Can I register as a British citizen if I am a British overseas citizen, British protected person or British subject with no other nationality?
This section provides details of whether you can register as a British citizen using application form BOS.
Registration under this section gives British citizenship by descent. If you apply for registration in this category you will not normally be able to pass on British citizenship to any children born outside the United Kingdom. If you are resident in the United Kingdom, you should read the section on registration by a British national If you register as a British citizen under that section you will be a British citizen otherwise than by descent and will be able to pass this citizenship to any children born abroad to you after registration.
You should read the information in this section before you make an application for registration. You will need to pay a fee when you make your application. If you make an application for registration and it is unsuccessful because you are not eligible, we will not refund your fee.
If you meet the requirements for registration you should go to the appying section for details on how to apply.
The requirements you need to meet
There are three requirements you need to meet to be eligible for registration as a British citizen by descent. You must be all three.
- You must not hold any other citizenship or nationality.
- given up any citizenship or nationality; or
- lost any citizenship or nationality by action or inaction.
It is possible to be a citizen or national of a country even if you have never held a passport issued by the authorities of that country. You should make sure this does not apply to you before you make your application.
Lebanese nationals - applications under section 4B
We are currently unable to decide any applications from possible Lebanese citizens, under section 4B of the British Nationality Act 1981, because we are seeking expert opinion on the interpretation of Lebanese citizenship law. We will keep these applications until this has been clarified. If you, your father or grandfather were born in the Lebanon, you may wish to wait until the matter has been resolved before submitting an application under section 4B.
See also
Terms explained
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Action or inaction
Action is something you do. Inaction is your failure to do something.
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By descent
British citizenship gained through your parents. This type of citizenship cannot normally be passed on to your own children. (See also Otherwise than by descent.)
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Otherwise than by descent
British citizenship gained in your own right (not by descent through your parents or grandparents). This type of citizenship can be passed on to your own children. (See also Descent.)