BRITISH CITIZENSHIP BY REGISTRATION FOR SWISS (AND NON-SWISS) CITIZENS

If you are a Swiss Citizen (or non-Swiss Citizen) and you do not automatically qualify for British citizenship, you may be eligible to apply for Registration as a British citizen, either through entitlement or on a discretionary basis.

Eligibility Requirements for Swiss Nationals (and non-Swiss Nationals) to Register as a British Citizen

To qualify for Registration as a British citizen as a Swiss passport holder (or non-Swiss passport holders) you must satisfy the Home Office that you meet one of the following criteria:

1. Born in the UK on or after 1 January 1983:

   • Your parents became British citizens or settled in the UK before your 18th birthday, and you applied for registration before turning 18.

   • Since 13 January 2010, one of your parents joined the armed forces before your 18th birthday, and you applied for registration before turning 18.

   • You were absent from the UK for no more than 90 days in each of the first ten years of your life, and you applied for registration at any time after your 10th birthday.

   
   

2. Born outside the UK on or after 1 January 1983:

   • At your birth, one of your parents was a British citizen by descent, whose parent (your grandparent) was a British citizen otherwise than by descent.

   • Your parent had lived consecutively in the UK for at least three years, absent for no more than 270 days during that period, and you applied for registration before your 18th birthday.

   • Both your parents were in the UK three years before your application, absent for no more than 270 days in the intervening period, and consented to your registration.

   
   

3. Born before 1 January 1983:

   • Your mother was a Citizen of the UK and Colonies at your birth, and you would have been a Citizen of the UK and Colonies through her if the law had allowed for it, with the right of abode in the UK immediately before 1 January 1983.

   
   

4. British Overseas Territories Citizens, British Nationals (Overseas), British Overseas Citizens, British Subjects, or British Protected Persons:

   • You were in the UK five years before applying, absent for no more than 450 days in the preceding five years, and not in breach of UK immigration laws. In the twelve months before applying, you were absent for no more than 90 days or subject to any stay restriction.

   • You apply for registration, have no other citizenship or nationality, and did not voluntarily lose another nationality since specific dates.

   
   

5. Born outside the UK on or after 13 January 2010:

   • Your parent was a member of the armed forces serving outside the UK at your birth, and you apply with parental consent if under 18.

   
   

6. Renunciation of British Citizenship:

   • If you renounced British citizenship previously, you may register if necessary for acquiring or retaining another citizenship.

   
   

Discretionary Registration

Swiss Citizens (and non-Swiss Citizens) who are not entitled to register as a British citizen, may still apply on a discretionary basis:

• As a child, at any time before turning 18.

• As a British overseas territories citizen, at any time.

Additional Considerations for Swiss Citizens (and non-Swiss Citizens) to Register as a British Citizen

• If you are 10 years or older when applying, you must demonstrate good character, a statutory requirement upheld by the Home Office.

• Applications on a discretionary basis, especially for children, should carefully consider the merits and available evidence, particularly regarding future ties to the UK.

British Citizenship Registration Ceremony

Upon successful registration as a British citizen, if you are over 18, you will attend a registration ceremony where you will receive your certificate of registration.

How Our UK British Nationality Lawyers in Switzerland Can Help

Through the Swiss office of our UK immigration law firm, we are delighted to offer a comprehensive range of UK immigration and nationality services to Swiss citizens (and non-Swiss citizens) residing in Switzerland.

Our UK visa and immigration services for Swiss nationals (and non-Swiss nationals) residing in Switzerland encompass expert guidance on all UK citizenship routes for Swiss residents, along with a fully-managed British citizenship application preparation service tailored for Swiss citizens (and non-Swiss citizens) in Switzerland.

Our experienced immigration barristers specialise in navigating the complexities of British nationality law for all types of registration applications. We offer clear, reliable advice and are committed to understanding and meeting our clients’ needs with a professional and approachable service.