British Citizenship by Descent

Eligibility depends entirely on when you were born and the legal status of your parents at that time. The British Nationality Act 1981 is the primary law governing these claims.

Automatic Acquisition

In many cases, you are already a British citizen and do not need to "apply" for citizenship—you simply apply for a British passport. You generally qualify automatically if:

• Born on or after July 1, 2006: At least one of your parents was a British citizen otherwise than by descent at the time of your birth.
• Born between January 1, 1983, and June 30, 2006: Your British mother was a citizen otherwise than by descent, OR your British father was married to your mother at the time of your birth and was a citizen otherwise than by descent.
• Born before 1983: You were a "Citizen of the UK and Colonies" on December 31, 1982, and had a "right of abode" in the UK (typically through a father born in the UK).

Registration (Correcting Historical Unfairness)

If you did not become a citizen automatically due to old laws that discriminated against women or unmarried fathers, you can apply to register as a citizen:

• Maternal Descent (Form UKM): For those born before 1983 to a British mother. Historically, citizenship could only pass through the father; this route corrects that.
• Unmarried Fathers (Form UKF): For those born before July 1, 2006, to a British father who was not married to their mother.
• Special Circumstances (Section 4L): A "catch-all" route introduced by the Nationality and Borders Act 2022. This allows registration if you would have been a citizen but for "historical legislative unfairness" or exceptional circumstances.

Key Limitations

• The Second Generation Rule: If you were born outside the UK and your British parent was also born outside the UK (making them a citizen "by descent"), you usually do not qualify.
• Good Character: If you are applying via a registration route (not an automatic claim) and are over age 10, you must meet Good Character requirements. This involves a review of criminal records and past immigration history.