Child Registration

Registering a Child as a British Citizen

If you are looking to register a child as a British citizen, it’s important to understand the eligibility requirements and application process. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the process.

Who Can Apply?

You may be eligible to apply for registration as a British citizen for your child if:

They were born in the UK.
The application depends on when the child was born and the legal status of their parents.

Born on or After 1 January 1983

Eligibility criteria include:

The child is under 18, and since their birth, one of their parents has become a British citizen or obtained indefinite leave to remain (ILR) or settled status.
The child has lived in the UK continuously until the age of 10 or older.

When You Don’t Need to Apply?

Your child is automatically a British citizen if:

They were born in the UK on or after 1 January 1983, and
At the time of their birth, one parent was a British citizen or had settled status in the UK.

In these cases, you can apply directly for a UK passport or request a letter confirming the child’s citizenship (immigration status).

Eligibility for Children Born Before 1983

A child born in the UK before 1 January 1983 is automatically a British citizen unless:

Their father was a diplomat working for a non-UK country.
Their father was an “enemy alien in occupation,” and they were born in the Channel Islands during World War II.

For these cases, you can apply for a UK passport or request a letter confirming their citizenship.

Eligibility for Children Under 18

Children born in the UK who are under 18 may register as British citizens if, after their birth, one parent:

Became a British citizen.
Obtained ILR or settled status.
Acquired indefinite leave to enter or permanent residence status.

The child must be under 18 and born in the UK to apply.

Fees

Under 18: £1,214 to apply. If they turn 18 during the application process, an additional £130 is required for the citizenship ceremony.
Fee Waiver: If the child is under 18 and unable to afford the fee, they may be eligible for a fee waiver.

Living in the UK Until Age 10

If your child lived in the UK until they were 10, they may automatically be a British citizen, depending on whether their parents were British citizens or settled at the time of their birth. If not, they may still register to become one.

Key requirements:

Must not have spent more than 90 days outside the UK in any of their first 10 years.
If there are special reasons for spending more time outside the UK, these should be explained in the application.

Eligibility by Birth Date

Born Between 1 January 1983 and 30 June 2006

Your child is automatically a British citizen if, when they were born:

The mother was a British citizen or settled in the UK, or
The father was a British citizen or settled in the UK and married to the mother.

They can register as a British citizen if:

Both parents were not British citizens or settled in the UK at the time of birth, or
The father was a British citizen or settled but unmarried to the mother.

Born on or After 1 July 2006

The child is automatically a British citizen if one parent was a British citizen or settled in the UK at the time of their birth.