Children of parents in Crown and similar services

Different rules apply to children

• born outside the UK and,
• on or after 21 May 2002, in the qualifying territories,
• to British citizens in Crown service, in service designated by the Home Secretary, and
• in the service of a European Community institution.
• a British citizen (whether otherwise than by descent or by descent);

• you are working outside the UK (or UK and qualifying territories if the child was born on or after 21 May 2002) in one of the types of service and

• in the UK; or
• a qualifying territory if the child was born on or after 21 May 2002; or
• in the European Community (in the case of service with a European Community institution)

then your child will automatically be a British citizen otherwise than by descent at birth, without the need for registration.

But your child will be entitled to be registered at the Home Office as a British citizen in certain circumstances. Please see the registration section on this website.

List Of Crown And Services Designated By The Home Secretary