If your child was born in the UK, you might think they automatically became a British citizen. However, this is not always the case.
Whether your child became a British citizen at birth depends on your immigration status or citizenship on the day they were born.
If your child did not automatically become a British citizen, they may still be able to become one by registering as a British citizen.
In most cases, you will need to apply using form MN1. The correct application process depends on your child's individual circumstances. Registration allows a child to become a British citizen even if they were not British at birth.
Could your child apply?
Your child may be able to register as a British citizen if:
you became a British citizen or obtained permanent immigration status in the UK (for example, Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or Settled Status) before your child turned 18;
your child lived in the UK for the first 10 years of their life and did not spend more than 90 days outside the UK in any one of those years;
your child's situation meets the requirements of another registration route under the British Nationality Act 1981.
Every family's situation is different, so it is important to make sure you are applying under the correct registration route before submitting an application.
Why register your child?
Becoming a British citizen gives your child many lifelong benefits. They will be able to:
apply for a British passport;
live, work and study in the UK without immigration restrictions;
enjoy all the rights that come with British citizenship;
in some situations, pass British citizenship on to their own children.
Registration also gives your child certainty about their immigration status and may mean they will not need to apply for visas or other immigration permission in the future.
What documents will you need?
When you submit form MN1, you will usually need to provide documents showing that your child meets the requirements. These may include:
your child's full UK birth certificate;
proof of your British citizenship or permanent immigration status (such as ILR or Settled Status);
documents showing that your child has lived in the UK;
any other documents needed for your child's particular circumstances.
You must also provide details of two people who can confirm your child's identity (known as referees).
One referee should usually be a professional person or someone with recognised professional standing.
The other should be a British citizen with a valid British passport.
Both referees must have known your child for the required period. They must not be related to your child or benefit from the outcome of the application.
If your child is 10 years old or over, they will usually also need to meet the good character requirement. The Home Office will check, for example, whether your child has any criminal convictions or other behaviour that may affect their application. If this requirement is not met, the application may be refused even if your child meets all the other eligibility requirements.
Important information
This guide is for general information only and is not legal advice.
British nationality law can be complicated. Before applying, it is a good idea to read the official guidance carefully or get advice from a qualified immigration adviser.
Other information and useful resources
Check if you're a British citizen: Your parents' immigration status when you were born - GOV.UK
Registration as British citizen: children (accessible) - GOV.UK
If you need advice or want to check your eligibility, our helplines are available Monday to Wednesday, 10 am to 4 pm:
PL/LT/EN: 07521857415
RO/EN: 07730021986
UA/RU/EN: 07718612218
This is in line with the information available as of 03/09/2026.