Can I register a child aged under 18 as a British overseas citizen?

This page provides details of how a person under 18 can register as a British overseas citizen using application form MN3. Within this section, a person under 18 will be referred to as a child.

You should read the information in this section before you make an application for registration. You will need to pay a fee when you make your application. If you make an application for registration and it is unsuccessful, we will not refund your fee.

To be able to register as a British overseas citizen using application form MN3 the child must be under 18 on the day we receive the application. Once the child turns 18 he/she will need to apply for registration as an adult.

If the child meets the requirements for registration you should go to the section on applying for registration as a British overseas citizen by a person under 18.

Children who have automatically become British overseas citizens do not need to register. You should read the page British overseas citizens for more details.

The requirements the child needs to meet

There are no formal requirements for registration of a child as a British overseas citizen. All registrations will be at our discretion. This discretion is exercised extremely rarely and only in exceptional circumstances.

The following factors will be considered when we decide whether to register the child as a British overseas citizen:

• the child's nationality - we will not normally register a child who already has or can acquire another nationality or citizenship; and
• the family's personal circumstances - the child's lack of a passport must be causing genuine difficulties. For example, the child is unable to benefit from health care, education or is at risk of deportation; and
• where the family's future is likely to lie; and
• the views of the parents; and
• the nationality of the parents; and
• whether the child is of good character - this only applies if the child is over 10.

This means we can consider the particular circumstances and in special cases grant an application.