United Kingdom British citizenship by descent

A child born outside the UK is automatically British if a parent was a British citizen otherwise than by descent, for example born or naturalised in the UK. Citizenship passes down only one generation abroad; grandchildren can be registered as minors if the parent lived in the UK for three years before the birth or the family has lived in the UK for three years. People born before 1983 to a British mother, or to an unmarried British father, apply to register under forms UKM or UKF. ^{1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8}

What you must show and pay

• A fee of GBP 1,540 (≈ $2,040) · Home Office fee for nationality registration as a British citizen, adult, in the fee table in force from 8 April 2026; a GBP 130 (≈ $170) citizenship ceremony fee is added. ^{7 8}
• A fee of GBP 1,000 (≈ $1,320) · Home Office fee for nationality registration as a British citizen, child, in the fee table in force from 8 April 2026. ^{7 8}
• A fee of GBP 130 (≈ $170) · Citizenship ceremony fee for applicants aged 18 or over. ^{7 8 3}

Requirements

• Born outside the UK on or after 1 January 1983, you are automatically British if a parent was then a British citizen otherwise than by descent. ^{5 2}
• A parent who was British by descent but in Crown or designated service recruited in the UK also passes citizenship on. ⁵
• Your British parent could pass on citizenship if they were born or adopted in the UK, naturalised or registered in their own right, or working as a Crown servant. ²
• Citizenship acquired this way is by descent, so your own children born abroad are not automatically British. ^{1 2}
• A minor born abroad to a parent who is British by descent can be registered if a grandparent was British otherwise than by descent. ⁶
• For that registration the parent must have lived in the UK for three years before the birth with no more than 270 days' absence. ⁶
• A minor born abroad to a parent British by descent can also be registered after the child and both parents live in the UK for three years. ^{6 2}
• In those three years each of them may be absent from the UK for no more than 270 days, and both parents must consent. ^{6 2}
• Born before 1983 to a British mother, or to a British father not married to your mother, you may apply to register as a British citizen (forms UKM and UKF). ³
• Registration costs GBP 1,540 (≈ $2,040) for an adult plus GBP 130 (≈ $170) for the ceremony, and GBP 1,000 (≈ $1,320) for a child. ^{7 8}
• Apply online or by post; you give fingerprints and a photo at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services point or abroad as directed. ³
• A decision usually comes within six months; adults attend a citizenship ceremony, and automatic citizens can simply apply for a passport or a letter confirming status. ^{4 2}

Stay

• Citizenship is permanent once acquired; it is not a time-limited permit.

Nationality

Open to people of any nationality with a British parent; grandchildren only through the registration routes for minors.

Work

A British citizen may live and work in the UK free of immigration control.

Family

Children are registered under separate applications while under 18; both parents must consent to a section 3(5) registration.

Checked 2026-10-12

Official sources

1. Apply for citizenship if you have a British parent · GOV.UK (Home Office) · checked 2026-10-11
2. Apply for citizenship if you have a British parent: you were born on or after 1 July 2006 · GOV.UK (Home Office) · checked 2026-10-11
3. Apply for citizenship if you have a British parent: you were born before 1983 · GOV.UK (Home Office) · checked 2026-10-11
4. Apply for citizenship if you have a British parent: after you have applied · GOV.UK (Home Office) · checked 2026-10-11
5. British Nationality Act 1981, section 2 Acquisition by descent · legislation.gov.uk · checked 2026-10-11
6. British Nationality Act 1981, section 3 Acquisition by registration: minors · legislation.gov.uk · checked 2026-10-11
7. Home Office immigration and nationality fees, 8 April 2026 · Home Office · checked 2026-10-12
8. Home Office immigration and nationality fees, 8 October 2026 · Home Office · checked 2026-10-12