Who can apply for British citizenship and other forms of British nationality?
This section explains the requirements you need to meet before you apply to become a British citizen or to register for another form of British nationality.
Naturalising as a British citizen in the future
What are the proposed changes?
On 20 February 2008 the Government published the Green Paper 'The Path to Citizenship: Next Steps in Reforming the Immigration System'. In this document we outlined our proposals for changing the way that someone can become a British citizen or remain here as a permanent resident. These proposals are collectively called 'Earned citizenship'. These proposals will, if agreed by Parliament, lead to change late in 2009. Thereafter, migrants will be expected to pass through 3 key stages and demonstrate certain requirements in order to progress between these. Our aim is to make the journey clearer, simpler and easier for migrants and the public to understand. The three stages are set out below:
1. Temporary residence
2. Probationary citizenship
3. British citizenship/permanent residence
Until then existing arrangements for naturalisation will continue.
Children of British mothers - proposed changes
A person who has a British mother currently has a right to register as a British citizen if:
- he or she was born between 7 February 1961 and 1 January 1983; and
- he or she would have become a British citizen if women had been able to pass on citizenship in the same way as men at that time.
The government plans to introduce an amendment to allow people born before the 1961 date to register under this section. The proposals will be introduced in the Citizenship, Immigration and Borders Bill in December 2008. The Bill will be debated in Parliament from December and so, if this proposal becomes law, it is unlikely to come into effect until late 2009.
Further information about this requirement can be found in Guide UKM which you can download from the right side of this page.
Depending on your current citizenship or nationality you may be able to apply in several ways. You should read the requirements for each type of application that is relevant and decide which is best for you.
If you are unsure if you meet the requirements, you should contact us for advice.
In this section
Can I be naturalised as a British citizen?
If you are over 18 and have been living in the United Kingdom for the last five years (or three years if you are married to or a civil partner of a British citizen) you may be able to apply for naturalisation as a British citizen. You may also be able to apply for naturalisation if you or your husband, wife or civil partner is in crown or designated service outside the United Kingdom. Applications for naturalisation are made using application form AN.
Can I register as a British citizen or British overseas territories citizen?
This section explains the requirements you need to meet to register as a British citizen in one of several categories, or as a British overseas territories citizen who has previously given up citizenship. You may be eligible to apply under several of the categories explained in this section.The categories covered in this section are BOS, BOTA, EM, UKM, G, T, RS1 and RS2.
Can I register a person under 18 as a British citizen or for another form of nationality?
This section explains how a person under 18 can register as a British citizen, British overseas territories citizen, British overseas citizen, or British subject.The categories covered in this section are MN1, MN2, MN3 and MN4.
Can I register as a British citizen or for another form of British nationality if I am stateless?
This section explains how you can register as a British citizen, British overseas territories citizen, British overseas citizen, or Britishsubjectif you are currently stateless.The categories covered in this section are S1, S2 and S3.
Good character requirement
This page explains what is meant by good character. If you are aged 10 or over when you make your application for British citizenship you must be of good character.
Sound mind requirement
This page explains what is meant by being of sound mind. If you are making an application for British citizenship you must be of sound mind. This is known as the full capacity requirement.
Application forms
Registration as a British citizen by certain persons born before 1983 to British mothers
News & updates
