Applying for British Nationality

British citizenship offers many benefits, including the right to vote, access to healthcare and education, and the ability to travel freely within the European Union. However, the process of becoming a British citizen can be complicated and time-consuming, with many requirements to meet and documents to submit.

Our team of immigration lawyers has a wealth of knowledge and experience in British nationality law and can guide you through the entire process. We will work closely with you to understand your unique circumstances and provide tailored advice on the best way to proceed. Whether you are applying for naturalisation, registration, or citizenship by descent, we are here to help.

On this page, you will find a range of useful information about British nationality, including the different types of British citizenship, the requirements for each type, the application process, and the fees involved. We have also included answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about British citizenship to help you make informed decisions about your application.

If you have any questions or would like to schedule a consultation with one of our immigration lawyers, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We look forward to helping you achieve your goal of becoming a British citizen!

There are a number of ways a person can be entitled to British nationality. The most common applications are the easy ones! These are as follows:

Naturalisation as a British Citizen

British nationality applications after (at least) five years: these are applications after a person has been in the UK for five years but with at least one year with indefinite leave to remain or settlement. The most commonly used routes of migration to the UK require residence under the route of five years before indefinite leave can be applied for, therefore the reality is that it would take six years to obtain British nationality in most instances. 

The circumstances when you may be able to apply for British Citizenship earlier are:

1. Where you’re married to a British national (you don’t need to have held indefinite leave to remain for a year in this instance).
2. Where you’ve applied for indefinite leave to remain earlier than five years (eg. Global talent/ investor visas) and therefore can apply for British Citizenship after five years.  

British nationality applications for children

Child born in the UK and lived in the UK for ten years.

Children that were born in the UK and lived lawfully or unlawfully in the UK for the first ten years of their life are entitled to register as British Citizens. There are other requirements, such as residence requirements. 

It can sometimes be difficult to show residence in the UK when family members have been here unlawfully, however children will usually have a ‘red book’ which is given to babies at birth and contains their early immunisation record which should cover evidence of residence for the early years. If a child attended the doctors surgery in early years, this should also provide evidence and from four or five years old, the child will usually have a record of attendance at school. Using a variety of evidence we can usually evidence the residence of the child, even if they were not lawfully in the UK. 

Common mistakes in British nationality applications

1. People who naturalised as British Citizens, or were born British in the UK who have a child outside the UK, do not need to apply to register that child as British, the child is born British and can apply for a passport from within or outside the UK. That child has a different form of British citizenship, which would only be relevant if they were also to have a child outside the UK.
2. Registration applications require one of the children’s referees to be a teacher, or professional who has known the child. 

Complex nationality cases

We also deal with cases where a person has a complex claim to nationality, for example through a commonwealth connection, or through a grandparent. If you have a complex nationality application we will arrange to assess the circumstances and advise whether you have a claim to British nationality. 

Types of British nationality

There are several different types of British nationality that would give a person varying access to a right of abode in the UK, that is the right to travel to and reside in the UK. 

Full British citizenship by descent or otherwise than by descent entitles you to the right to vote and live in the UK.

British overseas territories citizens

These types can hold a passport and obtain consular assistance overseas, but cannot come to reside in the UK and work in the UK. 

Some British Overseas Territories citizens with a connection to the UK automatically became British on 21 May 2002. 

British overseas citizens

British overseas citizens are some former Citizens of the United Kingdom and Colonies (known as CUKCs) who did not become either a British Citizen or a British overseas territories citizen on 1 January 1983. 

British overseas citizens don’t have the right to reside in the UK and would still need a visa or leave/ permission to enter to come to the UK. 

In addition, there are British Subjects, British nationals (overseas) and British protected persons (BPP’s). 

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are common questions and answers relating to British nationality. If you have any other questions about British nationality or would like to speak to one of our immigration lawyers about your application, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We are here to help!

• What is British nationality?

  British nationality refers to the legal status of being a citizen of the United Kingdom. It offers a range of rights and privileges, including the right to vote, access to healthcare and education, and the ability to travel freely within the European Union.

• Who can apply for British nationality?

  The eligibility requirements for British nationality depend on the type of citizenship you are applying for. Generally, you must have lived in the UK for a certain amount of time, pass a citizenship test, and meet other criteria.

• What are the different types of British nationality?

  The different types of British nationality include naturalisation, registration, citizenship by descent, and citizenship by birth.

• What is naturalisation?

  Naturalisation is the process of becoming a British citizen through applying for it. It involves meeting certain residency requirements, passing a citizenship test, and meeting other criteria.

• What is registration?

  Registration is a way to obtain British citizenship if you are not eligible for naturalisation, but have a close connection to the UK. This could be through birth or adoption, or through a parent or grandparent who is a British citizen.

• What is citizenship by descent?

  Citizenship by descent is a way to obtain British citizenship if you were born outside the UK to a British parent or grandparent.

• What is citizenship by birth?

  Citizenship by birth is a way to obtain British citizenship if you were born in the UK.

• How long does it take to get British nationality?

  The processing time for a British nationality application can vary depending on the type of citizenship you are applying for and other factors such as the complexity of your case.

• What are the fees for a British nationality application?

  The fees for a British nationality application vary depending on the type of citizenship you are applying for and the complexity of your case.

• Can I hold dual citizenship in the UK?

  Yes, the UK allows dual citizenship, but the rules can be complex and vary depending on your individual circumstances.

• Do I need an immigration lawyer to apply for British nationality?

  While it is possible to apply for British nationality on your own, the process can be complicated and the requirements can be difficult to understand. An experienced immigration lawyer can provide guidance and support throughout the application process, ensuring that you meet all the requirements and increase your chances of success.