Register Child as British Citizen Born Abroad

You can apply to register your child as a British citizen who was born abroad if at least one parent is a British citizen at the time of the child's birth.

British citizenship for a child born overseas is a significant legal issue that needs careful consideration. The eligibility criteria depend on the circumstances of the child's birth and the nationality of their parents.

At Wembley Solicitors, we are dedicated to helping you navigate the process of registering your child as a British citizen if they were born abroad. We understand that this can be a complex and overwhelming process, but with our expertise and guidance, we will ensure a smooth and successful application.

If you want to register your child as a British citizen who is born outside the UK, contact our British citizenship solicitors at 0203 417 3700 for legal help.

1. Who is eligible to apply to register a child as a British citizen born abroad?
2. Registering a child as a British citizen under section 3(2)
3. Registering a child as a British citizen under section 3(5)
4. How to register a child born abroad as a British citizen?
5. Application form to register a British citizen born abroad
6. Documents required to register a child as a British citizen born abroad
7. How long does it take to register a child as a British citizen?
8. How can we help with your British citizenship application?
9. Frequently Asked Questions (British Citizenship)
10. Need Legal Advice & Assistance?

Who is eligible to apply to register a child as a British citizen born abroad?

• A child born overseas to parents who are British citizens by birth or descent typically qualifies for British citizenship.
• If the child's parents hold Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the UK, they may be able to pass on British citizenship to their child.
• Children born to British parents in certain overseas territories or military bases may also be eligible for British citizenship.
• In some cases, a child born abroad may be able to register as a British citizen if their parent obtains British citizenship before their birth.

Registering a child as a British citizen under section 3(2)

Under Section 3(2) of the British Nationality Act 1981, certain children born to British citizens outside the United Kingdom may be eligible to register as British citizens.

This provision is commonly used for children who were not automatically British citizens at birth but have a legitimate claim to British citizenship through their parent(s).

Children may be eligible to apply for registration as British citizens under Section 3(2) if they were born outside the UK and at least one of their parents is a British citizen by descent (i.e., they acquired British citizenship through a connection to a British overseas territory or through descent from a British citizen).

Registering a child as a British citizen under section 3(5)

If your child does not meet the requirements under section 3(2), they may still be eligible for British citizenship under section 3(5).

Children may be eligible to apply for registration as British citizens under Section 3(5) if they were born outside the UK and at least one of their parents is a British citizen otherwise than by descent (i.e., they were born, adopted, or naturalized in the UK).

The parent who is a British citizen otherwise than by descent meets specific residency requirements, including having lived in the UK for a certain period or having served in certain capacities for the UK government.

Understanding the criteria and options for British citizenship is essential when considering the registration of a child born overseas.

Consulting with an immigration solicitor specialising in British citizenship can provide you with expert guidance and support throughout the process.

How to register a child born abroad as a British citizen?

Registering your child as a British citizen is an important step to ensure their rights and benefits as a UK citizen, even if they were born outside the UK.

Here is the step-by-step process of registering your child as a British citizen born abroad:

1. Gather the necessary documents
2. Complete and submit the application form MN1
3. Pay the application fee
4. Wait for the decision (usually 6 months)

After the processing is complete, you will receive the outcome of your child's British citizenship registration. If the application is approved, your child will be officially registered as a British citizen and may be issued a British passport.

If the application is not approved, you will be notified of the reasons for the rejection and any further steps you can take.

For expert guidance and assistance throughout the process of registering your child as a British citizen, contact our team at Wembley Solicitors. Call us at 0203 417 3700 to speak to our experienced immigration solicitors.

Application form to register a British citizen born abroad

You can apply online or by post using the form MN1 to register your under-18 child as a British citizen who was born outside the UK.

The British nationality application form is an important part of the process. It allows you to provide personal information, details about your residence in the UK, and demonstrate your child’s eligibility for citizenship.

When completing the form:

• Choose the correct application form
• Read the instructions carefully before beginning
• Double-check all information for accuracy
• Ensure you answer all questions truthfully and to the best of your knowledge
• Include any necessary supporting documents
• Include the appropriate application fee

Remember, any false or misleading information can lead to your application being rejected.

Documents required to register a child as a British citizen born abroad

Registering your child as a British citizen born outside the UK requires specific documentation to be submitted along with the application. To ensure a smooth and successful registration process, it is important to gather all the necessary paperwork beforehand. Below, we have outlined the essential documents you will need to provide:

• Child's birth certificate
• British parent's passport or naturalization certificate
• Parent's marriage certificate, if applicable
• Recent passport-sized photographs of the child
• One passport-sized photograph of each parent
• Proof of parent's residence
• Consent from both parents

In addition to the above documents, it is important to note that all foreign documents must be translated into English by a certified translator, if applicable. It is recommended to keep copies of all submitted documents for personal records.

The above is not an exhaustive list, and additional documents may be required based on your circumstances.

Proper documentation is very important when registering your child as a British citizen born overseas. By ensuring you have all the necessary paperwork ready, you can avoid unnecessary delays.

If you have any further questions or need assistance with the documentation requirements, our dedicated team at Wembley Solicitors is ready to help. Contact us today at 0203 417 3700 for expert guidance on registering your child as a British citizen born overseas.

How long does it take to register a child as a British citizen?

An application to register a child as a British citizen who was born outside the UK takes around 6 months. However, Some UK citizenship applications may take longer than 6 months depending on the complexity of the matter.

Frequently Asked Questions