Fill in the form online . You’ll usually be able to keep your documents while your application is being processed. If you live in the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man or a British overseas territory , you have to apply in person or by post instead . Check which you can do with your governor’s office. If you live elsewhere, you can apply by post . Avoid applying by post, especially if you need your documents back by a specific date. Get help to apply online You can get help with completing the online form if you: do not feel confident using a computer or mobile device do not have internet access You can only use this service if you’re applying in the UK. You cannot get immigration advice through this service.

You’ll get a ‘declaration of renunciation’ if your application is successful. This will be your application form, officially signed and stamped. The date your citizenship or status stops will be shown on the form. Your supporting documents will be returned to you whether you’re successful or not. Time limits if you’re getting another citizenship You’ll have 6 months from when you received your declaration to get another citizenship - otherwise the declaration will no longer be valid and you’ll keep your British citizenship or status.

Resume your British nationality

In some cases it’s possible to resume your British nationality after renouncing it. Read the guidance to check if you can apply . How to apply Fill in the form online . You’ll usually be able to keep your documents while your application is being processed. If you live in the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man or a British overseas territory , you have to apply in person or by post instead . Check which you can do with your governor’s office. If you live elsewhere, you can apply by post . Avoid applying by post, especially if you need your documents back by a specific date. Get help to apply online You can get help with completing the online form if you: do not feel confident using a computer or mobile device do not have internet access You can only use this service if you’re applying in the UK. You cannot get immigration advice through this service. Fee Pay the current fee for registration . Your fee will not be refunded if your application is refused. Supporting documents You’ll need to provide: your copy of your declaration of renunciation (either form RN1 or R6) your passport, or certificate of naturalisation or registration for your current citizenship or nationality an official letter or statement from the country you’re currently a citizen or national of saying that if you had not given up your British citizenship you’d have lost or failed to get your current citizenship or nationality If you gave up United Kingdom and Colonies citizenship you’ll also need to provide: the birth, naturalisation or registration certificate of the person you have the connection to the UK with, and evidence of your relationship to that person, for example a birth, marriage or civil partnership certificate evidence that you gave up citizenship because you believed you’d be deprived of your citizenship of a Commonwealth country unless you did so - this should be a separate letter explaining this plus any supporting documents You may have to provide different documents if you originally gave up citizenship for a reason other than you’d have lost or failed to get citizenship of another country - read the guidance for details. Providing biometric information and supporting documents When you apply, you’ll be asked to make an appointment at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services ( UKVCAS ) service point to provide your biometric information (your fingerprints and a photo). You’ll also need to submit your supporting documents. You can: upload them into the online service have them scanned at your UKVCAS appointment You must not travel outside of the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man until you get a decision. Your application will be withdrawn if you do. If you’re applying from the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man or a British overseas territory You’ll be told how to provide your biometric information and supporting documents when you apply.

Give up (renounce) British citizenship or nationality

Overview

You can apply to give up (renounce) your British citizenship or status. If accepted, you’ll get a ‘declaration of renunciation’ that you can use to show that you’re no longer British.

You might do this, for example, if you want to become a citizen of another country that does not allow dual citizenship.

You can renounce your:

You can give up more than one at a time.

Giving up your citizenship or status only affects you and not any other members of your family - although it could affect the status of any children you have in future.

Your right to live in the UK will be affected if you give up citizenship.

When you can give up your citizenship

You can only give up your British citizenship or status if either of the following apply:

you already have another citizenship or nationality
you’re going to get another citizenship or nationality after giving up your British citizenship or status

You must also be:

aged 18 or over (unless you’re under 18 and married)
of sound mind (unless it’s decided that it’s in your best interest)

View a printable version of the whole guide

Give up (renounce) British citizenship or nationality

Overview

When you can give up your citizenship

Is this page useful?

Help us improve GOV.UK

Help us improve GOV.UK

Cookies on GOV.UK

Give up (renounce) British citizenship or nationality

Overview

When you can give up your citizenship

Related content

Is this page useful?

Help us improve GOV.UK

Help us improve GOV.UK