Born outside the UK or stateless

If at least one of your parents is a British citizen

You might automatically be a British citizen depending on when you were born and your parents’ circumstances at the time.

Find out if you’re already a British citizen or if you can apply to become one.

If you were born in a British overseas territory

Depending on when and where you were born, you might automatically be a British citizen if you were born in a British overseas territory.

If you were adopted

You’re automatically a British citizen if you were adopted by a British citizen in a UK court.

If you were adopted overseas, you’re a British citizen if you were adopted by a British citizen and your adoption order is certified as having been made in accordance with the Hague Convention.

If you’re stateless

If you’re not recognised as a citizen of any country, you may be able to register as a British citizen depending on when and where you were born. Check if you can apply to register as a British citizen.