Register a child as a British citizen

You can apply for the registration of your under-18 child as a British citizen by using form MN1 who was born inside the UK and one of the parents is British.

Contact our British citizenship lawyer now on 0161 989 9370 to get legal advice about how to apply to register the child as a British citizen.

Related Topics

• What is the registration of a child as a British citizen?
• Requirements to register a child as a British citizen?
• How to apply to register a child as a British citizen?
• UK citizenship processing time after biometrics
• How much does it cost to apply for British citizenship?
• Need help with the British citizenship application?
• Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What is the registration of a child as a British citizen?

You can apply to register your under 18 child as a British citizen by using form MN1 if one of their parents is a British citizen or applying to become British.

Children who are under the age of 18 years (minors) can apply to the Home Office for registration as British citizens by using (MN1 Application) under the British Nationality Act 1981. Depending upon your circumstances, the child can apply for registration under the below sections of the BNA 1981;

• Section 1 (3) birth in the UK to parents who are now settled in the UK or have become British citizens;
• Section 1 (3A) birth in the UK to parents who have joined the armed forces;
• Section 3 (1) child whose parents are applying for British citizenship;
• Section 3 (2) birth abroad to parents who are British by descent and have lived in the UK or a British overseas territory;
• Section 3 (5) birth abroad to parents who are British by descent but are now living in the UK or a British overseas territory;
• Section 3 (1) children adopted abroad by British citizen parents;
• Section 3 (1) children whose parents had renounced and subsequently resumed British citizenship;
• Section 3 (1) any other case not listed below where it is considered to be in the child’s best interests to be granted British citizenship;
• Section 4D birth abroad to parents serving in the armed forces

Once a child has reached the age of 18 they will have to apply for naturalisation instead by using form AN.

We are experts in dealing with child registration applications and if instructed will carry out all the work on the application until the decision is received from the Home Office UKVI.

Please contact an expert UK immigration lawyer at Rex Law Chambers to fully assess your eligibility for registration as a British citizen so that we can advise you if you are eligible to apply for registration.

Requirements to register a child as a British citizen?

Children are entitled to registration under section 1(3) of the British Nationality Act 1981 if:

• they were born in the UK
• they were not British citizens at birth because at the time neither parent was a British citizen or settled
• while they are minors either of the parents has since become a British citizen or settled in the UK
• they are under the age of 18 on the date the application is received
• they are of good character if over the age of 10

Registration under section 1(3) gives British citizenship otherwise than by descent.

Good character requirement

A child aged 10 or over must satisfy the good character requirement to succeed in his application for registration as a British citizen. The British Nationality Act 1981 does not define good character. However, the Home Office UKVI guidance sets out the types of conduct which must be taken into account when assessing whether a person has satisfied the requirement to be of good character. Consideration should be given by the Home Office caseworker to all aspects of a person's character, including both negative factors, for example, criminality, immigration law breaches and deception, and positive factors, for example, contributions a person has made to society.

How to apply to register a child as a British citizen?

You can make an application online or by post using the form MN1 for registration of a child under 18 as a British citizen in accordance with British Nationality Act 1981.

To apply to register a child as a British citizen, you will need to follow these steps:

1. Check if your child is eligible

The rules for registering a child as a British citizen varies depending on various factors, such as the child's age, parents' citizenship, and immigration status. You consult with an immigration lawyer to find out about the eligibility criteria.

2. Gather the required documents

You will need to provide various documents as evidence to support your application, such as your child's birth certificate, your own ID documents, and any relevant immigration documents.

3. Complete the application form:

You will need to complete the form MN1. You will need to provide details about your child and yourself, including your immigration status and history, as well as pay the application fee.

4. Submit your application

You can submit your application online or by post. If you apply online, you will need to upload your supporting documents and pay the fee electronically. If you apply by post, you will need to send your application form and supporting documents to the relevant address, along with the fee.

5. Attend a biometric appointment (if required)

Depending on your child's age and immigration status, they may need to attend a biometric appointment to provide their fingerprints and photograph as part of the application process.

6. Wait for a decision

Once you have submitted your application and supporting documents, you will need to wait for a decision from the Home Office. The processing time for a British citizenship application can vary depending on the circumstances, but you can usually expect a decision within six months.

It's important to note that the application process for registering a child as a British citizen can be complex, and the rules may change from time to time. If you are unsure about any aspect of the process or need further advice, you should consult with an immigration lawyer for legal advice and guidance.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)