Overview

Registration as a British citizen is the most common route through which children under 18 acquire British citizenship.
The eligibility requirements are less strict than those for adult naturalisation.
Some children born in the UK are automatically British at birth — depending on the immigration status of their parents — and can apply directly for a British passport without registration.

The right to British citizenship for children is set out in the British Nationality Act 1981 (BNA 1981), mainly under Section 1 (for those born in the UK) and Section 3 (for those born outside the UK).

Automatic Right to British Citizenship

Born in the UK after 1 January 1983
A child born in the UK on or after this date is automatically British if, at the time of their birth:

• At least one parent was a British citizen, or

• At least one parent was settled in the UK (held ILR, permanent residence, or settled status), or

• One of the parents was serving in the UK armed forces.

These children are regarded as British citizens otherwise than by descent and do not need to register.

Adopted Children

A child adopted in the UK becomes automatically British otherwise than by descent if at least one adoptive parent is a British citizen.
Such children do not need to register separately.

Registration as a British Citizen

Children who are not automatically British may register through one of the following routes:

1. Born in the UK and a parent becomes British or settled after birth

• Children born in the UK on or after 1 January 1983 to non-British, non-settled parents can apply once a parent becomes British or settled.

• The application must be made before the child turns 18.

2. Born in the UK and lived here until age 10
A child may register if they:

• Were born in the UK on or after 1 January 1983,

• Have lived in the UK for the first 10 years of their life, and

• Have not spent more than 90 days outside the UK in each of those 10 years.
  If over 10 years old at the time of application, they must also satisfy the good-character requirement.

3. Child of parents applying for British citizenship
If one or both parents are applying for British citizenship, they can include their child in a family application.

• The Secretary of State has discretion to register children in this category.

• Registration is normally granted where both parents are British citizens or where one parent is British and the other is settled in the UK.

Other Ways Children Can Become British Citizens

Children of EEA or Swiss Nationals
Rules vary depending on when the child was born:

• Before 2 October 2000: automatically British if the EEA parent was exercising Treaty rights (e.g. working) in the UK.

• Between 2 October 2000 and 30 April 2006: British only if the EEA parent held indefinite leave to remain at the time of birth.

• After 30 April 2006: British if the EEA parent had been exercising Treaty rights for 5 years or held ILR at the time of birth.

Children of EEA nationals who did not automatically acquire British citizenship may now apply to register once a parent has become settled in the UK.

Other Children (Discretionary Registration)

The Home Office can exercise discretion to register a child in other circumstances, considering:

• The child’s connection with the UK.

• Where the child’s future is likely to be.

• The parents’ views, nationality, and immigration status.

• Whether the child is of good character (if aged 10 or over).

• The length of residence in the UK.

• Any compelling circumstances (for example, a job or educational opportunity requiring British citizenship).

General Immigration Requirements

Child’s Connections with the UK

• The child should normally be free of immigration restrictions (e.g. hold ILR or settled status).

Parental Consent

• Both parents are generally expected to consent to the application.

Parents’ Nationality and Immigration Status

• Usually, either both parents are British citizens, or

• One parent is British and the other is settled in the UK.

Good Character Requirement

• Applies to children aged 10 or older.

• The Home Office applies strict guidance to criminal convictions:

  • Applicants must generally wait until a conviction becomes spent under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

  • Minor, one-off offences may be disregarded at the Secretary of State’s discretion.

  • Convictions abroad are treated as if they occurred in the UK.

• All character information, including convictions, must be fully disclosed.

Compelling Circumstances

• Exceptional cases (for example, a confirmed job offer or opportunity requiring British citizenship) may be considered if supported by strong evidence.

Documents Required

Applicants will usually need to provide:

• The child’s birth certificate.

• Parents’ passports or immigration documents.

• Proof of settled or British status of at least one parent.

• Proof of residence in the UK (school letters, medical records, etc.).

• Evidence of parental consent.

• Proof of good character (for children 10 or over).

• Passport-style photographs of the child.

Processing Times

• Standard processing: around 6 months.

• Applications can take longer if additional documents or checks are required.

Home Office Fees (as of October 2025)

• Registration as a British citizen (child): £1,214

• Biometric enrolment: £19.20

• Priority service (optional): £500 (if available)

• Fees are subject to change and are non-refundable if refused.

Appeals (for Applications Submitted in the UK)

If a registration application is refused:

• The applicant has the right to appeal or request an administrative review within 10 working days of the decision.

• No new evidence can be submitted after refusal — only existing documents are considered.

• Professional legal advice is strongly recommended before submitting an appeal.

Registration as a British Citizen