What is British Citizenship by Automatic Acquisition?
British nationality laws give certain individuals an automatic right
to British citizenship. This means they do not need to apply for
British citizenship.
What are the Key Requirements for British Citizenship by Automatic
Acquisition?
In order to qualify for British Citizenship by Automatic Acquisition
individuals must be a British citizen by law. Some of the common
ways British citizenship is acquired automatically by law are as
follows:
-
Individuals born after 31 December 1982 and before 1 July 2006 and
when they were born, their parents are married and either their
parent is a British citizen or settled in the UK, or their Parents
are unmarried, and their mother is a British citizen or settled in
the UK.
-
Individuals born on or after 1 July 2016 and when they were born,
one of their parents was a British citizen or settled in the UK
(their parents do not have to have been married).
-
Individuals born outside of the UK on or after 1 January 1983 is a
British citizen at birth, if at the time of birth, either parent
is a British citizen ‘otherwise than by descent’. An individual
will be a British citizen ‘otherwise than by descent’ if they were
born in the UK to British parents or if naturalised or registered
as British citizens. Individuals who acquired British citizenship
by virtue of section 2(1)(a) British Nationality Act 1981 i.e.,
‘by descent’, would only be able to pass their British citizenship
to their children born in the UK.
How We Can Help You
British nationality law can be extremely complicated. Our highly
experienced team will provide expert advice and guidance to you.
If you have any questions, please complete our
online enquiry form
or email us at
[email protected].
Alternatively, you can call us on 01724 701111 and
one of our experts will be happy to assist you.
