Apply for citizenship if you're stateless
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.