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 at the time of the child’s birth.

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 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 eligible 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 registration routes for UK-born children.

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 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(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 suitable for children whose parents are not British or settled, but who have 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 to meet this requirement.

How to Apply for Registration

Applications are made online through the UK Government website.

You’ll need to:

1. Complete the online application form.
2. Provide supporting documents, such as:
   • The child’s birth certificate;
   • Parents’ immigration or citizenship documents;
   • Proof of residence (if applying under Section 1(4))
3. Pay the Home Office fee (as of 2025, around £1,214 — check current rates).
4. 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 own immigration status changes — they can directly affect your child’s eligibility;
• Apply before your child turns 18 whenever possible.