Children born the UK/qualifying territory

Children who are born in the UK on or after 21 May 2002, or in a qualifying territory, will always be British citizens otherwise than by descent if, when the child is born, one of the parents is:

• a British citizen (it does not matter whether the parent is a British citizen by descent or otherwise than by descent); or
• settled in the United Kingdom; or
• settled in a qualifying territory. Settled means you are usually resident there without being restricted, under the immigration laws, as to how long you can stay there.

Children who are born in a British overseas territory will always be British overseas territories citizens, as long as a parent is a British overseas territories citizen or settled there when the child is born.

If the birth occurred before 21 May 2002, the same applies.

The child will not be a British citizen if:

• they are British overseas territories citizens only by a connection with the Sovereign Base Areas of Akrotiri and Dhekelia (in Cyprus); or
• they were already British citizens by descent before 21 May 2002.

Children who are born outside the United Kingdom and qualifying territories to British citizens otherwise than by descent