Stateless People

You may be able to register as a British citizen if you’re not recognised as a citizen of any country – that is, if you’re a ‘stateless person’.

To register you must fulfil the following requirements:

• you’ve lived in the UK or an overseas territory for 3 years or more
• one of your parents is a British citizen, subject or protected person
• you were born outside the UK and qualifying territories on or after 1 January 1983

If you become a British citizen and you have children, they may automatically become British citizens but this depends on your circumstances. For example, if you’re a British citizen by descent you won’t be able to pass on British citizenship to your children.