Registering as a British Citizen

If you do not qualify to automatically acquire British citizenship, you may apply instead to Register as a British Citizen, under either one of the following categories:

• as a child under the age of 18 (minor)
• a person born before 1 July 2006 to a British father and your parents were not married
• a person born on or after 1 July 2006 who did not become British as their mother was married to someone other than their natural father
• a person who was born in the UK on or after 1 January 1983 and has lived in the UK up to the age of 10
• a person born before 1983 to a British mother
• a stateless person born before 1 January 1983
• a stateless person born outside of the UK and the overseas territories on or after 1 January 1983
• a person who has made a declaration of renunciation
• those who would have been or been able to become a British citizen but for:

1. historical legislative unfairness
   an act or omission of a public authority
2. exceptional circumstances relating to you which prevented you from becoming a British citizen

You can also apply to confirm your status as a British National from the Home Office.