First-time UK Passport Applications
From Overseas

Eligibility Criteria for First-Time Applicants

Naturalisation in the UK

• Automatic Qualification: If you were naturalised in the United Kingdom, you automatically qualify for a British Passport. Apply Online

Birth in the United Kingdom

• Born Before 1 January 1983: Anyone born in the UK before this date qualifies for a British passport, regardless of their parents’ birthplaces. Apply Online
• Born After 1 January 1983 with Non-UK Born Parents: If you were born in the UK after this date and your parents were born outside the UK, eligibility depends on whether your parents were legally in the UK on work or study visas at your birth time. Supporting documents are required if applicable.

  Note: Those born in the UK after 1 January 1983 to parents in the UK as tourists or illegally do not qualify for British citizenship.

British Citizenship by Descent

• Born Abroad to a British Parent: You are eligible for British citizenship and a passport through descent if either parent was British born or naturalised. Apply Online
  • British Born (or Naturalised) Father: Eligibility requires the applicant to be born after the father’s naturalisation if the father was not born in the UK.
    • Applicants Born Before 1 July 2006: Birth registration with British authorities is required if the parents were never married. If parents were married at any point, birth registration is not needed.
      • Scenario 1: Parents were married at any point. Immediate application possible. Apply Online
      • Scenario 2: Parents never married. Birth registration required.
    • Applicants Born After 1 July 2006: No birth registration needed. Immediate eligibility for a passport. Apply Online
  • British Born (or Naturalised) Mother: Similar rules apply as above, with specific considerations for those born before and after 1 January 1983.
    • Scenario 1: Birth registered with British authorities. Immediate application possible. Apply Online
    • Scenario 2: Birth not registered. Birth registration may be required.
    • Applicants Born After 1 January 1983: No birth registration needed. Immediate eligibility for a passport. Apply Online