What are the requirements for dual citizenship in the UK?

Dual citizenship is a status that carries many advantages. After the past year, it’s fair to say that it’s good to keep your travel options open. To become a citizen of the UK, you don’t need to give up your South African citizenship by birth, meaning you can hold both. You do not apply to be a dual citizen, but there is a process whereby you apply for British citizenship and also notify the South African authorities to retain your birth citizenship.

How do I retain my South African citizenship? 

To retain your birth citizenship of South Africa when you are applying for citizenship of a different country, you must first make an application to the South African Home Affairs department.

South African immigration law states that you must notify the government first, otherwise you will be seen as giving up your birth nationality. You will need to formally request permission to hold dual citizenship and complete the “Retention of Citizenship” form and “Determination of Current Status” form to receive your letter of retention. This process can take as little as a month but up to six months, depending on how complicated your case is.

You will also need to submit the following documents:

• Copy of your South African passport or other ID
• Copy of South African birth certificate
• Proof of permanent residency in the UK
• Proof you haven’t acquired citizenship in the UK – a Certificate of Non-acquisition from the Home Office
• Proof you have paid the fee

What are the advantages of holding dual citizenship?

It’s certainly true that applying for British citizenship is a really big decision that requires a lot of consideration. Whether you decide to keep your South African citizenship as well is up to you. There are however many benefits to doing so.

You will be able to work, study, vote and even run for a political office in either country as well as travel without any restrictions whatsoever. Furthermore, you could buy and own property in both the UK and South Africa, which could be really beneficial for many people.

How do I notify the South African government that I am applying for British citizenship?

Applying to become a British citizen is the final step in what is often a long and sometimes complicated immigration journey. Finally holding the citizenship certificate is a highly significant moment. Therefore knowing as much as possible about the application process and what to expect is key to ensuring you achieve the best results possible.

The first thing to note is that to be eligible for British citizenship in the first place, you must have lived lawfully in the UK for at least five years. In addition, you must have also successfully applied for settlement, or Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) status in the UK and held it for 12 months.

You may have spent those years in the UK on various different visas and immigration routes, but it is extremely important that no matter which pathway you took, you abided by the terms of your visas and apply for ILR.

What are the routes to British citizenship?

By Birth or Descent – you may be recognised as a British citizen if you were born in the UK after 1^st January 1982 or if you were born abroad with one parent who is a British citizen or settled person.

By Marriage – you must have already been resident in the UK before applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain. Although this can be seen as a quicker route to citizenship, it isn’t actually the case as you must still have been resident in the UK for five years to qualify for Indefinite Leave to Remain.

For “stateless” individuals – If you have been recognised as “stateless”, you may be eligible to apply to be a British citizen depending on the country in which you were born.

What are the eligibility requirements for citizenship in the UK?

As you will see, the eligibility requirements are numerous. This is not meant to be an exhaustive list and it is highly recommended that you contact us for immigration advice tailored to your individual circumstances. However, the following is a good overview of what you must have to be eligible to apply.

• English language requirement – you must pass a certified English Language test to B1 level or have proof of an equivalent degree certificate
• Pass certificate for the Life in the UK test
• Valid passport and records of your travel documentation for your time in the UK
• Absence requirement – you cannot have been out of the country for more than 180 days in any 12 month period of your time spent living in the UK
• Meet the Good Character requirement – you must have followed all immigration rules and not have any criminal convictions in the UK or overseas

What documents do I need?

It is essential to support your application to the Home Office with as much documentary evidence you can provide, such as:

• Biometric residence permit and evidence of your ILR status
• A valid passport and other identification, such as birth certificate
• Your English Language test pass certificate or degree certificates to prove your English levels
• Travel documents, especially to explain any absences from the country
• Proof of continuous residence in the UK, meaning evidence of your employment, study history, tenancy or mortgage agreements and supporting letters

How do I apply?

You must file and complete form AN to apply to naturalise as a British citizen. This is just the name of the legal process you will undertake. You will need to provide the information of two referees who have known you for at least three years to confirm the validity of the information you provide on your application.

You will then need to attend a visa centre to provide your biometric information.

Once you have also provided all your supporting documentation, you must then wait around 6 months for the Home Office to process your application.

To give your application for British citizenship the best chance of succeeding, contact our team of immigration lawyers today for advice and support on 0333 305 9375.