British Citizenship by Descent
If you do not possess British citizenship but you have a parent that does, you may be eligible to apply for British citizenship by descent.
The application process can be lengthy and complex, so if you need help, our experienced legal team at Total Law is on hand to provide you with personalised assistance. If you have any queries about applying for British citizenship as a German citizen, or any of the other services we offer, feel free to call us on +44 (0)333 305 9375 or contact us online.
British Citizenship by Descent: An Overview
British citizenship by descent refers to a category of British nationality for German individuals born outside the United Kingdom to a British citizen parent. British citizenship by descent is acquired when at least one parent is a British citizen at the time of the child’s birth.
The ability to pass on citizenship to a child born abroad can vary based on several factors, including the parent’s own citizenship status (whether by descent or otherwise), their marital status, and the date of the child’s birth. Typically, British citizenship by descent can only be passed to the first generation born abroad.
British citizens by descent enjoy most of the same rights and privileges as any other British citizen, including the right to hold a British passport, and the right to live and work in the UK.
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Eligibility Requirements for British Citizenship by Descent
The eligibility requirements for British citizenship by descent vary depending on when you were born. Below is an overview of the specific requirements for each age category:
If you were born on or after the 1st of July, 2006
You may automatically qualify for British citizenship if your mother or father was a British citizen when you were born and they qualify to be able to pass their citizenship onto you. Your British parent can pass their citizenship onto you if:
- They were born or adopted in the UK.
- They were given citizenship after applying for it in their own right (not based on having a British parent).
- They were working as a Crown servant when you were born.
If you are automatically a citizen, you can apply for a British passport or a letter confirming your citizenship. If, however, you do not automatically qualify as a British citizen, you may still be able to apply for British citizenship by descent through one of the following means:
- You have lived with your parents in the UK.
- Your British parent lived in the UK before you were born.
- You were adopted outside of the UK.
- Your father held British citizenship or indefinite leave to remain when you were born and your mother was married to someone else at the time of your birth.
If you were born between 1983 and June 2006
You automatically qualify as a British citizen by descent if your mother or father was a British citizen (by means other than by descent) at the time of your birth. They must also have been married if your father held citizenship but your mother did not. Finally, your British parent(s) must be eligible to pass on their citizenship (the same rules apply as detailed in the previous section).
You may still be eligible to apply for citizenship if your father was not married to your mother, provided that your father was a British citizen when you were born. He must also have been either born or adopted in the UK, given citizenship that wasn’t based on having a British parent, or working as a Crown servant when you were born.
If you were born before 1983
If you were born before January 1st, 1983, you may automatically qualify as a British citizen if you were born outside of the UK and your father is British. When you were born, your father must have been a citizen of the United Kingdom and Colonies, married to your mother and able to pass his citizenship onto you.
If you are not automatically a citizen, you may still be eligible to apply if your parents were not married when you were born, or your mother was British, not your father. Your mother or father must have been a citizen of the United Kingdom and Colonies when you were born, and be eligible to pass on their citizenship.
British Citizenship by Double Descent
British citizenship by double descent refers to specific situations where German citizens may acquire British nationality through a grandparent. Similar to citizenship by descent, your eligibility depends on your birthdate, as well as how your grandparent acquired their citizenship.
If you were born after 1st January 1983
You may be eligible to apply for citizenship by double descent if your UK-born grandfather was a part of the crown service at the time of your parents birth, if you or your parent were born in a former British colony, or if your UK-born mother was registered as a British citizen between 2nd February and 31st December 1982.
If you were born before 1st January 1983
You may be eligible to apply for citizenship by double descent if you or your parent were born in a former British territory, excluding the main Commonwealth countries as of 1949, or if you or your parent had been registered as a British citizen. Additionally, if your parent was serving in the Crown Service at the time of your birth, you could be eligible. If your parents were married before 1949 and your father was born in the UK, or if your maternal grandfather was born in the UK but you were born outside the European Economic Area (EEA), you’ll also be eligible to apply.
Applying For British Citizenship By Descent
- Verify your eligibility and gather all of the necessary supporting documents for your application. This typically includes your birth certificate and those of your parents or grandparents (depending on how you apply).
- Start the application process. It is recommended that you complete the application online so as to minimise waiting times for a decision, however, it is also possible to apply by post.
- Pay the application fee.
- You’ll be asked to make an appointment at a UKVCAS service point in order to provide biometric data (which includes your fingerprints and photograph).
- Once your application is complete, you must wait for the Home Office to make a decision.
Processing Time and Fees
Germans applying for British citizenship by descent can expect to wait around 6 months for the Home Office to process their application. This time-frame can be longer if application volumes are high, or if there are inadequacies within your application.
If you were born on or after 1st July 2006, you’ll need to pay £1,540 for your application fee and an additional £130 for your citizenship ceremony. All other applicants are only required to pay £130 for the citizenship ceremony.
How Total Law Can Help?
At Total Law, our expertise in immigration law uniquely equips us to guide individuals through the intricate process of applying for British citizenship by descent as a German citizen.
We provide tailored consultations to address each individual’s specific needs and concerns. Our services encompass a wide range of assistance, from clarifying eligibility criteria and assisting with document preparation, to advising on the financial aspects of the application.
For further assistance and to discuss how we can help with your application, contact us online or give us a call on +44 (0)333 305 9375.
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Related pages for your continued reading.
FAQs
Proof of identity (such as your passport), proof of your UK residence (can include utility bills or bank statements), and birth certificates (both your own and your parents or grandparents). Other documents may be applicable depending on your application.
No, being born in the UK does not automatically make you a British citizen. Your citizenship at birth depends on the status of your parents at that time. If at least one parent was a British citizen or settled in the UK, you are usually a British citizen by birth.
