Register as a British citizen

Overview

There are different ways of becoming a British citizen. Some people can ‘register’ as one.

Registering as a British citizen is usually simpler than becoming naturalised, but you must be eligible.

There will be no change to the rights and status of EU nationals living in the UK, nor UK nationals living in the EU, while the UK remains in the EU.

You may be eligible if:

• you have another form of British nationality
• you were born before 1 January 1983 to a British mother
• you were born to a British father, even if he was not married to your mother
• you were born in the UK on or after 1 January 1983
• you’re under 18 and don’t fit into the other categories
• you have a connection with Gibraltar or Hong Kong
• you’re stateless

As well as belonging to one of these groups there are other eligibility rules for each category.

The rules are different if you’ve previously renounced your British citizenship.

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