Children: is your child British, or do you need to register them?
A child born in the UK after a parent became British or settled is usually British automatically, so no application is needed. A child born in the UK before a parent settled can usually be registered as British while under 18, and a child who lived in the UK for their first 10 years can register at any age. Registration costs £1,000 per child.
What is changing
Under earned settlement, children under 18 can settle with their parents and are exempt from the income, English and Life in the UK requirements. Children of British citizens keep a 5-year pathway. No start date has been set.
The route at a glance
Step 1 of 5
Check if your child is already British
If your child was born in the UK after one parent became British or got ILR or settled status, they are usually British automatically. You only need to apply for a British passport.
- When
- Any time
- Cost
- Free
Step 2 of 5
Born in the UK before a parent settled (section 1(3))
If a parent became British or settled while the child was a minor, the child can usually be registered. The child must be of good character if aged 10 or over.
- When
- While the child is under 18
- English
- Not needed for under-18s
- Cost
- £1,000
Step 3 of 5
Lived in the UK for the first 10 years (section 1(4))
A person born in the UK who lived here for their first 10 years can register as British, even as an adult. Check the absence rules in the guidance.
- When
- Any age after 10
- Cost
- £1,000 (if under 18)
Step 4 of 5
Other children (discretion)
Other children, for example those born abroad, may be registered at the Home Secretary's discretion, usually when the family has settled in the UK.
- When
- While under 18
- Cost
- £1,000
Step 5 of 5
Ceremony (if 18 by then) and passport
Children under 18 do not need to attend a ceremony. Then apply for a British passport.
- When
- After approval
- Cost
- £130 ceremony if the child turns 18 during the application
Frequently asked questions
Is my child British if born in the UK?
Only if at least one parent was British or settled (ILR or EU settled status) when the child was born. Being born in the UK alone does not make a child British.
How much does it cost to register a child as British?
£1,000 per child (Home Office fees table, November 2026). A further £130 ceremony fee applies if the child turns 18 during the application. A fee waiver may be possible if the child is under 18 and the family cannot afford it.
Do children need the Life in the UK test?
No. Children under 18 do not need to pass the Life in the UK test or an English test.
Can a child born in the UK register as British after age 10?
Yes. A child born in the UK who lived here for their first 10 years can register as British at any age under section 1(4) of the British Nationality Act 1981.
Rules this tool uses
- Automatic citizenship if born in the UK to a British or settled parent
- Section 1(3): registration while under 18 when a parent becomes British or settled
- Section 1(4): born in the UK and lived here for the first 10 years
- Fee £1,000 per child (+£130 ceremony if the child turns 18 during the application)
- GOV.UK: Apply for citizenship for your children
- GOV.UK: Home Office fees table
- Home Office guidance: Registration as a British citizen (children)
Checked against GOV.UK: November 2026.
This is a free guide, not legal advice, and we are not linked to the Home Office. Rules and fees can change. Always check GOV.UK before you apply. For complex cases, speak to a regulated immigration adviser.