Citizeo
Pathway

British Citizenship for Other UK Nationals

United Kingdom Citizenship
Pathway overview

At a glance

Some people who already hold another type of British nationality can register as British citizens. The route can cover British overseas citizens, British protected persons, British subjects, British nationals (overseas), and certain British nationals with UK, Crown service, Gibraltar, or Hong Kong connections.

Type
British citizenship registration
Who it covers
People who already hold another British nationality status
Not for
British Overseas Territories citizens use separate routes to British citizenship
Core records
British nationality status plus route-specific records
What it gives
Section 4B gives British citizenship by descent.
Main limit
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.

Summary

People who already hold a limited form of British nationality may have a statutory route to British citizenship. The two common routes are section 4B for a British overseas citizen, British subject, British protected person or British national (overseas) who has no other nationality, and section 4(2) after five years' UK residence. BOTCs normally use section 4A instead.

Pathway fit check

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.

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.
Compare your options

Other routes in United Kingdom.

Sources