Registration of UK Citizenship for Persons born to an unmarried UK Father before 2006

The law covering registration is set out in the British Nationality Act 1981 and the regulations made under it.

Becoming a British citizen is a significant life event. It allows you to apply for a British citizen passport

Before continuing with your application, you should be aware that under the nationality laws of some countries a person will automatically lose their nationality if they become a citizen of another country. In South Africa it is imperative to make an application to retain your SA citizenship

You will be entitled to registration if:

-you were born before 1 July 2006.

-you would have become a British citizen automatically if your mother had been married to your natural (biological) father

-you have never been a British citizen

-the Secretary of State is satisfied that you are of good character.

To apply under these provisions you will need to prove your relationship with your natural father. To do this you will have to provide evidence of paternity. If you can provide genuine and reliable documents, we will recognise a man as your father in the following circumstances:

-He is named as your father on a birth certificate issued within one year of your birth, or

-A DNA test report shows he is your father, or

-A court has ruled that he is your father, or

-You can provide other evidence that is sufficient to establish paternity.

You will be a British citizen by descent after registration under this provision. British citizens by descent cannot normally pass on British citizenship to any children born outside British territory.