To obtain British Citizenship this can be done by one of two methods; Registration or Naturalisation. Registration is more appropriate for children born overseas from parents that are British or children born in the UK when their parents were not British Citizens.
Naturalisation is a more comprehensive process due to the legislation that surrounds it and it is crucial that legal advice and assistance is sought at the beginning of the process to avoid any unnecessary complications or delays later on. Naturalisation can be obtained on the basis of marriage to a person with ILR or a UK citizen, right of abode, or work, business or investment in the UK. To be eligible for Naturalisation you must:
- have indefinite leave to remain in the UK,
- be 18 years or above,
- be of good character and of sound mind,
- be competent to communicate in English, Welsh or Scottish Gaelic,
- have passed a test confirming your knowledge of life in the UK and
- intend to live in the UK permanently
Right of Abode
All British Citizens have the Right of Abode in he UK and if you are not a British citizen, you may still have the right of abode if, on 31 December 1982, you were:
- a Commonwealth citizen with a parent who, at the time of your birth or legal adoption, was a citizen of the United Kingdom and Colonies because he/she was born in the United Kingdom; or
- a female Commonwealth citizen who was, or had been, married to a man who had the right of abode. You must have been married to him before 1 January 1983.
If you wish to claim the right of abode, you must prove it by producing:
- a United Kingdom passport or identity card describing you as a British citizen or a British subject with the right of abode; or
- a certificate of entitlement to the right of abode in the United Kingdom that has been issued by the Government of the United Kingdom or on its behalf.
The right of abode certificate proves your right to live and work in the UK without any immigration restrictions and is issued where you do not have a way of proving that right by means of a UK Passport or Identity Card showing you are a British Citizen. It should further be noted that the right of abode certificate would only be valid for the same length as your passport.
Our Immigration team are available for advice, clarification and assistance with the application process and documentary evidence needed to ensure that your application meets the Immigration requirements.
