Registration for children

Different rules apply to children depending on whether they were born in the UK or abroad, and depending also on the migratory status of their parents in the UK. You must use the form MN1.

For children who are born in the UK.

• Children are born from parents who are British are born British. Parents can apply for their child’s passport British passport using the application form available at the Post Office.
• Children who are born from parents who are not British but had permanent residence or Indefinite Leave to Remain at the moment of birth are also recognised as British citizens. Parents can apply for their child’s passport British passport using the application form available at the Post Office.
• Children who are born when their parents are still not permanent residents in the UK must be registered as British citizens as soon as at least one of their parents becomes a permanent resident or is granted Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK, or when the child has lived in the UK for 10 years if the parent have still not received their ILR by then.

For children born out of the UK.

• Children born out of the UK are British citizens if one of their parents is, at the moment of birth, a British citizen by birth and not by descent. Parents can apply for their children’s passport online. Other children must enter the UK under current immigration rules, whether British or European law, settle and then apply to be registered when they qualify for citizenship.