Register as a British citizen

There are different ways of becoming a British citizen. Some people can ‘register’ as one.

Registering as a British citizen is usually simpler than becoming naturalised, but you must be eligible.

You may be eligible if:

• you have another form of British nationality
• you were born before 1 January 1983 to a British mother
• you were born to a British father, even if he was not married to your mother
• you were born in the UK on or after 1 January 1983
• you’re under 18 and don’t fit into the other categories
• you have a connection with Gibraltar or Hong Kong
• you’re stateless

As well as belonging to one of these groups there are other eligibility rules for each category.