How Can Someone Born to a British Subject in a Foreign Country Obtain Dual Citizenship?
Being born to British subjects automatically confers British citizenship. Birth in another country does not necessarily grant citizenship of that country. Additionally, while Britain allows dual citizenship, some countries discourage or forbid it.
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Potential
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British subjects born in South Africa may choose either citizenship, but not both. Consult authorities in the birth country about joint citizenship -- every country's law is different. Birth in the Irish Republic, France, Canada or the U.S. confers citizenship; birth there of British parents confers dual citizenship. Birth in South Africa confers citizenship but South Africa prohibits dual citizenship. Japan, China, Saudi Arabia, and Denmark expect children with potential dual citizenship to choose one citizenship on reaching adulthood.
Procedure
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All births must be registered with the local authorities. Births to British nationals overseas may be additionally registered with the British consul; this simplifies passport applications, but is not essential. Foreign birth certificates are sufficient for British passport applications, which are made at the consul.
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Exceptions
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The consular system does not apply in countries historically linked to Britain, including Australia, New Zealand, Canada, South Africa and the Irish Republic. In these countries you should contact the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. Due to high incidence of fraud, registration of births with the British consul in Nigeria or Pakistan requires a personal interview. British military personnel overseas should register births through the forces' Family Services.
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References
- British Home Office: Registering Babies Born Abroad
- The Foreign and Commonwealth Office: Registering a Birth
- U.K. Passport Office: The Application Form, fee and Supporting Documents for a Child's Passport
- Home Office UK Border Agency: Can I be a Citizen of Two Countries?
- New Citizen US: Dual Citizenship
- Multiple Citizenship: Citizenship Laws of the World
Resources
- Photo Credit passports and money. image by peejay from Fotolia.com South Africa image by bluefern from Fotolia.com
