Registration as a British Citizen (Child)
The registration process allows children under the age of 18 to become British citizens. This is applicable for children born outside the UK to British parents or those who have lived in the UK for a certain period.
Requirement - How to get citizenship?
Automatic British Citizenship:
Born in the UK: Children born in the UK to a British citizen, a settled person, or a member of the UK armed forces automatically get British citizenship. This also applies to children born in British Overseas Territories (excluding Akrotiri and Dhekelia) after 21 May 2002.
Adopted Children: Children adopted in the UK by British citizens automatically get British citizenship. For international adoptions, they may need to show specific documents.
British by Descent: A child born abroad to a British citizen (not by descent) is automatically British by descent. However, children born before 1 July 2006 to an unmarried British father and non-British mother, or those born on or after 1 July 2006 to a British father and a non-British mother whose mother was married to someone else, need to apply for registration.
Children of EEA Nationals:
Before 2 October 2000: Automatically British if the EEA parent was exercising EC Treaty rights at the time of birth.
2 October 2000 – 30 April 2006: Automatically British if the parent had indefinite leave to remain.
30 April 2006 – 30 June 2021: Automatically British if the parent had been in the UK for more than 5 years or had indefinite leave to remain.
On or after 1 July 2021: Automatically British if the parent had indefinite leave to remain or met specific residency requirements.
Otherwise, the child need to proceed with registration as a British citizen.
Entitlement to Register:
Born in the UK:
If born to non-British parents who later become settled or British citizens, or if either parent joins the armed forces after 13 January 2010.
A child who has lived in the UK for the first 10 years or is stateless may also apply..
Born Abroad to British Parents:
Children born outside the UK to a British citizen (otherwise than by descent) can apply if certain conditions are met, including having lived in the UK or a qualifying British Overseas Territory for 3 years.
To successfully apply for a Child British Citizenship
The child must be under 18 years of age at the time of application.
Good character requirements apply to children over the age of 10.
Required documents
Child’s Birth Certificate: Must show the child was born in the UK, including parent details and registration within 12 months of birth.
Proof of Parent(s)' Status:
British Citizenship:
British passport
Naturalisation or registration certificate
Settled Status:
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) stamp in passport
Home Office letter
No Time Limit (NTL) stamp
Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) confirming ILR
Unique Application Number (UAN) for EU Settlement Scheme
Proof of Withdrawal Agreement right to reside permanently (if applicable)
Proof of Residence in the UK: Such as school records and medical documents
Immigration Documents: Any previous immigration documents for both the child and parent(s).
Consent: Consent from both parents or legal guardians.
Application Form: Completed MN1 form.
Two referees to provide character references.
Marriage Certificate (if applicable): If the parent became a British citizen or settled after the child was born, or if the child was born before 1 July 2006 to a British father and the parents were not married.
Processing Time
The average processing time for a child’s registration application is approximately 6 months. However, this can vary depending on the complexity and volume of applications.
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