You were born on or after 1 January 1983

How you apply depends on where you were born. You were born in the UK or a British overseas territory You can apply if you: are under 22 years old have lived in the UK or a British overseas territory for at least 5 years before the date of your application were in the UK or a British overseas territory exactly 5 years before the Home Office receives your application You should also have spent no more than 450 days outside the UK or British overseas territory during those 5 years. If you’re under 18, you’ll have to show it’s not reasonable to expect you to get citizenship of another country, for example by your parents registering your birth at an embassy or high commission. How to apply Read the guidance to check if 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. Fill in the form to apply online . You’ll usually be able to keep your documents while your application is being processed. 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. If you live elsewhere, you can 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. You were born outside the UK or a British overseas territory You can apply if: one of your parents was British citizen, British overseas territories citizen, British overseas citizen or British subject when you were born you’ve lived in the UK or a British overseas territory for at least 3 years before the date of your application you were in the UK or a British overseas territory exactly 3 years before the Home Office receives your application You should also have spent no more than 270 days outside the UK or British overseas territory during those 3 years. How to apply Read the guidance to check if 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. Fill in the form to apply online . You’ll usually be able to keep your documents while your application is being processed. 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. If you live elsewhere, you can 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. 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.

You were born before 1 January 1983

Read the guidance to check if 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. Fill in the form to apply online . You’ll usually be able to keep your documents while your application is being processed. 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. If you live elsewhere, you can 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 were born in the UK before 1 January 1983, you’re probably already a British citizen. 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.

After you’ve applied

You’ll get a letter confirming your application. It can take up to 4 weeks. Biometric information You must also provide your biometric information (fingerprints and a photo). You’ll get a letter explaining how. When you’ll get a decision You’ll usually get a decision within 6 months - some applications can take longer. It may take longer than the usual 6 months to get a decision because of coronavirus (COVID-19). This will not affect the decision. You’ll get a letter if you need to give more information to help with your application. If your circumstances change You should contact UK Visas and Immigration (part of the Home Office) if your situation changes during your application (for example, you move house, get married or are arrested). Nationality contact centre nationalityenquiries@homeoffice.gov.uk You might be asked to attend an interview. Attending a citizenship ceremony You’ll need to attend a citizenship ceremony if your application is successful. Travelling to and from the UK Once you have a British passport you must use this to enter the UK. If you do not want a British passport you can apply for a certificate of entitlement instead. You cannot enter the UK using your certificate of British citizenship.

Apply for citizenship if you're stateless

Overview and fees

You may be eligible to apply to ‘register’ as a British citizen if you’re not recognised as a citizen of any country (‘stateless’).

How you apply depends on when and where you were born.

This is one way to apply for British citizenship. Check if you’re eligible another way.

You may be able to apply for a different type of British nationality, instead of citizenship, if you’re stateless.

How much it costs

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

It costs £1,214 if you’re under 18.

Children who turn 18 during the application process will have to pay an extra £130 for a citizenship ceremony.

If you send the wrong fee your application will not be processed and you’ll have to apply again.

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

View a printable version of the whole guide

Apply for citizenship if you're stateless

Overview and fees

How much it costs

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Apply for citizenship if you're stateless

Overview and fees

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