MN1 Form: Registration as British Citizen

Registration vs Naturalisation

Before completing the MN1 form (available on the GOV.UK MN1 form page), make sure registration is the correct route for you. If you have lived in the UK on visas and hold ILR, you almost certainly need Form AN (naturalisation) instead.

Registration is for people who have an existing claim to British citizenship. For a detailed comparison, see our naturalisation vs registration guide.

Common Registration Routes

Section 1(3): Born in the UK, Parent Later Became British or Settled

A child born in the UK after 1 January 1983 is not automatically British unless a parent was British or settled at the time of birth. However, if a parent later becomes British or gets ILR, the child is entitled to be registered as British under Section 1(3).

Evidence needed: the child's birth certificate, the parent's naturalisation certificate or ILR evidence, and proof of the parent-child relationship.

Section 1(4): Born in the UK and Lived Here for 10 Years

A person born in the UK who has lived here for the first 10 years of their life, with no more than 90 days absent in any of those years, is entitled to be registered as British. This applies regardless of the parents' immigration status.

Evidence needed: birth certificate, evidence of residence for 10 years (school records, GP records, utility bills at family address).

Section 4G: Children of British Fathers (Born Before July 2006)

Before 1 July 2006, children born to unmarried British fathers did not automatically become British. Section 4G allows these individuals to register. There is no age limit and no residence requirement.

Section 4C: Historical Gender Discrimination

Before 1983, British citizenship could only pass to children through the father. Section 4C allows people who would have been British if the law had not discriminated based on gender to register as British.

This route is particularly relevant for people born before 1983 to British mothers who were not married to a British father.

Section 3(1): Children Born Abroad to British Citizens

A child born abroad to a British citizen by descent (someone who acquired citizenship themselves through registration or naturalisation, rather than by birth in the UK) may not automatically be British. Parents can apply to register the child.

Completing the MN1 Form

Part 1: Details of the Applicant

Provide the full name, date of birth, place of birth, and current nationality of the person being registered. For child applicants, the parent or guardian completes the form on their behalf.

Part 2: Details of Parents

Provide the full details of both parents, including their nationality, date of birth, place of birth, and immigration status. This information is critical because most registration routes depend on the parents' nationality or immigration status.

Part 3: The Legal Basis for Registration

You must identify which section of the British Nationality Act 1981 you are applying under. This is important because the eligibility criteria differ for each section. If you are unsure, seek legal advice. Applying under the wrong section can result in refusal.

Part 4: Residency and Absences

Some registration routes have residency or absence requirements. If applicable, list all periods of absence from the UK. The requirements vary by section, so check what applies to your route.

Part 5: Good Character

For adult applicants and for some child registration routes, the good character requirement applies. Disclose all criminal convictions, cautions, and any other matters that may be relevant.

For children under 10, the good character requirement does not apply. For children aged 10 to 17, it applies but is assessed more leniently than for adults.

Part 6: Referees

Like naturalisation, registration applications require referees. The requirements are similar to those for Form AN: two referees who have known the applicant (or, for children, the family) for at least 3 years.