People who are stateless
This page explains how a person who is stateless may be able to register as a British subject.
For more information on special options for people who are stateless, see the section on eligibility.
A person who is stateless may be eligible to be registered as a British subject. The Home Secretary can register any child under 18 as a British subject but will normally only agree to do this if:
- at least one of the parents is a British subject; and
- the child is stateless and is not able to gain any other citizenship; and
- there are compassionate circumstances, such as the child being unable to benefit from health care or education because he/she does not have a passport; and
- the family is facing deportation from the country in which they live and the United Kingdom is the only country they could go to if they were deported; and
- the child is of good character (this applies only if the child is aged 10 or older).
If you need more specific information, contact us.
See also
News & updates
Terms explained
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Parent
A parent is the biological mother of a child, the biological father if he was married to the mother when the child was born or if he can prove paternity, or the adoptive mother or father of a child who has been legally adopted.
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Stateless
Someone who is not considered as a national by any country under the terms of its laws.