Eligibility quiz
Were you born in the United Kingdom on or after 1 January 1983?
Benefits
Benefits for youBenefits for you
British passport
British citizens can apply for a British passport and normally use it to return to the UK.
British citizens travelling to the UK must carry a valid British passport or a certificate showing their right to live there.
A passport can expire and must be renewed, even though citizenship does not expire.
Live in the UK for life
British citizens have the right to live in the UK indefinitely and enter without a visa or travel permission.
Moving abroad does not by itself end citizenship.
Live and work in 5 countries
Study in the UK
British citizens can study in the UK without immigration restrictions.
Admission, fees and funding follow the usual education rules.
Work in the UK
British citizens can work in the UK without a work permit or immigration conditions.
Get help abroad
British citizens can receive help from UK officials abroad, even if they do not normally live in the UK.
If you are in a country of your other citizenship, the UK would not normally intervene in your dealings with its authorities.
Vote in elections
British citizens can register to vote, with rules depending on their age, residence and the election.
In a UK general election, voters must be 18, registered, not legally barred and either live in the UK or be registered to vote from abroad.
British citizens who previously lived in the UK can register from abroad.
Use public healthcare
British citizens can use NHS services, but citizenship alone does not make every treatment free.
Rules differ across the UK, and many services depend on where you normally live.
People who live permanently abroad may not keep free UK treatment.
Claim financial support
British citizens can claim benefits without immigration restrictions, but each benefit has its own residence, income, contribution and other rules.
Many income-related benefits cannot be claimed abroad for more than four weeks.
How to apply
Applying in the United KingdomApplying in the United Kingdom
Gather your documents
Prepare the required documents for your application.
See required documentsFill in online
Complete the online Form T application for registration as a British citizen. A parent or guardian normally completes it for a child under 18, using the child’s details; explain any special circumstances behind excess absences in the “Other information” answer.
Start your applicationSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I start an online Form T application for British citizenship in the United Kingdom?”
Submit your application
Upload or otherwise provide the requested documents, pay the fee through the online service and submit the application.
Submit your applicationSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I submit an online Form T application and pay for British citizenship in the United Kingdom?”
Book your appointment
If UK Visas and Immigration tells you or your child to provide fingerprints and a photograph, create a UKVCAS account and book an appointment as instructed.
Book your appointmentGo to your appointment
You or your child should attend the appointment if asked to provide fingerprints and a photograph. Bring the appointment confirmation with its QR code, the applicant’s passport or travel document, and any supporting documents not already uploaded.
Prepare for your appointmentSearches DuckDuckGo for “What should I bring to a UKVCAS appointment for British citizenship in the United Kingdom?”
Wait for the decision
Wait for UK Visas and Immigration to decide the application, and answer any requests for more information or an interview.
See what happens nextSearches DuckDuckGo for “What happens after I apply for British citizenship using Form T in the United Kingdom?”
Complete your citizenship
If approved, attend a citizenship ceremony if you or your child is told to do so; otherwise follow the decision letter’s instructions for the citizenship certificate. You can then apply for a British passport.
Find ceremony informationSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I complete a citizenship ceremony after a Form T British citizenship application in the United Kingdom?”
Documents needed
Required to applyRequired to apply
Birth certificate
Get your full UK birth certificate showing your parents’ details. You can order a certified copy from the registration service.
Proof of residence
Provide records showing that you lived in the UK throughout your first ten years. Ask your schools or education providers for attendance letters and use early-years records such as your child health book, GP appointment summaries, nursery or vaccination records, or doctors’ letters; add other records if needed to cover the whole period.
Application form
Complete the online application or paper Form T. If you are under 18, your parent or guardian normally completes it with your details; explain any gaps in your residence evidence or special circumstances around time spent outside the UK.
Passports or travel documents *
Provide passports or travel documents covering your first ten years, where available, to help show time spent outside the UK. Bring your current passport or travel document to your appointment if you are asked to attend one.
* Only if you have passports or travel documents from your first ten years or are asked to bring one to an appointment.
May need translationConsiderations
Things to think aboutThings to think about
Overseas voter registration
To keep voting from abroad, British citizens must renew their voter registration every three years.
Citizenship can be lost
An adult of sound mind can give up citizenship with another nationality or a promise of one.
If the promised nationality is not gained within six months, British citizenship is kept.
The government can take citizenship away for fraud, lies or hiding important facts, or for the public good if it leaves you with a nationality.
Discuss
Online communitiesOnline communities
UK Visas and Immigration 🇬🇧
English Facebook group for people interested in British citizenship and visas
Join on FacebookPassport Waiting Time (UK)
English Facebook group for people interested in British citizenship
Join on FacebookUK Entry Clearance To British Naturalisation/ Citizenship
English Facebook group for people interested in British citizenship and visas
Request to joinConsultation
Talk to a professionalTalk to a professional
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