How Does A Child Born Abroad Become A British Citizen

How Does a Child Born Abroad Become a British Citizen?

In today's globalized world, many families find themselves living abroad while still maintaining close ties with their home country. One important aspect for expatriate families is understanding how their child can obtain British citizenship if they are born outside of the United Kingdom. In this blog post, we will discuss the requirements and process for a child born abroad to become a British citizen.

Requirements for British Citizenship:

In order for a child born abroad to British parents to obtain British citizenship, certain requirements must be met:

  1. The child's parents must be British citizens at the time of the child's birth.
  2. The child's parents must have been married at the time of the child's birth, or have legally registered their relationship.
  3. At least one of the child's parents must have lived in the UK for a continuous period of three years at any point.
  4. The child's parents must have the intention of continuing to live in the UK or the child must be born to parents in Crown or designated service under the British government.

Registration Process:

Once the eligibility criteria are met, the process for registering the child as a British citizen can begin. Here is an outline of the steps involved:

  1. Gather the required documents: Birth certificates of the child and both parents, marriage or civil partnership certificate, proof of British citizenship for both parents, and any other supporting documents.
  2. Complete the application form: The application form for registering a child as a British citizen can be obtained from the UK government's official website. It is important to fill in the form accurately and provide all necessary information.
  3. Submit the application: Once the form is completed, it needs to be submitted along with all supporting documents to the appropriate authority. This can be done online or by mail, depending on the preferred method of application.
  4. Pay the application fee: There is usually a fee associated with registering a child as a British citizen. The current fee can be found on the UK government website. Payment can be made online or by including a check or money order with the application.
  5. Wait for a decision: After submitting the application, it may take several weeks or months to receive a decision. It is important to be patient during this process.
  6. Receive the certificate: If the application is approved, a certificate of registration will be issued for the child. This certificate confirms the child's British citizenship.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: Can a child born outside of marriage to a British father become a British citizen?

A: Yes, if the child's father is a British citizen, regardless of marital status, the child can still be eligible for British citizenship. The requirements mentioned earlier must be met in such cases.

Q: Can a child born abroad to non-British parents become a British citizen?

A: No, in order to be eligible for British citizenship, at least one of the child's parents must be a British citizen at the time of the child's birth.

Q: Is dual citizenship allowed for a child born abroad to British parents?

A: Yes, the UK allows dual citizenship, so a child born abroad to British parents can hold both British citizenship and the citizenship of the country in which they were born.

Understanding the process and requirements for a child born abroad to become a British citizen is crucial for expatriate families. By following the outlined steps, parents can ensure their child's rights and privileges as a British citizen are protected. It is recommended to consult with a legal professional or the UK government's official resources for further guidance and support.

About me

Hello,My name is Aparna Patel,I’m a Travel Blogger and Photographer who travel the world full-time with my hubby.I like to share my travel experience.

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