as a British citizen or a British subject with the right of abode; or
- a United Kingdom identity card describing you as a British citizen or a British subject with the right of abode; or
- a certificate of entitlement to the right of abode in the United Kingdom that has been issued by the Government of the United Kingdom or on its behalf.
- Depending on your current citizenship or nationality you may be able to apply in several ways. You should read the requirements for each type of application that is relevant and decide which is best for you.
- If you are unsure if you meet the requirements, you should contact us for advice.
- If you are over 18 and have been living in the United Kingdom for the last five years (or three years if you are married to or a civil partner of a British citizen) you may be able to apply for naturalisation as a British citizen. You may also be able to apply for naturalisation if you or your husband, wife or civil partner is in crown or designated service outside the United Kingdom. Applications for naturalisation are made using application form AN.
· Can I be naturalised as a British citizen?
When becoming a British citizen
You do not need to give up your present citizenship or nationality to become a British citizen.
Many countries will not let you have two nationalities (dual nationality). If you become a British citizen and are a national of a country which does not allow dual nationality, the authorities of that country may either regard you as having lost that nationality or may refuse to recognise your new nationality. Before you apply for British citizenship you may wish to check what your position would be with the authorities of the country of which you are a citizen.
If you become a national of another country
You will not normally lose your British nationality if you become a citizen or national of another country. If you are a British subject otherwise than by connection with the Republic of Ireland you will lose that status on acquiring any other nationality or citizenship. If you are a British protected person you will lose that status on acquiring any other nationality or citizenship.
If you are becoming a citizen or national of a country that does not allow dual nationality, you may be required by that country to give up your British nationality.
If you are married to a national of another country
Under the nationality laws of some countries, a married person automatically has his or her partner's nationality. Children may also have a parent's nationality even if they were born abroad. If your wife, husband or child is visiting the country of your nationality, you should check with the country's consulate or high commission in the United Kingdom before you travel.
How do I apply for a British passport?
If your application for British nationality is successful, you will be able to apply for a British passport.
British passports are issued by the Identity and Passport Service (IPS).
All adult customers (aged 16 and over) applying for a passport for the first time must attend an interview with IPS in person to confirm their identity. IPS recommends you allow six weeks for your passport application to be processed. You should not make any travel arrangement until you receive your passport.
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