There are two primary categories to acquire citizenship for a child born abroad:
- Where the mother was born in the United Kingdom ON or AFTER 1 January 1983
- Where the mother was born in the United Kingdom BEFORE 1 January 1983
In contrast to unmarried fathers born in the UK, the child’s illegitimacy is not relevant where the mother is unmarried if the child was born on or after 1 January 1983.
If you want to know whether you qualify after reading through the information below, please Contact Us and speak to an experienced member of our team, or complete our online nationality questionnaire.
1# Mother born in the UK after 1982.
If your mother was born in the United Kingdom on - or after - January 1st, 1983 and was a British citizen, then she would pass British citizenship onto her children by operation of law. The child automatically acquires British citizenship, and therefore qualifies for a British passport.
It could get tricky if:
Your mother was born in the United Kingdom on or after January 1st, 1983 and was NOT a British citizen. Your rights to obtain British citizenship may depend on your age – either under the age of 18 or not – and the nationality status of your parents at the time of your birth.
2# Mother born in the UK before 1983.
If your mother was born in the United Kingdom BEFORE January 1st, 1983 and then it is highly likely that she became a British citizen.
If you were born before 1983 you would not have acquired British nationality automatically but will have the right to register to become British by descent and then qualify for a British passport.
If you were born on or after 1983 would have acquired British citizenship automatically at birth and will qualify for a British passport.
In short, if your mother was born in the UK before 1983 and you were born after 1982, then you are very likely a British citizen. In all other cases it is more complicated.
You need to consider a few things:
- British citizenship law is extensive and works in way that is often complicated and counterintuitive.
- It’s not an easy process: formally registering for nationality can become complex. There are several procedural and evidential elements involved which all benefit from an experienced caseworker.
- Immigrating abroad: as a British passport holder, you will have access to 173 countries without needing a visa. A thorough list can be found here. Moving to the United Kingdom is, however, difficult for non-UK spouse or children as it subject to stringent immigration control.
- Dual Nationality and its consequences: while the United Kingdom does allow dual nationality, certain nationality laws of the country of which you are currently a citizen of may not. Most countries allow a child to acquire a nationality whilst under the age of 18 years.
Speak to US!
We are recognized for our expertise in applications for British nationality and UK immigration matters. Our dedicated caseworkers will provide you with the assistance required to make a successful application to relevant authorities on your behalf. Passportia Limited has nearly a decade of experience and assisted thousands in acquiring their right to citizenship or moving over to the United Kingdom. Let us help you with your case TODAY by completing our short enquiry form.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Citizenship through a parent born outside the UK.
If your parent is, or was, classified as British citizen other than by descent, or has lived in the UK, then there may be certain routes to allow you to secure British nationality.
To determine whether you entitled, an investigation of how your parents became British will need to be made. This is a complex area of British nationality law, so without undergoing formal evaluation, we cannot say definitively whether you have a claim.
- Children under the age of 18
Children under the age of 18 may qualify through certain provisions. It is important to recognise that several routes to British nationality are lost entirely when they turn 18.
- Through adoption
The British nationality laws governing adoption rules are complex and you will need to seek advice from a specialist when applying for British nationality on these grounds.
