Guidance

Registration as British if your mother had connection to a British Overseas Territory

Guidance for how certain people born before 1983, who didn't acquire British nationality at birth because their mother could not pass on status, can apply to correct that.

Documents

Request an accessible format.
If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email [email protected]. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

Details

British Overseas Territories citizenship (BOTC) is a form of British nationality held through a close and continuing connection with a British Overseas Territory. The vast majority of people who hold BOTC also hold British citizenship.

This guidance describes how certain people, who missed out on acquiring British nationality at birth because their mother could not pass on status, can now make an application to correct that using form BOTC(M).

Updates to this page

Published 28 June 2022
Last updated 27 March 2025 show all updates
  1. Updated the list of identity documents as you can use an expired biometric residence permit for 18 months after the expiry date printed on the card.

  2. Updates to fees links and travel advice after becoming British.

  3. Updated information, references and links to fees updated.

  4. First published.

Sign up for emails or print this page