Registering an Adult as a British Citizen through British Overseas Territories
Clear guidance for British Overseas Territories Citizens who wish to become full British citizens
Adults who hold British Overseas Territories Citizenship (BOTC) may, under certain sections of nationality law, register as full British citizens. This route recognises the strong historic and constitutional connection between the UK and its territories, allowing BOTCs to acquire the same rights and privileges as those born in the United Kingdom.
At Immigration Solicitors UK (ISUK), we help clients from all British Overseas Territories understand their eligibility, prepare strong applications, and manage the entire process with the Home Office.
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Clear guidance for British Overseas Territories Citizens who wish to become full British citizens
Adults who hold British Overseas Territories Citizenship (BOTC) may, under certain sections of nationality law, register as full British citizens. This route recognises the strong historic and constitutional connection between the UK and its territories, allowing BOTCs to acquire the same rights and privileges as those born in the United Kingdom.
At Immigration Solicitors UK (ISUK), we help clients from all British Overseas Territories understand their eligibility, prepare strong applications, and manage the entire process with the Home Office.
What are The Qualifying British Overseas Territories?
The British Overseas Territories (BOTs) are under UK sovereignty but are not part of the United Kingdom itself. Individuals connected to these territories are known as British Overseas Territories Citizens (BOTCs).
The list of territories that are recognized as qualifying is as follows:
- Anguilla
- Bermuda
- British Virgin Islands
- Cayman Islands
- Falkland Islands
- Gibraltar
- Montserrat
- Pitcairn Islands
- Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
- South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands
- Turks and Caicos Islands
Automatic Citizenship under the 2002 Act
Under the British Overseas Territories Act 2002, anyone who was a BOTC on or before 21 May 2002 automatically became a British citizen.
Exception: this automatic grant did not apply to those whose only connection was to the Sovereign Base Areas (SBA) of Akrotiri and Dhekelia in Cyprus. Individuals connected solely to those bases must apply separately.
Adults who are BOTCs but did not automatically become British citizens may apply for registration under section 4A of the British Nationality Act 1981.
You may be eligible if you:
- Hold BOTC status by birth, descent, registration, or naturalisation.
- Have not renounced or lost BOTC or British citizenship.
- Are of good character (see 2025 update below).
- Are resident in the UK or a qualifying territory.
Good Character Requirement
From 10 February 2025, the Home Office applies a “normally refuse” policy for anyone who entered the UK illegally, even if this occurred many years ago.
Although primarily aimed at naturalisation, the rule also affects BOTC applicants registering while living in the UK.
Exceptions apply only where:
- The person was under 18 at the time of illegal entry, or
- They were a victim of trafficking or modern slavery.
All applicants aged 10 or over are assessed on:
- Criminal convictions or civil penalties.
- Immigration compliance and honesty in previous applications.
- Financial conduct (e.g. bankruptcy, fraud).
Legal advice is essential if any of these factors apply.
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Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
Determine whether you hold BOTC status and if your case falls within section 4A, 4K, or another applicable route.
Step 2: Complete the Correct Application Form
Use Form B(OTA) for most adult BOTCs registering as British citizens.
- The form was updated in July 2025 (version 07/25) with new biometric requirements and additional questions for Irish nationals.
- Always download the current version from GOV.UK.
Step 3: Prepare Supporting Documents
You must provide:
- Proof of BOTC status – passport or registration/naturalisation certificate.
- Full birth certificate showing parents’ names.
- Proof of identity – valid passport or national ID.
- Evidence of residence or territorial connection.
- Two referees – one professional (e.g. solicitor, teacher, or doctor) and one British citizen aged 25 or over.
- Criminal record certificate (if aged 10 or over).
Non-English documents must have certified translations.
Step 4: Home Office Review
The Home Office may request further evidence before a decision is made.
If approved, you’ll receive a Certificate of Registration, confirming your British citizenship and enabling you to apply for a UK passport.
Section | Route | Typical Form | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
4A | BOTCs who acquired status after 2002 (e.g. by naturalisation in a territory) | B(OTA) | Standard registration route; discretionary; no English or Life in the UK test. |
4K | People who would have become BOTCs (and thus British citizens) if past law had been fair (e.g. born to an unmarried BOTC father or BOTC mother before 1983) | ARD | Covers “historical unfairness”; usually fee-free apart from ceremony. |
Chagossian Descent | Descendants of those born on the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) | Free route | Application fee waived; available until late 2027. |
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Application Type | Home Office Fee | Ceremony Fee | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
Adult Registration (B(OTA)) | £ 1,351 | £ 130 | £ 1,481 |
Child Registration (MN1) | £ 1,214 | N/A | £ 1,214 |
Historical Unfairness (ARD) | £ 0 | £ 130 | £ 130 |
Reforms to nationality law now allow individuals born to unmarried parents to claim BOTC or British citizenship through their father, provided they can prove paternity and meet all other criteria.
Evidence may include:
- Birth or DNA evidence establishing paternity.
- Parental nationality or settlement documents.
Because such applications are discretionary, legal assistance helps ensure the evidence meets Home Office standards.
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Applications are often delayed or refused for:
- Using outdated forms (pre-07/25 versions).
- Missing referee declarations or identity proof.
- Assuming BOTC status automatically grants British citizenship.
- Failing to disclose prior immigration issues.
- Submitting incomplete or uncertified translations.
Professional guidance prevents these avoidable errors.
Once registered, a BOTC gains full British citizenship rights, including:
- Living and working anywhere in the UK.
- Access to NHS care and state education.
- The right to vote in UK elections.
- Eligibility for a UK passport.
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What We Offer
Our Services
we understand that immigrating to a new country is a significant
decision that comes with its own set of challenges.
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Other work visas and permits
Visas without a job offer
Work for an overseas employer
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How Immigration Solicitors UK Can Help
At Immigration Solicitors UK, we advise clients from every British Overseas Territory on registration and nationality issues.
Our services include:
- Confirming the correct legal route (section 4A, 4K, or Chagossian descent).
- Preparing the updated Form B(OTA 07/25) and supporting documents.
- Drafting detailed legal representations addressing Good Character and eligibility.
- Managing all communication with the Home Office until decision.
We aim to make a complex process straightforward and ensure every application is fully compliant.
Speak to Our Citizenship Solicitors
If you are a British Overseas Territories Citizen wishing to register as a British citizen, contact Immigration Solicitors UK today.
Call 00442081661898 or complete our online form to arrange a confidential consultation with one of our specialist immigration solicitors.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Are all BOTCs automatically British citizens?
No. Only those who held BOTC status on 21 May 2002 automatically became British citizens (excluding those linked solely to the SBAs in Cyprus).
Do I need to take the Life in the UK or English test?
No. Section 4A registration does not require either test for BOTC holders.
What is the difference between registration and naturalisation?
Registration under section 4A is a discretionary grant based on BOTC status. Naturalisation is a separate route requiring residence, English, and Life in the UK tests.
How long does the process take?
Usually about six months, but complex or discretionary cases may take longer.
What if my application is refused?
You may request reconsideration or submit a new, corrected application. Seek legal advice before re-applying.
