CITIZENSHIP & HERITAGE
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United Kingdom

Citizenship by descent, in plain words.

Furthest routine descent
Parent
Fee
Registration: adult £1,670, child £1,000
Watch out
Automatic only if your parent was British otherwise than by descent.

The rules

  • Automatic citizenship through a parent only, and only if that parent was British “otherwise than by descent” (for example born in the UK).
  • Grandchildren can only be registered while they are under 18.
  • Registration fees: adult £1,670, child £1,000 (fees table of 8 October 2026).

Beyond the routine route: A grandchild can be registered only while under 18.

Documents to check

Check the official application checklist for this route before ordering records. It may ask for birth records linking each generation, name-change or marriage records, and proof of the ancestor’s citizenship. Special routes may need additional evidence. The consulate can confirm which documents, translations and certifications apply to you.

Official source

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guide-mn1-registration-as-a-british-citizen

GOV.UK Guide MN1 and the Home Office fees table of 8 October 2026.

Checked 8 November 2026.

Verify before applying. Rules and fees change. This page is a plain-language summary, not legal advice. Check the official source above, or ask the country's embassy or consulate, before you send anything.