Apply for citizenship if you were born in the UK

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If you lived in the UK until you were 10

If you lived in the UK until you were 10 you might automatically be a British citizen. This can depend on if your parents were British citizens or ‘settled’ in the UK when you were born.

‘Settled’ means you are living in the UK without any time restrictions. This includes people who have one of the following:

  • ‘indefinite leave to remain’
  • ‘settled status’ (also known as ‘indefinite leave to remain under the EU Settlement Scheme’)
  • permanent residence status
  • ‘right of abode’

If you’re not automatically a British citizen, you might be able to register to become one.

You were born after 31 December 1982 and before 1 July 2006

You’re automatically a British citizen if, when you were born, either:

  • your mother was a British citizen or settled in the UK
  • your father was a British citizen or settled in the UK and was married to your mother

You can register to become a British citizen if, when you were born, either:

  • both of your parents were not British citizens or settled in the UK
  • your father was a British citizen or settled in the UK and was not married to your mother

You must not have spent more than 90 days outside the UK in each of the first 10 years of your life.

Explain on the form if there are special reasons that you spent more time outside the UK.

You were born on or after 1 July 2006

You’re automatically a British citizen if, when you were born, one of your parents was a British citizen or settled in the UK.

You can register to become a British citizen if, when you were born, neither of your parents were British citizens or settled in the UK.

You must not have spent more than 90 days outside the UK in each of the first 10 years of your life.

Explain on the form if there are special reasons that you spent more time outside the UK.

Fees

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

It costs £1,481 to apply if you’re over 18 (including citizenship ceremony fee).

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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