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Apply for British citizenship if you have a British parent - who's eligible, fees and how to apply

• Who can apply

  You may be eligible for British citizenship if you have a British parent.…

• You were born on or after 1 July 2006

  You’re automatically a British citizen if you were born outside the UK and…

• You were born between 1983 and June 2006

  You’re automatically a British citizen if you were born outside the UK and…

• You were born before 1983

  You may automatically be a British citizen if you were born before 1…

• After you've applied

  You’ll usually get a decision within 6 months - some applications can take…

How to apply for British citizenship if you’re a person of Chagossian descent: who’s eligible, the documents you need and when you must apply by.

Immigration staff guidance on establishing whether a British overseas territories citizen (BOTC) holds that status by descent or otherwise than by descent.

• Updated: 27 July 2017

Apply for citizenship as a direct descendant of a citizen of the UK and Colonies who was born in the British Indian Ocean Territory.

• Updated: 1 January 2003

This information pack contains guidance for British citizens of Chagossian descent who are considering relocating to the UK.

• Updated: 29 September 2025

Registration as a British Overseas Territories citizen and British citizen: Chagossian descendant.

• Updated: 10 March 2026

This information pack contains guidance for British citizens of Chagossian descent arriving in the UK.

• Updated: 29 August 2023

UK policy and procedure for acceptance of descent equipment intended to provide a controlled means of decent to reach survival craft.

• Updated: 30 September 2014

• Updated: 1 January 2004