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British citizenship by registration

Eligibility and requirements for British citizenship by registration, including entitlement-based routes and applications for children.

Applications for British citizenship by registration

Who can register as a British citizen?

Registration is usually for children under the age of 18 to apply for citizenship. There are different scenarios and applications to register for citizenship. 

While applicants are usually made for children, in some limited circumstances adults may apply, depending on the route and whether certain criteria are met.

When is a child automatically British?

In UK immigration law, the citizenship status of the child at birth depends on the status of the parents on the date the child was born. 

For example, if a child is born in the UK and at least one parent was settled or a British citizen at the time of birth, then in most cases the child is automatically British. The correct application in this scenario would be a British passport application rather than a registration for citizenship.

While there is no difference between unmarried and married couples, who the parents were married to can affect the acquisition of citizenship, so it is best to seek advice. 

If a child is born in the UK and neither parent was settled or British at the time of birth, the child will not automatically be a British citizen on that basis. However, they may later be able to register for British citizenship once they meet the criteria for one of the available registration routes. 

What are the requirements to register as a British citizen?

The eligibility requirements to register as a British citizen can be complex and vary depending on the registration route. 
Some routes offer entitlements to children, meaning that if they meet the requirements they will be granted their registration as a British citizen. Other routes are completely at the discretion of the Home Office and depend on individual circumstances. 

Whilst we cannot cover all the circumstances here, the requirements to register as a British citizen depend on the specific route. Key factors include where the child was born, their age at the time of application, their residence in the UK and the immigration status of the parents at the child’s birth and at the date of application. Applicants aged 10 or over must also meet the good character requirement. For discretionary applications, the Home Office will consider the child’s connection to the UK and where their future is likely to lie.

Are the rules different for European children?

For children of EEA nationals, the requirements are legally the same. However, it is important to note that determining whether one of the parents was settled at the time of birth is not so straightforward for European parents. This is important because a child may be automatically British, particularly if one of the parents was living in the UK before 31 December 2020 and if they met certain requirements before the date of birth of the child.

Therefore, if you are a European national enquiring about potential British citizenship for your child, it is strongly advised to seek legal advice from lawyers who specialise in immigration for EU nationals and the EU Settlement Scheme.

Who can be a referee for the British citizenship registration application?

Your British citizenship application will also require two referees who can establish the child's identity.

You can decide who they are so long as they meet the requirements. Broadly these requirements are that:

  • Both referees must have known you for at least three years; 
  • They cannot be related to you or to the other referee; 
  • They must not have had any criminal convictions within the last ten years; 
  • For children, one of the referees should be someone who has dealt with the child in a professional capacity such as a teacher, doctor, health visitor or social worker. 
  • One must be a British passport holder, and must be either: A professional person, which can include a minister of religion or a dentist, however, other recognised roles can be found on the list of recognised professions online, or;
    • Over the age of 25.
  • The other referee can be of any nationality but must be a professional person.

Note that at least one of your referees must be a professional person and cannot include your legal representative.

Your application might still be successful if you are unable to provide two referees (for example, for young children) but you will need to explain why you are unable to do so and it is recommended that you seek appropriate legal advice.

What documents do I need to apply for British citizenship?

The documents needed for a British citizenship application depend on the registration route and the individual circumstances. However, the main documents you need to provide include:

  • Your current valid passport or travel document. There is some discretion if a child’s passport is not available, however in those circumstances you should seek legal advice.
  • Evidence of the immigration status of the parents at the date of birth of the child. You may also need to provide evidence of the parents’ status at the time of application, depending on the route. 
  • Evidence of residence in the UK for the required period of time, such as utility bills, bank statements, or tenancy agreements. 
  • Relevant details of any period of absence that you have spent outside the UK.

If you would like advice on the correct registration route for your child, contact us for guidance based on your circumstances.

We’re here to help you

When it comes to obtaining reliable legal advice, Seraphus is your dedicated source of expert guidance.

We specialise in providing personalised support to help you navigate the complexities of the application process, ensuring a seamless and hassle-free experience.

Contact us today using the contact us form.

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British Citizenship Frequently Asked Questions

  • How much does it cost to apply for British citizenship?

    The current fees can be found on the UK government's website. They are subject to change so always check for the up-to-date fees. The actual cost can vary depending on the route you choose whether you are applying online or by post and if additional fees apply for other services or documents related to your application. As overall fees can be high, it is best to minimise your chances of refusal by seeking advice on matters you are unsure about.

  • What happens if my child turns 18 while their citizenship application is being processed?

    If your child is making a British Citizenship application by registration as a child, then for most registration routes they will need to be under 18 years of age at the time of the application. If they turn 18 after the application, and this is granted, they must attend a British Citizenship ceremony and pay an additional fee in the same way adults do when their naturalisation application is granted.

  • Does a child automatically become British if a parent later gets ILR or citizenship?

    A child does not automatically become a British citizen if one of their parents obtains ILR or British citizenship after the child’s birth. However, they would have an entitlement to register and therefore can apply for citizenship by making a registration application.

  • Can I register as a British citizen if I'm over 18?

    Most registration routes are for children, so the application must be made before the child turns 18. However, some registration routes do allow an adult to register for British citizenship.
    The benefit is that you would not have to meet the same requirements as naturalisation. These routes are very limited. For example, they may apply if you were born in the UK and lived here for the first ten years of your life, or if you were prevented from becoming a British citizen due to a historical unfairness in the law, such as your parents being unmarried at the time of your birth.

    There are various routes to registration so if you believe you may qualify seek advice.

  • Can Irish citizens apply for British citizenship as British instead of applying for naturalisation?

    Irish nationals are considered settled in the UK from their date of arrival. They do not need to apply for indefinite leave to remain, and their residence in the UK is considered lawful automatically for the good character requirement. There is no English or life in the UK test requirement for Irish nationals. Therefore the route is easier as they only need to show 5 years residence. There are reduced fees for Irish nationals.