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Pathway

British Citizenship for Other UK Nationals

United Kingdom Citizenship
Pathway overview

At a glance

If you hold a form of British nationality that does not already make you a British citizen, you may be able to register for citizenship. Some routes depend on having no other nationality; others require five years living in the UK. British overseas territories citizens normally use the separate section 4A route.

Who can apply
People who already hold another British nationality status
Not for
British Overseas Territories citizens use separate routes to British citizenship
Forms
Form B(OS) for the no-other-nationality route; Form B(OTA) for the residence route

Summary

People who hold a form of British nationality other than British citizenship may have a registration route to citizenship, depending on the exact nationality they already hold. The route for a person with no other nationality differs from one based on qualifying UK residence or other listed connections. Choose the matching registration form and evidence rather than treating every British national as already a British citizen.

Could this pathway work for you?

Eligibility

Section 4B requires an eligible existing British status, no other citizenship or nationality, and no voluntary renunciation, relinquishment or loss of a nationality through action or inaction on or after 4 July 2002—or 19 March 2009 for a BN(O). It is an entitlement and has no residence or good-character requirement.

Section 4(2) is available to the five limited British nationality groups after five years' lawful UK residence. The applicant normally must have been present exactly five years before applying, have no more than 450 days' absence overall or 90 in the final year, have been free from immigration time limits for the final 12 months, and be of good character. Some requirements carry discretion.

Match the citizenship application to your nationality
  1. Confirm the type of British nationality you hold Use your passport, certificate, or nationality decision.
  2. Check which rule fits Section 4B concerns having no other nationality and rules about losing one. Section 4(2) concerns UK residence and related conditions.
  3. Prepare that application Use the form and documents required for the rule that covers you.

These routes have different requirements. British overseas territories citizens normally use section 4A instead.

What This Route Allows

Section 4B gives British citizenship by descent. Section 4(2) gives it otherwise than by descent, so it is normally preferred when both entitlements are met. British citizenship brings the right of abode and access to a passport. There is no renewal or settlement stage after registration.

From 8 April 2026 the fee is £1,670 for an adult including ceremony, or £1,000 for a child; a child fee waiver may be available.

What This Route Is Not

It is not a visa or an ancestry route and does not apply merely because an old document uses the word “British.” The precise current nationality must be established. A nationality application also does not grant temporary immigration permission while pending.

Next Steps

  1. Confirm the exact British nationality with a passport, certificate or status decision.
  2. Check section 4B's no-other-nationality and post-cut-off loss rules.
  3. If resident in the UK, compare the more favorable section 4(2) result and audit absences.
  4. Use Form B(OS) for section 4B or Form B(OTA) for residence and supply the route-specific evidence.

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Other routes in United Kingdom.

Sources