Correct route selection
We confirm entitlement vs discretion (born in the UK or abroad, parent later settled/British, adoption/statelessness), and use the right section and form from the start.
British Citizenship • Children Registration
Children Registration — secure British citizenship for your child
We identify the correct route (born in the UK or abroad), confirm entitlement or discretion under the British Nationality Act, evidence a parent’s British/settled status and the child’s identity/residence (and good character if required), and file a clean, decision-ready application.
Why apply with UK Legal Solutions
We choose the correct registration route, assemble precise parent/child evidence, and file a clean, decision-ready application.
Parent & child evidence
We evidence a parent’s British/settled status, the child’s identity and residence, and handle complex birth/parentage records or missing documents with acceptable substitutes.
Clear legal cover
Concise representations addressing discretion points, good character (where applicable), and any anomalies — helping avoid delays and refusals.
Eligibility & routes — quick overview
We confirm the correct registration route, required evidence, and whether entitlement or discretion applies.
Born in the UK
No automatic citizenship
Registration may be available if a parent later became British or settled, or under long residence rules.
- Parent later obtained ILR/Settled Status or became British
- Continuous UK residence evidence for the child
- Correct section/form (entitlement or discretion)
Born outside the UK
British parent route
Children born abroad may register based on a British parent, with proof of parentage and status.
- Parent’s British citizenship proved (passport/registration/naturalisation)
- Valid birth & parentage documents
- Identity & residence evidence for the child
Long residence
10-year UK residence
Some children can register after long residence in the UK (e.g., 10 years), subject to evidence and suitability.
- Proof of continuous UK residence (school/GP/official records)
- Good character considered for older children
- Discretion factors clearly explained
Special cases
Discretionary registration
We guide complex scenarios such as adoption, statelessness, or historical/settlement-linked routes.
- Adoption & parental responsibility evidence
- Statelessness assessments & documents
- Tailored legal submissions for discretion
How it works
Five clear steps from route selection to approval — focused on the right section, precise evidence, and clean submissions.
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1
Route & section check
We confirm whether the child qualifies by entitlement or discretion (born in the UK or abroad, long residence, adoption/statelessness) and select the correct section and form.
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2
Parent & child evidence
We evidence a parent’s British/settled status, the child’s identity and residence, and parental responsibility — with acceptable substitutes where documents are missing.
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3
Forms, referees & declarations
We complete the correct form, ensure referees meet Home Office criteria, and prepare clear declarations for any discretion points.
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4
Submit & biometrics
We file the application, arrange biometrics/ID checks, and monitor progress — keeping you informed at each stage.
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5
Decision & passport
On approval, we guide certificate arrangements and the child’s British passport application, with advice on next steps for the family.
Documents checklist
A clear, decision-ready bundle for your child’s registration. We’ll tailor exact evidence and acceptable substitutes to your route.
Child’s identity & birth/parentage
- Full birth certificate (showing parents)
- Current & any previous passports for the child
- Change of name / adoption order (if applicable)
- Photo(s) to Home Office standard
Parent’s status & nationality
- British passport / naturalisation or registration certificate
- Proof of ILR/Settled Status (if relying on settlement)
- Parent’s passports & immigration history (where relevant)
- Marriage/civil partnership or parental responsibility evidence
Residence & care evidence
- School letters/records (attendance, admissions)
- GP/NHS letters or immunisation history
- Tenancy/council tax/utility summaries (household linkage)
- Care arrangements / custody orders (if applicable)
Forms, referees & declarations
- Correct registration form for the route/section
- Two referees who meet Home Office criteria
- Consent of person(s) with parental responsibility
- Explanations for discretion/exceptional factors (if any)
Tip: If a standard document is missing, we’ll propose acceptable alternatives (e.g., school/GP letters, bank or tenancy evidence, sworn statements) so the application remains decision-ready.
Fees & timelines
Transparent pricing and realistic timeframes. We’ll confirm current Home Office fees and any priority options before filing.
Government
Home Office fees (guide)
- Children registrationSee latest fee
- Biometrics / enrolmentMay apply
- Priority servicesWhere available
Fees change periodically. We’ll confirm the exact amount, exemptions and fee waivers (where applicable) before submission.
Professional
Our fixed fees
- Children registration (standard)Fixed fee quote
- Complex cases / discretionQuoted after review
- Translations / extras (if needed)Additional
You’ll get a clear scope, deliverables, and a single point of contact — no hidden extras.
Typical timelines
Children Registration decisions vary by route (entitlement vs discretion) and service level. We’ll advise realistic expectations and any priority options available for your case.
Common issues we solve
We identify risks early, explain them clearly, and provide evidence-backed solutions so your child’s application is decision-ready.
Parentage & birth records
We resolve gaps or inconsistencies in birth certificates, foreign registrations, adoption orders and parental responsibility evidence.
Status at birth vs later
We evidence a parent’s British/settled status at the relevant time, or explain later-settlement routes where registration is by entitlement.
Long residence & discretion
We structure school/GP and community evidence to show continuous residence and set out clear reasons for discretion where required.
Names & identity consistency
We reconcile name changes across passports, birth records, adoption/deed poll documents and eVisa to avoid identity queries.
Consent & responsibility
We obtain the right consents, explain sole/shared responsibility, and provide court orders or explanations where a signature is unavailable.
Missing or weak documents
Where standard proofs are missing, we propose acceptable substitutes (school/GP letters, tenancy/bank evidence, sworn statements).
Children Registration — FAQs
Answers to common questions. If your case is unusual, we’ll assess the facts and advise the best route.
Not always. Automatic citizenship depends on a parent’s status at the time of birth. If automatic citizenship doesn’t apply, registration may be possible by entitlement or discretion. We’ll confirm the correct route and evidence.
Registration is often available, but evidence of the British parent’s status and parentage documents are key. We’ll verify the correct section and prepare the proof required.
Good character can be considered for older children. We review any relevant matters and, where needed, provide clear explanations with supporting evidence.
School, GP/NHS, and official records showing continuous UK residence are typical. We structure the evidence and timeline to demonstrate a clear pattern of residence and integration.
Consent and parental responsibility requirements vary by route and circumstances. If consent isn’t available, we’ll advise on acceptable explanations or court/guardianship evidence.
We’ll guide you through receiving the certificate and then applying for a British passport, including document checks and practical timelines.
Ready to register your child as a British citizen?
We’ll confirm the correct route (born in the UK or abroad, entitlement or discretion), evidence a parent’s British/settled status, verify the child’s identity/residence (and good character if required), and submit a clean, decision-ready application.