British citizenship by registration

Last reviewed 13 August 2026 · Reviewed by the BritainTest editorial team

There are two main ways to become a British citizen by applying: naturalisation and registration. Naturalisation is the general route for adults who have settled in the UK, and our how to become a British citizen guide covers it. Registration is different: it is for people who already have a specific claim to citizenship, most often children. This guide explains who can register and how it works. It is general information, not immigration advice.

What registration is

Registration is a route to British citizenship for people who fall into a category the law provides for, rather than the general adult route of naturalisation. It has its own application forms and its own fee, and the exact rules depend on the category you fit. The two broad groups are children and certain adults with an existing claim to citizenship.

Registering a child

The most common use of registration is for a child under 18. Depending on their circumstances, this can include, for example:

• a child born in the UK whose parent later became a British citizen or settled;
• a child born in the UK who has lived here until the age of 10;
• a child who would otherwise be stateless.

There is a fee to register a child, but a fee waiver is available for families who cannot afford it, and children in local authority care can apply for free. The eligibility rules are specific, so check your child's exact route on GOV.UK.

Adults who can register

Some adults can register too, usually because they already hold another form of British nationality. For example, a British overseas territories citizen, British overseas citizen, British subject, British national (overseas) or British protected person may be able to register as a British citizen in defined circumstances, as our types of British nationality guide explains. Registration can also apply to some people who previously lost or gave up citizenship and want to resume it.

Requirements (and the test)

Anyone aged 10 or over must be of good character. Importantly, the Life in the UK Test and the B1 English requirement are part of naturalisation and settlement, not registration, so a child being registered does not sit the test. If your route to citizenship is naturalisation rather than registration, the test does apply, as our naturalisation guide sets out.

How to register

You apply on GOV.UK using the form for your specific route, and provide documents that prove the entitlement. Applicants aged 18 or over attend a citizenship ceremony, the same as those who naturalise. Because the categories are detailed and the rules change, always confirm the current requirements for your route on GOV.UK before you apply.

This page explains British citizenship by registration and is for study and preparation only. It is general information, not immigration advice, and does not determine your eligibility for settlement or citizenship. For official rules and any updates, rely on GOV.UK; GOV.UK guidance controls if anything here differs.