Registering a Child as a British Citizen
Some children who do not automatically acquire British citizenship at birth can register as British. You can find the requirements and guidelines for successfully registering a child as a British citizen.
Q: What are the requirements for registering a child as a British citizen under Section 3(1)?
A: Under Section 3(1), the following criteria must be met:
- The child is under 18 at the time of application.
- If the child is over 10, they must be of good character.
- The Home Secretary must decide it is fit to register the child.
Applications are assessed on a case-by-case basis, with all relevant considerations taken into account.
Q: Can a child born in the UK be registered as a British citizen?
A: Yes, children born in the UK can be registered if they meet the following conditions:
- At least one parent has become a British citizen or acquired settled status (Indefinite Leave to Remain).
- The child has lived continuously in the UK for the first 10 years of their life.
- A discretionary application can be made if the child has compelling circumstances.
Q: Can children born outside the UK be registered as British citizens?
A: Yes, children born abroad can be registered if:
- One or both parents were British citizens otherwise than by descent or have acquired settled status in the UK.
- The child has lived lawfully in the UK with Indefinite Leave to Remain or settled status.
Q: How much is the application fee for registering a child as a British citizen?
A: As of the most recent guidelines, the application fee for child registration as a British citizen is £1,214. If the applicant turn 18 during the application process, £130 will also be paid for the citizenship ceremony upon the application decision.
Q: Can children adopted abroad by British citizen parents be registered as British citizens?
A: Yes, if the adoption follows one of the recognized procedures, such as:
- Adoption under the Hague Convention or specified UK regulations.
- At least one adoptive parent must be a British citizen otherwise than by descent.
- Both parents must provide consent for registration.
How Kaya Legal Can Assist
Kaya Legal Consultancy Ltd provides tailored legal support for families looking to register their children as British citizens. We offer:
- Eligibility Assessments to confirm if your child qualifies.
- Document Preparation to ensure a successful submission.
- Representation to highlight the child’s best interests and UK connections.
Please contact our team for specialised and tailored advice.