Apply for citizenship if you were born in the UK

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If you're under 18

You can register to become a British citizen if one of your parents considered the UK as their home and did any of the following after you were born:

  • became a British citizen
  • got indefinite leave to remain in the UK
  • got ‘settled status’ (also known as ‘indefinite leave to remain under the EU Settlement Scheme’)
  • got indefinite leave to enter the UK
  • got permanent residence status

You must have been born in the UK and be under 18 when you apply.

Fees

It costs £1,214 to apply. If you turn 18 during the application process you’ll need to pay £130 for your citizenship ceremony.

You may be able to apply for a fee waiver if you’re under 18 and cannot afford to pay the application fee.

Before you apply

Read the guidance to check you can apply.

It may take longer than the usual 6 months to get a decision because of coronavirus (COVID-19). You’ll get extra time to provide your fingerprints, photo and additional information, and to book a citizenship ceremony. This will not affect the decision.

How to apply

Fill in the form online.

You’ll be asked to make an appointment at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service point to provide your biometric information (your fingerprints and a photo).

You do not need to send your documents anywhere. You can either:

  • upload copies into the online service
  • have them scanned at your UKVCAS appointment

You can also apply by post. This will take much longer than applying online because of coronavirus. Avoid applying by post, especially if you need your documents back by a specific date.

If you’re applying from the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man or a British overseas territory

If you live in the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man or a British overseas territory, you have to apply in person or by post instead. Check which you can do with your governor’s office.

You’ll be told how to provide your biometric information and supporting documents when you apply.

Get help to apply online

You can get help with completing the online form if you:

  • do not feel confident using a computer or mobile device
  • do not have internet access

You can only use this service if you’re applying in the UK.

You cannot get immigration advice through this service.

View a printable version of the whole guide

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