Is Your UK-Born Child Automatically British?
Not all children born in the UK are automatically British.
A child’s nationality at birth depends on the parents’ immigration or citizenship status when the child was born.
If your child is not automatically British, you’ll need to register them as a British citizen under the British Nationality Act 1981 before applying for a British passport.
Who Is Automatically British?
Your child is automatically a British citizen at birth if any of the following apply:
- One or both parents were British citizens when the child was born; or
- One or both parents were ‘settled’ in the UK (for example, had Indefinite Leave to Remain, Settled Status, or Permanent Residence); or
- The child was born in the UK before 1 January 1983
If your child meets one of these conditions, you do not need to register them — you can go straight to applying for a British passport.
If none of these apply, your child is not automatically British and will need to be registered first.
Who Needs to Register?
If your child was born in the UK but is not automatically British, they may still be able to register as a British citizen under the British Nationality Act 1981.
There are several sections of the act that might apply — below are the most common routes for UK-born children.
Registration Routes Under the British Nationality Act 1981
- Section 1(3) – Parent Becomes British or Settled
Children born in the UK can register under this section if:
- They are under 18 on the date of application
- They were not automatically British at birth because neither parent was British nor settled
- While the child was still under 18, one or both parents either:
- Became British citizens, or
- Became settled in the UK (for example, obtained Indefinite Leave to Remain or Settled Status)
- If the child is aged 10 or older, they must meet the ‘good character’ requirement
This is the most common route for children whose parents later gained Indefinite Leave to Remain or citizenship.
- Section 1(3A) – Parent Joins the Armed Forces
Children born in the UK on or after 13 January 2010 may qualify if:
- They are under 18
- They were not automatically British at birth
- One parent joined the UK armed forces while the child was still a minor
- If the child is aged 10 or older, they must meet the ‘good character’ requirement
- Section 1(4) – Living in the UK for the First 10 Years
Children born in the UK can apply independently under this section if:
- They are 10 years old or older at the date of application
- They were not automatically British at birth
- They have lived in the UK continuously for the first 10 years of their life
- They have not spent more than 90 days outside the UK in each of those 10 years
- They meet the ‘good character’ requirement
This route is useful for children whose parents are not British or settled or are unable to qualify for either, but the child has grown up in the UK.
What Is the “Good Character” Requirement?
For children aged 10 and over, the Home Office will consider whether they:
- Have been involved in criminal activity
- Have a record of immigration offences
- Have shown honesty and respect for the law
A clean record is usually sufficient for a child.
How to Apply for Registration
Applications are made online through the UK Government website.
You’ll need to:
- Complete the online application form
- Provide supporting documents, such as:
- Child’s birth certificate
- Parents’ immigration or citizenship documents
- Proof of residence (if applying under Section 1(4))
- Pay the Home Office fee (as of 2025, around £1,214 – check current rates)
- Attend a biometric appointment for your child (fingerprints and photo)
After Registration
Once the application is approved:
- Your child will receive a Certificate of British Citizenship
- You can then apply for a British passport
Key Tips for Parents
- Keep records of your child’s residence (school letters, GP visits, etc.)
- Track your immigration status changes — they can directly affect your child’s eligibility
- Apply before your child turns 18 where possible
If you are unsure which section applies, or you need assistance with making a British registration application then please do not hesitate to reach out to Migrate UK at info@migrate-uk.com