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Registration as a British Citizen under the 2002 Act

With effect from 30th April 2003, Section 4 of the British Nationality Act 1981 was changed to introduce a new right of registration as a British Citizen, to British Overseas citizens, British subjects and British protected persons.

Eligibility for registration depends on the applicant not having acquired any other citizenship or nationality, or having acquired another nationality status, voluntarily renounced it, or lost it by action or inaction, prior to 4th July 2002.

Documentary evidence is required from the country of the applicants¬ birth, and any other country where they have lived for a period of 5 years or more, confirming they do not hold that country¬s nationality. If the applicants¬ parents are not themselves British nationals, then evidence is also required from their country of origin. The Explanatory Booklet (Guide B(OS)) mentions the need to provide letters, but there may be circumstances where it is practically impossible to obtain these. Applicants should therefore be prepared to explain why alternative evidence is being provided.

The fee is £188 per applicant, which includes the Citizenship Ceremony fee. If the application is unsuccessful or withdrawn then £68 is refundable.

For information about the new Citizenship Ceremony, please refer to the note you will find elsewhere on this site.