Dual citizenship (also called dual nationality): You are a citizen of two or more countries simultaneously. This is legal in the UK, so you can retain your old citizenship but also apply for British citizenship.
Not every nation accepts dual citizenship, and every nation has its own rules. Learn about UK dual citizenship, eligibility, application, and the countries that support it in this article.
Do You Qualify for Dual Citizenship?
The two routes to British dual citizenship differ:
- As a matter of course, at birth (some).
- By signup, if you qualify.
- By naturalization (for those not by birth British and unable to register).
- You become a British citizen by naturalization and then have all the rights of any British citizen including health benefits, social security, and employment.
Requirements for British Citizenship
To become British through naturalization, you will have to:
- Type of Residence: You need to have been in the UK for the past 5 years (three if you’re married to a British citizen).
- Immigration Status: You have to have been out of immigration restrictions for 12 months or longer (in the form of Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or EU-settled status).
- A physical presence: You should have been living in the UK for the last five years before you applied (or three years if you are married to a British national).
- Limits to Absence: You haven’t been away from the UK for more than 90 days in the past year or 450 days in the past five years (270 days in the past three years for those married to a British citizen).
Other Requirements:
- Age Limit: Must be 18 years old or older.
- Good Character: You’re going to have to have good character.
- Life in the UK Test: You will have to pass this exam, and the test is about British history, culture, and laws.
- English: You will need to show that you are B1-level English eg. by taking an English course.
Important Information To Know Before Applying Before Applying.
Make Sure Your Home Country Allows Dual Citizenship: Make sure your home country allows dual citizenship.
- Use the Right Application: Use the right application and submit the proper documents.
- Notify Your Home Country: if you have to, notify your home country that you’re applying for British citizenship.
British and Other Countries, Dual Citizenship (of course)
There are many countries where you can have your citizens double-citizenship with the UK. But other countries don’t allow it or enforce restrictions. Here’s a general overview:
- Nations That Support Dual Citizenship with the UK:
- EEA Countries: Most EEA (European Economic Area) nations are dual citizenship countries. However, there are EEA countries such as Austria, Estonia, and Lithuania that do not allow dual citizenship.
- Non-EEA States: Australia, Canada, Israel, and the USA have dual citizenship.
Not all Countries Allowing Dual Citizenship With the UK:
Countries where double citizenship is prohibited, such as:
- India
- China
- Japan
- Singapore
- United Arab Emirates (UAE)
If you are from one of these nations, you may have to forgo your nationality at the time of British citizenship.
Renouncing British Citizenship
You will need to renounce your British citizenship if you want to be their citizen and you live in a country where double citizenship is not available. Consider consulting with a lawyer before this step.
The UK Citizenship Application Process
How to apply for British citizenship here:
- Verify if You Are Eligible: Check your eligibility (as per above).
- Fill Your Application: Apply Online, Pay Fee and Fill Documents.
- You’ll Need to Make an Appointment For Biometrics: You’ll need to make an appointment for fingerprints and photos.
- Wait for Approval: Your application will be considered by the Home Office. If approved, you’ll be sent an email with your Citizenship Ceremony details.
- Remain for the Ceremony: It takes three months for you to go to the ceremony and become a British citizen.
The Home Office charge is £1,330 to naturalize, including the £80 fee for the citizenship ceremony.
Benefits of UK Dual Citizenship
There are many advantages of having British citizenship in both countries, including:
- Free movement: You can move anywhere you want to between both countries.
- Work and Live in the UK: You are entitled to live, work and study in the UK.
- Access to Services: You have access to public services such as the NHS (National Health Service).
- Right to Vote: You are allowed to vote in UK elections.
- British Passport: If you’re a dual citizen, you can apply for a British passport and you can travel without a visa to most countries.
Disadvantages of Dual British Citizenship
There are also some negatives, like:
- Tax Requirements: In both countries, you may be charged tax.
- Forces: Some countries might ask dual citizens to enlist.
- Limits on Employment: Some jobs in the UK require more security clearance and that could be excluded for dual nationals.
Are there Any Other Countries Where you Can Get Dual Citizenship in the United States?
So yes, dual citizenship is possible in the US. And so you can be a US and UK citizen in the same year. But dual citizens will have to pay US tax, even if they are British.
If you want to be dual citizens of the UK, then you need to know what is good and what is not. We at Law and Visas explain how you can gain UK dual citizenship and how it might affect your status back home.
Ask Law and Visas for help with dual citizenship and naturalization.
