Becoming a British citizen represents the final step in your immigration journey, it is both a legal recognition and a personal achievement. For many, it symbolises a sense of belonging, stability and a permanent connection to the United Kingdom. At Angelov Solicitors, we provide expert advice and representation in all types of British nationality and passport matters.

British Citizenship by Automatic Acquisition

In some cases, a person becomes a British citizen automatically without needing to apply. This often depends on where the person was born and on the immigration or citizenship status of their parents at the time of birth. For example, a child born in the UK to at least one parent who is settled or a British citizen or a member of the UK armed forces is automatically British from birth. A person who is a British citizen otherwise than by descent will be able to pass their citizenship status on to their own children born outside the UK.

However, the rules governing automatic acquisition are complex, many individuals are unaware that they may already be British. Our solicitors can carefully review your family history, your parents’ immigration records and your own birth circumstances to establish whether you automatically acquired British citizenship.

Registration as a British Citizen

If you do not automatically qualify as a British citizen, you may be able to register as one. Registration is most commonly used for children, but it is also available to some adults in particular circumstances.

Some people have a right to register by entitlement, meaning the law gives them a clear legal route to citizenship. Others may apply by discretion, where the Home Office has the power to grant citizenship even if the person does not meet every requirement. 

For example, a child born in the UK who has lived here for the first ten years of their life can normally register as a British citizen by entitlement.

→ Learn more about registration by entitlement and discretion.

British Citizenship by Naturalisation

Adults who have acquired Indefinite Leave to Remain or Enter may apply for naturalisation to become British citizen, subject to meeting the statutory requirements set out under the British Nationality Act 1981:

• They are aged 18 or over at the date of application;
• They are of sound mind, so that they understand the step they are taking;
• They intend to continue living in the UK;
• The Applicant is a person of Good Character;
• They meet the English Language requirement;
• The Applicant has sufficient knowledge about the Life in the UK;
• The Applicant was in the UK at the beginning of the period of five years ending with the date of the application, and that the number of days on which he was absent from the United Kingdom in that period does not exceed 450 or 270 (if married to British citizen); and
• The number of days on which the Applicant was absent from the United Kingdom in the period of twelve months so ending does not exceed 90; and
• The Applicant was not at any time in the period of twelve months so ending subject under the immigration laws to any restriction on the period for which he might remain in the United Kingdom (Not applicable if married to British citizen); and
• The Applicant was not at any time in the period of five years so ending in the United Kingdom in breach of the immigration laws.

→ Learn more about British citizenship by naturalisation

British Passport Applications

You can apply for your first British passport via an online application form, or a paper application form. The passport application is processed by His Majesty's Passport Office (HMPO). You must send original documents by post and any documents not in English must be accompanied by a certified translation.

→ Learn more about British passport applications

Contact Our Immigration Solicitors

If you need expert advice or assistance regarding British nationality or passport application, contact our immigration solicitors on 020 8088 2555 or complete our enquiry form below.