Children under 18 become British citizens by registration if they are not already British. Naturalisation is an adult route, but turning 18 does not always make it the only option: some registration entitlements, including section 1(4), remain available to adults. The child registration fee is £1,000. See British citizenship after ILR.
Entitlement or discretion
Some children have a statutory entitlement; others rely on section 3(1) discretion.
| Situation | Route | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Born in UK, parent later becomes British or settled | Section 1(3) | Entitlement |
| Born in UK and lived here for first 10 years | Section 1(4) | Entitlement |
| Child with settled status/ILR but no entitlement | Section 3(1) | Discretionary |
| Born abroad to British parent by descent | Section 3(2) or 3(5) | Entitlement if conditions met |
| UK-born stateless child aged 5–17 | Schedule 2 paragraph 3A | Entitlement if conditions met |
| Adult aged 18+ | Naturalisation or registration where an adult entitlement exists | Depends on route |
For section 1(4), the applicant must normally have spent no more than 90 days outside the UK in each of the first 10 years. Excess absences can be overlooked in special circumstances.
Why applying before 18 can matter
Section 1(3) and discretionary section 3(1) applications require the applicant to be under 18. Section 1(4), however, can still be used after 18. Adult naturalisation normally brings residence, English-language and Life in the UK requirements. See the good character requirement for British naturalisation and British citizenship and days outside the UK.
Good character applies to registration applicants aged 10 or over.
Getting the paperwork right
ILR does not itself create an automatic entitlement to British citizenship. Under section 3(1), settled status, residence and family circumstances are relevant. Families should also review child dependant and parent routes and ILR based on long residence where appropriate.
EEA families can read British citizenship for EEA nationals and family members, while families with a British spouse may find British citizenship for British spouses useful. Applications normally require two referees; see British citizenship referees explained.
If the child holds an eVisa, check their UKVI account. See eVisas and digital status and expired BRP and British citizenship applications. Citizenship refusals generally have no statutory appeal, although reconsideration may be requested; see Home Office withdraws citizenship refusals.
Parents on work routes may coordinate their settlement through the Skilled Worker visa, sponsor licence application or self sponsorship. Current charges are on the GOV.UK citizenship pages.
Frequently asked questions
Does my child need the Life in the UK Test?
No. Children applying for registration do not take it.
Can a child be registered before the parents naturalise?
Yes, depending on the route.
What if my child was born here but we are not settled?
A child aged 10 or over may qualify under section 1(4) if the residence requirements are met.
If your child is approaching 18, check the route before delaying. Speak to Garth Coates immigration solicitors for an assessment.
