People who are stateless

This page explains how a person who is stateless may be able to register as a British subject.

For more information on special options for people who are stateless, see the section on eligibility.

A person who is stateless may be eligible to be registered as a British subject. The Home Secretary can register any child under 18 as a British subject but will normally only agree to do this if:

• at least one of the parents is a British subject; and
• the child is stateless and is not able to gain any other citizenship; and
• there are compassionate circumstances, such as the child being unable to benefit from health care or education because he/she does not have a passport; and
• the family is facing deportation from the country in which they live and the United Kingdom is the only country they could go to if they were deported; and
• the child is of good character (this applies only if the child is aged 10 or older).

If you need more specific information, contact us.