Can I register as a British citizen if I am a British overseas citizen, British protected person, British subject or British National (Overseas) with no other nationality?

This section provides details of whether you can register as a British citizen using application form BOS.

Registration under this section gives British citizenship by descent. If you apply for registration in this category you will not normally be able to pass on British citizenship to any children born outside the UK. If you are resident in the UK, you should read the section on registration by a British national If you register as a British citizen under that section you will be a British citizen otherwise than by descent and will be able to pass this citizenship to any children born abroad to you after registration.

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 because you are not eligible, we will not refund your fee.

If you meet the requirements for registration you should go to the appying section for details on how to apply.

The requirements you need to meet


There are three requirements you need to meet to be eligible for registration as a British citizen by descent. You must meet all three

  • a British overseas citizen; or
  • a British protected person; or
  • a British subject.
  • You must not hold any other citizenship or nationality.
    • have given up any citizenship or nationality; or
    • lost any citizenship or nationality by action or inaction.

It is possible to be a citizen or national of a country even if you have never held a passport issued by the authorities of that country. You should make sure this does not apply to you before you make your application.

Proving that you have no other citizenship or nationality

Guide B(OS) asks you to send us a letter from the authorities of any country whose citizenship you might have acquired, to confirm that you do not have that status.

Some countries may wish to determine that you already hold a form of British nationality before issuing such a letter. If you think you are a British national but do not have or want to apply for a passport, you can apply for a status letter. This letter will give our opinion of whether you are a British national. You can apply for a status letter on form NS. Details of the fee and the payment slip can be found in our fees leaflet (2.0M opens in a new window).

Application forms

Confirmation of British nationality status

  • Form NSPDF 560KB opens in a new window
  • Guide NSPDF 94KB opens in a new window

Registration as a British citizen

Choose a different form

See also

Terms explained

  • Action or inaction

    Action is something you do. Inaction is your failure to do something. 

  • By descent

    British citizenship gained through your parents. This type of citizenship cannot normally be passed on to your own children. (See also Otherwise than by descent.)

  • Otherwise than by descent

    British citizenship gained in your own right (not by descent through your parents or grandparents). This type of citizenship can be passed on to your own children. (See also Descent.)

All glossary terms