UK Dual Citizenship Law

What the Law Allows — and What to Watch For

UK law generally permits dual citizenship, but there are important exceptions that can affect your existing nationality. Passportia advises on all of these.

• General Rule: Dual Nationality Permitted
  British citizens may hold a second nationality. US, Australian, Canadian, South African, and New Zealand citizens may generally retain their citizenship on acquiring British nationality (subject to their own country's laws).
• British Subjects & Protected Persons
  A British subject or British protected person will lose that status on acquiring another citizenship. This is a narrow category affecting relatively few people.
• Overseas Citizens & Special Categories
  British Overseas citizens, British National (Overseas), and certain British Overseas Territories citizens may permanently lose eligibility if they acquire another citizenship before registering as a full British citizen.
• Deprivation Risk
  Any British national who holds or acquires a second citizenship is, in certain circumstances, potentially more susceptible to citizenship deprivation proceedings. This is a complex, evolving area of law — expert advice matters.