British Citizenship by Automatic Acquisition

Under British nationality law, many individuals automatically acquire British citizenship by law without needing to apply. If you have British citizenship by Automatic Acquisition, you have the right to enter and reside in the United Kingdom without immigration restrictions.

Eligibility for British Citizenship by Automatic Acquisition

To qualify for British citizenship by Automatic Acquisition, you must demonstrate that you are a British citizen by operation of law. The most common scenarios in which this occurs are:

• Born in the UK on or after 1 January 1983:

  • At the time of your birth, either your mother or father was a British citizen or settled in the UK.

• Born outside the UK on or after 1 January 1983:

  • At the time of your birth, either your mother or father was a British citizen otherwise than by descent.

• Born before 1 January 1983:

  • Immediately before this date, you were a Citizen of the UK and Colonies with the right of abode in the United Kingdom.

If you meet any of these criteria, you automatically acquire British citizenship by law, granting you full rights as a British citizen without the need for an application