Types of British nationality explained
Last reviewed · Reviewed by the BritainTest editorial team
There are six types of British nationality, but only one of them, British citizen, gives you the automatic right to live and work in the UK. The others are still forms of British nationality, but they do not, on their own, let you settle here. This guide explains what each one is. It covers which statuses exist, not how to apply for them: for that, see our how to become a British citizen guide. It is general information, not immigration advice.
The six types
These are the six categories of British nationality and, in broad terms, what each one means:
| Type | What it is | Right of abode in the UK? |
|---|---|---|
| British citizen | Full British nationality, usually through birth, descent, registration or naturalisation | Yes, automatic |
| British overseas territories citizen (BOTC) | Nationality through a connection to a British overseas territory, such as Gibraltar or Bermuda | No by itself (many BOTCs are also British citizens) |
| British overseas citizen | A residual status, mainly for people connected to former colonies who gained no other citizenship | No |
| British subject | A historic status, for example some people connected to Ireland or pre-1949 British India | Not usually (limited exceptions) |
| British national (overseas), BN(O) | A status for people from Hong Kong who registered before the 1997 handover | No (a separate BN(O) visa route exists) |
| British protected person | A residual status linked to certain former protectorates | No |
British citizen: the full status
British citizen is the status most people preparing for the Life in the UK Test are working towards. It gives the automatic right of abode, a British passport, and the right to vote. Most people acquire it either automatically (by birth or descent) or by applying: usually by first getting settlement (indefinite leave to remain) and then becoming a citizen. The UK also allows dual citizenship, so becoming British does not, from the UK's side, mean giving up another nationality.
The other five types
The remaining five are mostly historic or connected to territories rather than to the UK itself. In short:
- British overseas territories citizen (BOTC): linked to a British overseas territory. Many BOTCs also hold British citizenship, but the BOTC status by itself does not give the right of abode in the UK.
- British overseas citizen, British subject and British protected person: residual, largely historic statuses. They generally do not allow you to live in the UK, though some holders can register as British citizens in defined circumstances.
- British national (overseas), BN(O): for people from Hong Kong. It does not give the right of abode, but a dedicated BN(O) visa route lets eligible holders come to live in the UK and, in time, settle.
Which status applies to you
It is possible to hold more than one type of British nationality, and the rules have exceptions that this overview cannot cover. If you are unsure which status you hold, or whether you are British at all, do not guess from a passport or old document: check with UK Visas and Immigration. If your goal is to live in the UK permanently, the usual path is settlement and then British citizenship.
Frequently asked questions
- How many types of British nationality are there?
- Six: British citizen, British overseas territories citizen, British overseas citizen, British subject, British national (overseas), and British protected person.
- What is the difference between a British citizen and a British national?
- “British national” is a broad term covering all six types. “British citizen” is the specific status that gives the automatic right to live and work in the UK.
- Which type lets me live and work in the UK freely?
- British citizen. It is the only nationality status with the automatic right of abode. Settlement (indefinite leave to remain) also lets you live and work here, but it is immigration status, not nationality.
- Is a British overseas territories citizen the same as a British citizen?
- No, they are different statuses, although many British overseas territories citizens are also British citizens.
- I am not sure which status I hold. How do I check?
- Contact UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). Your status cannot be assumed from a passport or document alone, and the rules have exceptions.
Official sources (GOV.UK)
This page explains British nationality status 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.
Related guides
View all guides →How to Become a British Citizen (Naturalisation)
How to become a British citizen: who is eligible, the residence and good-character requirements, the Life in the UK Test and B1 English, how to apply, and the ceremony. General information, not advice.
British Citizenship by Registration (Including Children)
How registering as a British citizen differs from naturalisation: who can register (most often children), the requirements, why the Life in the UK Test usually does not apply, and the fees. General information, not advice.
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) Explained
What indefinite leave to remain (settlement) is, the common routes to it, the requirements including the Life in the UK Test, and how ILR leads to British citizenship. General information, not advice.
Dual Citizenship in the UK
The UK allows dual citizenship, so you can become British without giving up your other nationality, but your other country's rules decide whether you keep it. General information, not advice.
Reasonable Adjustments & Accessibility
If you have a disability or health condition, you may be able to get a reasonable adjustment to take the test. How to ask, and how it differs from an exemption. General information, not advice.