British Nationality Act 1981

Summary

The British Nationality Act 1981 is the primary statute governing British citizenship. It replaced the concept of 'Citizen of the United Kingdom and Colonies' with several categories of British nationality, most importantly British citizenship. It sets out how citizenship is acquired (by birth, descent, registration, or naturalisation) and the requirements for naturalisation including residence, good character, and knowledge of English.

Key Points

• Creates six forms of British nationality, primarily British citizenship (Part I)
• Acquisition by birth in the UK — requires at least one parent who is a British citizen or settled (s.1)
• Acquisition by descent — born outside UK to a British citizen parent (s.2)
• Registration routes for certain categories (ss.3–6)
• Naturalisation requirements: 5 years residence, good character, language (s.6, Sch.1)
• Deprivation of citizenship powers (s.40)
• Stateless persons provisions (s.36, Sch.2)

Parts & Sections

Amendments History