A child under 18 who is not British can become British by registration. The route depends on where the child was born and the parents' status. Unlike naturalisation, there is no Life in the UK test or English requirement for children, and in most routes registration is an entitlement rather than a discretion.

The main routes

Born in the UK, parent later settled or British (section 1(3)): the child is entitled to register once a parent gets indefinite leave, settled status or British citizenship.
Born in the UK and lived here ten years (section 1(4)): entitled to register, whatever the parents' status, with no more than 90 days' absence in each of the ten years (modest excesses can be overlooked). This route also applies to adults; see children born in the UK.
Born abroad to a British parent by descent (sections 3(2) and 3(5)): where the parent lived in the UK for three years before the birth, or the family has since lived in the UK for three years.
Discretionary registration (section 3(1)): for any child where the Home Secretary thinks fit, usually where the child's future clearly lies in the UK, one parent is British or settled, and the parents consent. This is the route for many children whose parents are being granted settlement or citizenship.

Good character

Children aged 10 or over must meet the good character requirement. Cautions and convictions, including youth matters, must be disclosed and explained.

Fee

£1,000 per child, correct on 13 October 2026, with a fee waiver available where the child or the parents cannot afford it. If the child turns 18 during the application a £130 ceremony fee applies. Decisions usually take up to six months.

What we do

We identify the route that gives the child an entitlement rather than relying on discretion, prepare the evidence of birth, residence and the parents' status, and apply for the fee waiver where it is available.