British passports through descent: How to get a British passport when born outside the UK
🇬🇧 If you have a parent born in the UK, then you can apply for a British passport through descent.
Getting a British passport through descent is a game-changer for your new life in London. If you have a parent who was born in the UK (as a UK citizen), then you are entitled to a British passport through descent, even if you were born outside the UK.
What a British passport allows
Getting a British passport when born outside the UK opens up a world of opportunities. Even if you were born outside the UK and claim your British citizenship through descent, you have full rights as a British citizen.
Live, work and study in the UK 🇬🇧
You can live, work, and study in the UK without needing any additional immigration permissions or visas. This gives you complete and total access to a wide range of employment and education opportunities.
Travel freely ✈️
You'll have the right to enter and exit the UK without any restrictions. You can also travel to other countries visa-free or with simplified visa processes, depending on the country.
Access NHS healthcare at no extra cost ⚕️
You'll be eligible for healthcare through the National Health Service (NHS) while you're in the UK. As a British citizen it also means you don't have to pay the expensive Immigration Healthcare Surcharge (IHS) as part of your move.
Vote in British elections 🗳
As a British citizen, you have the right to vote in general elections, local elections, and referendums in the UK. You can even stand for public office.
Security and protection 🔒
You'll be entitled to consular assistance and protection from British authorities while abroad. This includes help in case of emergencies, such as accidents, illness, or legal issues.
Pass on citizenship 🐣
If you have children, they may also be eligible for British citizenship depending on certain factors like where they were born and your own citizenship status.
Claim benefits and services 🤝
You may be eligible for certain social benefits and services provided by the UK government.
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Eligibility for a UK passport through descent
To score a British passport through descent, you'll need to meet some basic criteria. This usually means having at least one parent who's a British citizen. Also, make sure your birth is properly registered with the UK authorities.
Your British parent 🇬🇧
The core requirement when applying for a British passport through descent is that you have a parent born in the UK. This means that they were born in the UK as a UK citizen. There are some conditions about the year you were born and your parents relationship which means you may have to register your birth with the UK before applying.
Required documents 📄
There are multiple key documents that you'll need complete your application. These include:
- A digital passport photo meeting UK specifications
- Your original birth certificate showing your parents’ details
- The passport you used to come into the UK or any foreign passport that you’re included on
- Original evidence of one parent’s British nationality (for example their UK birth or adoption, naturalisation or registration certificate)
- If these documents relate to your father, you must include your parent's original marriage certificate showing when he married your mother
Applying for a UK passport through descent
When outside the UK, the process to apply for a UK passport through descent involves both an online application and sending away proof of identity documents.
Step 1: Gather the required documents
As mentioned in the section above, there are multiple key documents that you need to gather before starting your UK passport application, including; your current passport, digital passport photos, birth certificates and marriage certificates.
Step 2: Complete the application on GOV.UK
To apply for a British passport outside of the UK visit GOV.UK and complete the online application.
Step 3: Pay the application fees
Before you can complete the application and send the documents away, you need to pay the application fees.
Step 4: Wait for your returned passport and documents
Once your application is approved and you've got the thumbs up, your shiny new British passport will show up in your mailbox along with your documents. Give it a once-over to make sure all the details are correct. Congratulations, you're officially a British citizen.
