What is British citizenship by double descent?
British citizenship by double descent is when a person is eligible for British citizenship based on having a British grandparent. Eligibility for citizenship by double descent depends on several factors, including when you were born.
Those born after 1st January 1983 could be eligible for citizenship by double descent if either:
- You had a UK-born grandfather who was in the Crown Service at the time of a parent’s birth
- You or a parent were born abroad but in a former British colony
- Your parents had a UK-born mother and father who was not British-born but was registered as a citizen between 2nd February and 31st December 1982
If you were born before 1st January 1983, you may be eligible to claim British citizenship under the following circumstances:
- You/your parent was born in a form British territory
- You/your parent was registered as a British citizen
- One of your parents was in Crown Service when you were born
Our nationality solicitors specialise in citizenship tracing cases, and can review your family history in order to provide a report on your potential eligibility – either to automatic citizenship, or entitlement to register as a British citizen.