Prove you have right of abode in the UK
Apply for a certificate of entitlement
A certificate of entitlement can be used to prove your right of abode in the UK. For example, when you travel to the UK or need to prove your right to live and work in the UK.
How you apply depends on whether you’re inside or outside the UK.
You cannot get a certificate if you already have a British passport or a valid certificate of entitlement vignette sticker in another foreign passport.
How much it costs
It costs £589 to apply.
What you’ll get
If your application is approved, you’ll get a digital certificate of entitlement. This is a digital record of your right of abode, which you access online. You’ll need to set up a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account if you do not already have one.
If you have a vignette sticker in your passport
You can use your vignette sticker until your passport expires.
You can also change your vignette sticker to a digital certificate. It’s free to change.
You’ll need to set up a UKVI account, if you do not already have one.
After you change to a digital certificate, you will not have to make another application or pay the fee when your passport expires.
If your passport with your certificate of entitlement expired before 26 February 2026, you’ll need to make a new application.
How to use your certificate of entitlement
Your digital certificate is not a visa. It does not expire so you will not need to make another application when your passport expires.
Instead, you will have to update your UKVI account when your passport or personal details change.
You can view your certificate and use it to get a share code if you need to prove your immigration status, for example when you travel, rent a property or start a new job.
Apply in the UK, Channel Islands or the Isle of Man
Read the guidance to check you can apply.
Fill in the form online. You’ll usually be able to keep your documents while your application is being processed.
You can also apply in other ways.
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.
How long it takes
You’ll usually get a decision on your application within 8 weeks of applying online and sending in your documents by post.
If your application is approved, your decision email or letter will tell you how to access your certificate of entitlement.
Apply from outside the UK or from a British overseas territory
If you are not in the UK, or you live in a British overseas territory, you must apply online.
How long it takes
You’ll usually get a decision on your application within 3 weeks of attending an appointment at a visa application centre.
If your application is approved, your decision email or letter will tell you how to access your certificate of entitlement.
North Korea
You cannot apply online if you’re living in North Korea.
To apply from North Korea you must:
- download the application form and guidance - read the guidance if you need help filling in the form
- read the instructions to find out where to take your completed form
If your application is refused
You can apply to have your application reconsidered if you think UKVI did not make the decision in line with the law or their policy.
Your application fee will not be refunded if your application is refused because you do not qualify for right of abode or you did not send in enough evidence to support your claim.