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Citizenship & Passports

British passport - citizenship & passports

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British Nationality

 There are 6 different types of British Nationality, but only one of these gives you the right of abode in the UK – British Citizenship. There are many ways to become a British Citizen, whether it be an automatic acquisition at birth, by registration, or by naturalisation. 

  • Automatic acquisition – certain persons acquire British Nationality automatically at birth, and this can include persons born outside of the UK.
  • British Citizenship by Registration – certain British nationals, and those with an entitlement to register, can use one of several forms to do so. Children aged 17 and under can only apply for British Citizenship by Registration.
  • British Citizenship by Naturalisation – persons 18 years of age and older can apply for British Citizenship by Naturalisation after a period of residence in the UK, usually of at least 3 or 5 years, and meet the other criteria.

 British Nationality Law can be complex, and not all cases are straightforward. Usually, a detailed analysis of a potential British Citizen’s ancestry, and personal circumstances are required before a determination can be made as to whether that person has any claim to British Citizenship by descent or otherwise. A person who does not have a right to registration as a British Citizen, and did not acquire British Citizenship automatically at birth, can seek to naturalise as a British Citizen, usually after 5 years’ lawful residence in the UK. The spouse or civil partner of a British Citizen can apply for British Citizenship after just 3 years’ residence in the UK. In both instances, the applicant must usually have Indefinite Leave to Remain (otherwise known as ‘settlement’) before they apply, and under most immigration routes, it takes 5 years to become legally settled in the UK. If you are not married to or in a civil partnership with a British Citizen, then you must usually wait 12-months after being granted settlement before you apply for British Citizenship by naturalisation.

If you think you have a claim to British Nationality, or would like to apply for registration or naturalisation, please seek expert legal advice. Contact Latitude Law today on 0300 131 6767 or fill in the contact form to find out how we can help.   

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British Passport

Only persons with British Nationality can apply for a British Passport. You must prove you are a British National when you apply for the passport, and will almost always be expected to send original supporting documents to His Majesty’s Passport Office (‘HMPO’) when you apply. There is no entitlement or statutory right to have access to a passport, and the Secretary of State for the Home Department can withdraw, or refuse a British passport under the Royal Prerogative.

If you require assistance with an application for a British Passport, please get in with Latitude Law today on 0300 131 6767 or fill our our contact form and let us help you.

Complex British citizenship application

"Many thanks to the amazing Latitude Law team, especially Gary McIndoe and Anna Sullivan, for expertly handling my passport application. Mine was a very complicated and multi-faceted case, but thanks to the wonderful Latitude Law, I succeeded in getting my passport in a timely manner and would definitely recommend Latitude Law for any immigration or citizenship matters. When working with them, you can rest assured that you are in good hands."

Ms B02/2024

Why choose Latitude Law?

Latitude Law has significant experience of helping individuals prepare successful citizenship and passport applications.

Thanks to our extensive knowledge of immigration rules, we are able to provide pragmatic advice and meet our clients’ needs. We have connections with the Home Office and other immigration authorities so we can advise you with confidence and ensure the entire application procedure runs smoothly and efficiently for you.

Working with a law firm can be a big decision, which is why we ensure that our clients are at the heart of everything we do. We are a highly driven team that is dedicated to providing clear and reliable immigration advice.

As a boutique law firm specialising in UK-inbound immigration, our experts understand the complexity and uncertainty that constantly shifting citizenship policies create for individuals. Our lawyers can provide up-to-the-minute legal advice on how any changes will impact your application.

We are pleased to be recognised as a leading law firm by the following independent bodies: The Times Best Law Firms 2024, Chambers & Partners 2024, Legal 500 2024 and Who'sWhoLegal 2024. These endorsements from the international legal directories demonstrate our integrity and success in dealing with difficult cases. We are also proud of our 5-star Google reviews from over 150 satisfied clients.

Call us today on 0300 131 6767 or fill out our enquiry form and we will get straight back to you. Let our legal experts take the uncertainty out of your citizenship or passport application so you can start your successful journey towards British citizenship today.

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Contact us

As the requirements for an securing British citizenship are complex, to ensure success, you should seek specialist advice from an immigration solicitor before you proceed with an application. Latitude Law’s specialist lawyers can advise you about your individual requirements and ensure that your supporting documentation is compliant with the very latest immigration rules.

For a free consultation, get in touch with our legal team today on 0300 131 6767 or fill out our enquiry form and we will get straight back to you. Face your future knowing you have the dedicated support of one of our expert lawyers.

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Citizenship by Birth or Descent

British nationality law is complex, due mainly to the UK’s colonial legacy. There are even types of British citizenship that do not permit the holder to live permanently in the UK. So who does qualify for full British citizenship through birth or descent? Read more here

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Citizenship by Marriage

If your partner is a British citizen and you see your future in the UK, you may be considering gaining British citizenship through marriage. This type of naturalisation application is dependent on satisfying a number of requirements, so it’s advisable to seek legal help when you begin your application. Latitude Law has helped a wealth of people successfully gain citizenship through marriage, and will be happy to assist you through the process. Read more here

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British Citizenship by Nauralisation or Registration

Naturalisation is the process most adult applicants must undergo to become British citizens. If your application is successful, you will gain the full range of rights enjoyed by nationals of the UK. Our solicitors can assist you through this journey and maximise your chances for a successful naturalisation application. Read more here

For a FREE initial consultation, call us now on 0300 131 6767

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