Apply for citizenship if you were born in the UK

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Who can apply

You may be able to register as a British citizen if you were born in the UK, depending on when you were born and your parents’ status.

Born on or after 1 January 1983

You may be eligible if:

  • You’re under 18 and a parent later became a British citizen or got permanent stay

  • You’ve lived in the UK until age 10 or older

You’re automatically a British citizen if born in the UK when a parent was a British citizen or settled.
You can apply for a passport or request a citizenship confirmation letter.

Born before 1 January 1983

You’re usually a British citizen automatically, unless your father was:

  • A foreign diplomat, or

  • An enemy alien in the Channel Islands during WWII

If You're Under 18

You can apply to register as a British citizen if you were born in the UK, are under 18, and after your birth, a parent:

  • Became a British citizen

  • Got Indefinite Leave to Remain, Settled Status, or Indefinite Leave to Enter

  • Got Permanent Residence

Fees

  • £1,214 to apply

  • Additional £130 if you turn 18 during the process

  • You may be eligible for a fee waiver if you can’t afford the fee

How to Apply

Apply online or by post. You’ll need to attend a UKVCAS appointment to provide biometric info.

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If you lived in the UK until you were 10

You may be eligible to register as a British citizen if you were born in the UK, lived here until age 10, and are not automatically a citizen.

You must not have spent more than 90 days outside the UK in each of your first 10 years. Special circumstances may be considered.

Automatic Citizenship

You may automatically be a British citizen if, at birth, a parent was a British citizen or settled in the UK.

Fees

  • Under 18: £1,214 (plus £130 ceremony fee if you turn 18 during the process)

  • Over 18: £1,576 (includes ceremony fee)

  • Fee waivers may be available if you’re under 18 and can’t afford to pay.

How to Apply

Apply online or by post. You’ll need to attend a UKVCAS appointment for biometrics.

After You've Applied

You’ll usually get a decision within 6 months, though some applications may take longer. The Home Office will contact you if more information is needed or if delays occur.

If Your Circumstances Change

Contact UK Visas and Immigration if your situation changes (e.g. change of address, marriage, or arrest).
Email: [email protected]

You may be invited to an interview, where you must speak without an interpreter.

Citizenship Ceremony

If you’re 18 or over, you must attend a citizenship ceremony after approval.

Travel

After becoming a citizen, you can apply for a British passport. You must use this to enter the UK.
Alternatively, you can request a certificate of entitlement if you don’t want a passport.

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