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British Nationality

Claim to British Citizenship — Born to a British Parent

Can You Claim British Citizenship Through a Parent?

If one of your parents is British, you may already be a British citizen, or you may have the right to register as one. The answer depends on where and when you were born, which parent is British, how that parent became British, and whether your parents were married.

British citizenship normally passes automatically to one generation of children born outside the UK. IAUK reviews your family history and documents, confirms whether you are already a citizen or need to register, and prepares the right application.

Who Can Claim

  • Born outside the UK on or after 1 July 2006 to a British mother or father who could pass on citizenship
  • Born outside the UK between 1 January 1983 and 30 June 2006 to a British mother, or to a British father who was married to your mother
  • Born outside the UK before 1 January 1983 to a British father who was married to your mother
  • Born before 1983 to a British mother, or born to an unmarried British father: registration using form UKM or UKF
  • Under 18 and born abroad to a parent who is British by descent: registration using form MN1 where the residence conditions are met

How the Claim Works

A British parent can usually pass citizenship to a child born abroad if the parent was born or adopted in the UK, became British through their own application rather than through a parent, or was a Crown servant when the child was born.

  1. We review your birth certificate, your parents’ documents and their marriage certificate to establish your position.
  2. If you are already a British citizen, we help you apply for a British passport or a letter confirming your status.
  3. If you need to register, we prepare the correct application (UKM, UKF or MN1) with the supporting evidence.
  4. You give your biometrics, and adults who are registered attend a citizenship ceremony.

Home Office fees and requirements change regularly. We confirm the current figures with you before any application is submitted.

How IAUK Can Help

  • Full eligibility assessment before you apply
  • A tailored document checklist for your circumstances
  • Review of your supporting evidence
  • Preparation and submission of the application
  • Detailed legal representations where needed
  • Liaison with the Home Office on your behalf
  • Biometric appointment guidance
  • Advice on passports and on passing citizenship to your own children

Citizenship by Descent FAQs

Am I automatically British if my parent is British?

Often, but not always. A parent who was born or adopted in the UK, or who became British through their own application, can normally pass citizenship to a child born abroad. A parent who is British by descent usually cannot, although registration may still be possible.

Before 1983, citizenship generally passed through the father only. If your mother was a citizen of the United Kingdom and Colonies when you were born, you may be able to register as a British citizen using form UKM.

It can. For births before 1 July 2006, a British father could only pass on citizenship automatically if he was married to the mother. If that stopped you from becoming British, you may be able to register using form UKF.

If you are British by descent, your children born outside the UK are not automatically British. They may be able to register while under 18, for example if you lived in the UK for at least three years before the birth, or if the family has lived in the UK together for three years.

Check Your Claim to British Citizenship Today

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