Will I lose my original citizenship if I become British?

The UK does not require you to renounce other citizenships. However, some countries automatically revoke citizenship if you voluntarily acquire another nationality. Check your home country's laws before applying for British citizenship.

Does the UK allow dual citizenship?

Yes. The UK fully permits dual (or multiple) citizenship. There is no restriction from the UK side. The question is always whether your other country of nationality allows it.

Which countries do not allow dual citizenship?

Countries that generally do not allow dual citizenship include China, Japan, Singapore, and some others. Germany and the Netherlands have complex rules with many exceptions. India does not allow dual citizenship but offers the Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card as an alternative.

Should I check with my embassy before applying?

Yes. Always confirm the current rules with your country's embassy or consulate in the UK before applying for British citizenship. Laws change, and embassy staff can provide authoritative guidance for your specific situation.

How British Citizenship Affects Your Other Nationality

The UK allows dual citizenship, but not all countries do. Some countries automatically revoke your citizenship when you acquire another nationality. Others offer alternatives like the OCI card. Check your home country's position before applying for British citizenship.

The UK Position

The UK has no restrictions on dual citizenship. You can hold British citizenship alongside any number of other nationalities. The UK will not ask you to renounce your other citizenships, and holding multiple nationalities does not affect your British citizenship rights.

The question is therefore always about the other country's rules, not the UK's.

Countries That Allow Dual Citizenship

Many countries permit their citizens to hold British citizenship simultaneously:

South Asia: Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal (with conditions)
Africa: Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, South Africa (with conditions)
Americas: USA, Canada, Brazil, Jamaica
Europe: France, Italy, Portugal, Ireland, Poland, Romania, Greece
Australasia: Australia, New Zealand

Even among these countries, specific rules apply. Some require you to notify the government when you acquire another nationality. Always confirm with the relevant embassy.

Countries That Restrict Dual Citizenship

China: Does not recognise dual citizenship. Acquiring British citizenship will cause you to lose Chinese nationality automatically.
Japan: Requires citizens to choose one nationality by age 22 (or within 2 years of acquiring the second).
Singapore: Does not allow dual citizenship for adults.
Germany: Complex rules. EU citizens can hold dual, but non-EU citizens generally must renounce German citizenship unless an exception applies.
Netherlands: Generally requires renunciation, but exceptions exist (including for those who would lose their nationality automatically).

India: The OCI Alternative

India does not allow dual citizenship. If you are an Indian citizen and become British, you will lose your Indian citizenship. However, India offers the Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card, which provides:

Lifelong visa-free travel to India
The right to work and live in India (with some restrictions)
Exemption from registration requirements

Most Indian nationals who become British apply for an OCI card. It is a practical alternative that maintains most of your connection to India.

Practical Steps Before Applying

Contact your embassy: Confirm the current dual citizenship rules for your country.
Understand the consequences: If you will lose your original citizenship, consider what this means for travel, property ownership, inheritance, and family ties.
Check for alternatives: Some countries offer residency cards, OCI-equivalent schemes, or special status for former citizens.
Time your application: If you need to complete actions in your home country first (selling property, settling affairs), do so before becoming British if your original citizenship will be lost.

After Becoming British

If your home country allows dual citizenship, no further action is needed from the immigration perspective. If your country does not allow it, you may need to:

Surrender your original passport to the embassy
Apply for any alternative status (OCI card, etc.)
Update your travel documents
Inform relevant authorities in your home country

For country-specific guides, visit our country-specific hub.

Related guides:

For official guidance, see GOV.UK: apply for citizenship with ILR.