Can I have dual citizenship in the UK?

What dual citizenship means

Dual citizenship (also called dual nationality) means you are a citizen of two countries at once. The UK allows it. You do not need to apply for it or ask permission. If you are British and become a citizen of another country, you simply stay British.

The catch is the other country. Many countries do not allow dual citizenship, or make you give up your old nationality when you join. The UK cannot tell you their rules. Check with that country's embassy or consulate in the UK before you apply.

Travelling to the UK as a dual citizen

When you come to the UK, you can use:

• a valid UK passport
• a valid Irish passport, or
• a certificate of entitlement, which proves your right to live in the UK

People who are not British or Irish citizens usually need permission to travel, such as an electronic travel authorisation (ETA). You cannot get an ETA if you are a British or Irish dual citizen. So if your UK passport has expired, sort out a UK passport or a certificate of entitlement before you book travel.

If you became British after getting status through the EU Settlement Scheme, there are separate rules that may let you travel using another passport or national identity card.

The certificate of entitlement

Help abroad

As a dual national, you cannot get diplomatic help from the British government while you are in the other country where you are a citizen. For example, a British and French citizen who is in France cannot ask the British government for diplomatic help there.

Marriage and children

• Marrying a British citizen does not make you British automatically. You would need to apply.
• Whether your children get one or both nationalities depends on the rules of each country.

Giving up British citizenship

Some countries ask you to give up other nationalities. You can only renounce British citizenship if you already have, or are about to get, another citizenship. You must usually be 18 or over (or married if younger) and of sound mind.

1. Apply online. If you live outside the UK you can apply by post, but GOV.UK advises applying online.
2. If you apply online, you can usually keep your documents while your application is processed.
3. If approved, you get a declaration of renunciation.

In some cases you can later apply to resume British nationality.

Related guides

• Can I become a British citizen?
• When can I get indefinite leave to remain?
• How much does it cost to become a British citizen?
• How do I register my child as a British citizen?
• How do I book the Life in the UK Test?

Where this comes from

• Dual citizenship (GOV.UK)
• Apply for a certificate of entitlement (GOV.UK)
• Give up (renounce) British citizenship (GOV.UK)
• Renounce British citizenship: how to apply (GOV.UK)