British Nationality: Secure Your UK Citizenship

British Nationality

British citizenship is the most secure form of nationality status in the UK. It gives a person the right to live, work, study, and access services in the UK without immigration restrictions. British citizens can hold a British passport, vote in UK elections, and are protected by the full rights granted under UK nationality law.

What Is British Nationality?

Some people are British automatically by operation of law—for example, those born in the UK to a parent who was British or settled at the time of birth, or those born abroad to a British parent who is British otherwise than by descent.

Others become British through a formal process known as registration or naturalisation, depending on their circumstances and entitlement.

Registration is the process of applying to the Home Office and providing evidence that you qualify under specific sections of the British Nationality Act 1981. 

Many registration routes are designed for children, and several of these rights are time-limited, ending on the child’s 18th birthday.

Some adults are also eligible to register, particularly where they would have been born British if nationality laws had not been discriminatory at the time of their birth.

A successful registration application results in a certificate of registration, confirming the date and the legal basis on which citizenship was granted.

Anyone aged 18 or over must then attend a citizenship ceremony and swear an oath of allegiance.

Naturalisation is the legal process through which an adult who is not automatically British and does not have a claim to register can apply to become a British citizen at the Home Office’s discretion.

Who Can Apply for British Nationality?

Many people—especially children and some adults—may still have a legal entitlement to register as a British citizen under the British Nationality Act 1981.

Who Can Register as a British Citizen?

Several groups may qualify for British citizenship through registration. These are the most common routes:

1. Children Born in the UK Who Were Not British at Birth

Children born in the UK on or after 1 January 1983 can be registered if:

• A parent becomes British or settled, or
• A parent joins the UK armed forces while the child is still under 18.

This is one of the most widely used registration routes.

2. Children Born Abroad to a British Citizen “By Descent”

A child born outside the UK to a parent who is British by descent may register if:

• The British parent lived in the UK for three continuous years before the child’s birth or
• The child and both parents later live in the UK for three continuous years.

3. Discretionary Registration for Children

Under section 3(1) of the British Nationality Act 1981, the Home Secretary may grant citizenship to any child at their discretion, based on the child’s circumstances and the Home Office’s policy.

4. People of Any Age Born in the UK Who Lived Here for 10 Years

Adults and children can register if they:

• Were born in the UK,
• Have lived here for the first 10 years of their life, and
• Have not exceeded 90 days’ absence in any of those years.

Some discretion can apply for unavoidable longer absences.

5. Children Born Abroad to a Parent Serving in the UK Armed Forces

Children born overseas on or after 13 January 2010 to a parent serving abroad in the UK armed forces may register under section 4D of the British Nationality Act 1981.

6. Adults Born Abroad Before 1983 to a British Mother

Before 1983, British women could not pass on citizenship. Section 4C now allows adults born abroad before 1983 to a British mother to register and correct historic gender discrimination.

7. People Born Before 1 July 2006 to an Unmarried British Father

Children born before this date could not inherit citizenship from a father who was not married to their mother. Section 4F now allows them to register.

8. Stateless Children and Adults

Stateless people born in the UK, a British Overseas Territory, or abroad may be eligible to register if:

• They have remained stateless since birth, and
• They meet residency requirements under Schedule 2 of the British Nationality Act 1981.

Who can Naturalise as a British citizen?

Naturalisation is the route used when a person does not have a specific legal entitlement to register—for example, where citizenship cannot be acquired through birth, descent, or historic provisions.

Naturalisation is not an automatic right—it is granted only when a person meets the detailed requirements under the British Nationality Act 1981 and the Home Office is satisfied that the applicant is of good character and fully qualifies.

It applies primarily to:

• Adults aged 18 or over:
  Children cannot naturalise; they must register instead.
• who have lived in the UK for a qualifying period
  • Usually 5 years of lawful residence, plus 12 months of Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) if not married to a British citizen
  • OR 3 years of lawful residence if married to a British citizen but only once ILR/settled status has been acquired
• Have been physically present in the UK exactly 3 or 5 years prior to their application
• Have not exceeded the maximum amount of time they can spend outside the UK during their qualifying period:
  • 450 days if not married to a British citizen 
  • 270 days if married to a British citizen
  • Not more than 90 days of which can fall during the final qualifying year. 
• Have passed the Life in the UK test if aged between 18-64
• Meet the English language requirement at level B2 of the CEFR framework (if aged between 18-64 and not the national of a majority English speaking country) and
• Intend to make the UK their home. 

Documents You’ll Need

• Include copies of all passports held during the qualifying period 
• If you have an e-Visa, provide copies of previous BRPs or visa vignettes to evidence your continuous residency
• Full birth certificate showing both parents’ details
• Evidence that a parent has become settled in the UK where applicable 
• Evidence of how a UK Partner or parent has obtained citizenship 
• Marriage certificate if citizenship is being passed down through a married parent or where the applicant is married to a British citizen
• For armed forces routes evidence of the parent’s service in the UK armed forces 
• Proof of statelessness such as letters from embassies or confirmation that the applicant could not acquire their parents’ nationality.
• Provide evidence of residency such as utility bills, local health authority documents, tenancy agreements/mortgage statements, employer letters covering the qualifying period. 
• Proof of having met test requirements (English language, Life in the UK) where applicable 
• If you have exceeded the permitted number of absences from the UK, provide:
  • Evidence that your home, family life, and main financial interests are based in the UK; and
  • Evidence of exceptional or compassionate circumstances explaining your absences.
• Provide the details of two referees who have known you for at least 3 years. One referee can be of any nationality, but must be a professional person. The other referee must be a British passport holder. 

How to Apply for British Nationality

Step 1 – Confirm Eligibility

Before beginning a British nationality application, it’s essential to ensure that you meet all the legal requirements. Eligibility can vary depending on your personal circumstances.

Submitting an application without confirming eligibility first can lead to delays, refusals, and unnecessary costs.

At Migrate UK, we carry out a thorough eligibility assessment to give you complete clarity before you proceed. 

This first step ensures confidence, reduces risks, and sets the foundation for a smooth path to British citizenship.

Step 2 – Prepare Documents

Preparing the correct documents is a crucial part of a successful British nationality application. Even small omissions or inconsistencies can lead to delays or refusals, so ensuring everything is accurate and complete from the outset is essential.

At Migrate UK, our specialists carefully review your documents, analyse your individual history, and highlight any issues that may need attention before submission. To make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible, we provide a tailored document checklist designed specifically for your circumstances. This personalised checklist makes it clear exactly what you need to supply, helping you stay organised and confident that nothing has been overlooked.

With our clear guidance and structured support, you can prepare a strong, compliant application with ease.

Step 3 – Submit Application

The timing of your British nationality application is extremely important and can directly impact the outcome of your application. 

At Migrate UK, we carefully guide you through this stage to ensure your application is submitted at the optimal time. Our specialists review your travel history, calculate your qualifying period, and confirm all requirements have been fully met before submission. We also conduct a thorough review of all documents to ensure accuracy and compliance, giving you confidence that your application is complete, correct, and ready for consideration by the UK Home Office or HM Passport Office.

Step 4 – Biometrics & Decision

After submitting your application, you may travel using your valid passport and evidence of your immigration status while awaiting a decision. You are not required to inform the Home Office of your travel plans. However, please keep in mind:

• You will usually need to enrol your biometric information within 45 days of submitting your application; failing to do so will invalidate the application.
• Instructions for providing your biometric details will be issued after submission.
• If your application is successful, you will need to arrange and attend a citizenship ceremony within 90 days.

Fees and Processing Times

These fees and processing times are accurate at the time of writing, but please check them again when submitting your application, as both can change frequently.

Fees:

• Registration as a British overseas territory citizen, British overseas citizens, British subjects, British protected persons – Adult: £964
• Registration as a British overseas territory citizen, British overseas citizens, British subjects, British protected persons – Child: 810
• Registration as a British citizen – Adults: £1,446
• Registration as a British citizen – Children: £1,214
• Naturalisation as a British citizen: £1,735 
• Naturalisation British Overseas Territory Citizens: £1,200
• Nationality correction to certificate: £428
• Certificate of Entitlement Nationality Right of Abode (In the UK): £589
• Nationality review: £482
• In country - British passport application - Adult: £94.50 (34 pg.) or £107.50 (54 pg.)
• In country - British passport application – Child: £61.50 (34 pg.) or £74.50(54 pg.)
  You’ll pay a different fee if you apply for a passport from another country.
• Renunciation of nationality: £482

Standard processing times:

Please note fast track services are not available for nationality applications or for obtaining your first British passport. 

• Registration and Naturalisation as a British citizen: up to 6 months from the date of your biometric appointment
• In country - British Passport application: 3 weeks or more 
  There are different turnaround times if you’re applying from another country.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

British nationality applications are often refused due to avoidable errors. Being aware of the most common pitfalls can help you submit a strong application and reduce the risk of delays or refusals.

A frequent reason for refusal is not meeting the required period of residence. Even a minor shortfall in ILR timing or qualifying residency can result in rejection. Careful calculation of your residency period, including exact qualifying dates, is essential to avoid this mistake.

Spending more time outside the UK than allowed—either during the final 12 months or across the qualifying period—can lead to refusal. This includes business trips and holidays. Accurate tracking of absences and planning the application date carefully is key.

Applications can be delayed or refused if test certificates are incorrect, from non-approved providers, or exemptions are not properly evidenced. Ensuring that you meet the language and test requirements will prevent unnecessary setbacks.

For those applying through marriage or civil partnership, common mistakes include miscalculating the qualifying period or misunderstanding eligibility requirements. Guidance on UK Partner naturalisation can clarify these points.

Applicants using routes such as UK Ancestry often face challenges providing sufficient proof of continuous residence or evidence of income. Submitting clear, well-organised documentation is essential to avoid delays.

At Migrate UK, we help you avoid these common mistakes by conducting detailed checks, reviewing all supporting documents, and providing tailored guidance to ensure your application meets Home Office requirements from the outset.

After You’re Approved

Once your British nationality application is approved, you gain full rights as a British citizen. Here’s what you need to know:

Key Rights:

• British passport – Travel freely and access consular support. Until your passport is issued, you can travel using your current passport along with proof of your immigration status (settled status/ILR).
• Vote in UK elections – Take part in general, local, and devolved elections.
• Consular support abroad – Get assistance from UK embassies and consulates worldwide.
• Unlimited time outside the UK – Live abroad without losing your citizenship.
• Access to certain jobs – Some government or security roles are reserved for British nationals.
• Migrate UK can guide you through applying for your British passport and ensure all documentation is correct, so you can enjoy your new rights quickly and confidently.

Why Choose Migrate UK

Navigating British nationality applications can be complex, especially for unusual cases. Migrate UK offers specialist expertise and personalised support to make the process smooth and successful.

With Migrate UK, you benefit from:

• Expert knowledge of Home Office rules and updates
• Thorough document review to prevent errors and refusals
• Strategic guidance for complex or unusual cases
• Step-by-step support throughout the entire process

We ensure your application is fully prepared, giving you confidence and the best chance of success.