If your child is under 18, you are able to apply for registration as a British Citizen of your child if you’re a British citizen. For example, if you're a British citizen but your child was born or adopted outside the UK. The application must be made when the child is under the age of 18.

Even British nationals who adopt a child from abroad can apply for registration as a British Citizen. If you successfully register your child as a British citizen, he or she can enjoy the opportunity to live in UK visa-free and virtually have never to apply for a visa to travel to most of the countries in the world. The child can also live in any of the 28 EU member countries without any visa.

Eligibility for  Registration of a Child as a British Citizen

A child may be eligible to register as a British citizen if he or she meets the following conditions:

• If the child has another form of British Nationality.
• If the child was born before 1 January 1983 to a British mother.
• If the child was born to a British father - even if the father was not married to the mother of the child.
• If the child was born in the UK before 1 July 2006 and the parents were married.
• If the child was born in UK on or after the date 1 January 1983.
• If the child is under 18 years of age and does not fit into any other category.
• If the child is stateless.

Parents - if they are British citizens or on ILR - can also apply for registration as a British Citizen for their child. Children born in the UK and have lived in the UK for 10 years can apply for registration as British Citizen. This period for registration has been reduced to 7 years in some cases.

To learn more about registration as a British Citizen or for help with your application, contact us today.