British citizenship automatically passes to children born abroad if at least one parent is a British citizen "otherwise than by descent" (i.e., born in the UK or naturalized). Limited to 1 generation of automatic transmission. Further generations may register under specific circumstances: historical gender discrimination (pre-1983 maternal line), unmarried father (pre-2006), or parent in Crown Service. "Double descent" registration (Form UKM) exists for limited cases.
Automatic transmission limited to 1 generation born abroad. A British citizen "by descent" (born abroad to British parent) CANNOT automatically pass citizenship to their own children born abroad. Registration routes exist for: children born to British mothers before 1983 (gender discrimination correction), children of unmarried British fathers born before July 2006, children where parent was in Crown/similar service, and some "double descent" cases (Form UKM/ARD). From April 8, 2026, adult registration is GBP 1,540 and child registration is GBP 1,000; ceremony fee remains GBP 130 where applicable. UK is no longer EU — no free movement in Europe.
- UK Ancestry Visa (ancestry)
- UK Innovator Founder Visa (startup)