Nationality describes a person’s legal connection with a country or state. It can affect matters such as the nationality a person holds, the passport they may be entitled to use and the rights that arise under the laws of that country.
Although nationality and citizenship are often used interchangeably in everyday conversation, they are not always identical legal concepts. This distinction is particularly important in the United Kingdom because British nationality is an umbrella term covering several different legal statuses. British citizenship is one of those statuses, but not every British national is necessarily a British citizen.
Your nationality may depend on where and when you were born, your parents’ status or nationality, descent, registration, naturalisation and, in some cases, historical nationality rules.
Here, we explain what nationality means, what a UK national or British national is, how dual nationality in the UK works, how to identify your nationality and the main ways British nationality or citizenship may be acquired.
What Is Nationality? Meaning and Definition
In simple terms, nationality is the legal relationship between an individual and a state.
It identifies the country or state that legally recognises a person as one of its nationals under its nationality laws.
Nationality can arise automatically or be acquired later in life. Depending on the country and the circumstances, it may result from:
- birth
- descent from a parent
- registration
- naturalisation
- adoption
- other provisions within nationality law.
The precise consequences of holding a nationality vary between countries.
Nationality Meaning in Simple Terms
A straightforward nationality definition is:
Nationality is a person’s legal connection with a country or state under that country’s nationality laws.
For example, British, Irish, French, Canadian and Australian are examples of nationalities.
However, nationality should not automatically be confused with the country where a person currently lives or even the country where they were born.
Someone can be born in one country, live in another and hold the nationality of a third country.
Nationality Meaning and Definition in Law
The legal meaning and definition of nationality can be more complicated than its everyday use.
Different countries have different rules governing:
- who acquires nationality automatically;
- whether nationality can pass from parents to children;
- whether multiple nationalities are permitted;
- how nationality can be acquired later;
- whether nationality can be renounced or lost.
In the British context, nationality status can be especially important because UK law currently recognises six different forms of British nationality rather than a single universal status.
Nationality vs Citizenship, Country of Birth and National Identity
Nationality, citizenship, country of birth and national identity can describe different things.
| Term | General Meaning |
|---|---|
| Nationality | A person’s legal connection with a country or state |
| Citizenship | A legal status carrying particular rights and responsibilities |
| Country of birth | The country where the person was born |
| Country of residence | The country where the person currently lives |
| National identity | How someone identifies nationally or culturally |
| Passport | A travel document that can provide evidence of a particular nationality or citizenship status |
For example, someone may have been born in France, live in England and hold British nationality.
Similarly, being born in the UK does not necessarily mean a person automatically became a British citizen.
This is why questions such as “what is my nationality?” cannot always be answered using someone’s birthplace alone.
What Is a UK National or British National?
The expressions UK national and British national are sometimes used loosely, but the exact legal status matters.
In the context of British nationality law, a British national may hold one of several recognised forms of British nationality.
The UK currently recognises six types.
UK National Meaning
In general conversation, UK national is commonly used to describe someone with a form of British nationality.
However, you should not assume that every person described as a British or UK national has exactly the same rights.
The person’s particular nationality status is important.
For example, a British citizen generally has the right to live and work in the UK free from immigration controls. Some other forms of British nationality do not automatically provide that same right.
The Six Types of British Nationality
The six current forms of British nationality are:
| Type of British Nationality | General Position |
|---|---|
| British citizen | The most familiar form of British nationality |
| British overseas territories citizen | Connected with qualifying British overseas territories |
| British overseas citizen | A status largely arising from historical British nationality arrangements |
| British subject | A comparatively rare modern nationality status |
| British National (Overseas) | A status associated historically with Hong Kong |
| British protected person | A limited status arising from particular historical connections |
The rights attached to these statuses are not identical.
For example, GOV.UK confirms that British overseas citizens and British Nationals (Overseas) do not automatically have the right to live or work in the UK solely because they hold those statuses.
This is why identifying the specific type of British nationality is more useful than simply asking whether someone is a British national.
Is British a Nationality?
Yes. British is a nationality, but British nationality can refer to several legal statuses.
The most common is British citizenship.
Someone who is a British citizen is a British national, but the expression “British national” can also encompass people who hold another recognised British nationality status.
British National vs British Citizen
The distinction can be summarised as follows:
| British National | British Citizen |
|---|---|
| Broad description covering recognised British nationality statuses | One specific form of British nationality |
| Exact rights depend on the status held | Generally has the right to live and work in the UK without immigration controls |
| May not automatically have the right to live in the UK | Has the right of abode associated with British citizenship |
| May be eligible for a particular form of British passport depending on status | Can apply for a British citizen passport subject to passport requirements |
GOV.UK confirms that British citizens can live and work in the UK free from immigration controls and can apply for a UK passport.
The distinction matters particularly where someone holds an older or less common form of British nationality.
What Is My Nationality and How Can I Check?
Your nationality depends on the nationality laws that apply to your personal circumstances.
Useful evidence may include your:
- passport
- citizenship or nationality certificate
- birth certificate
- parents’ birth or nationality documents
- registration certificate
- naturalisation certificate
- other official nationality records.
However, a birth certificate showing that you were born in a particular country does not necessarily prove that you acquired that country’s nationality.
How Nationality Can Be Acquired
Nationality may be acquired in several ways.
Birth
Some people acquire nationality automatically because of where and when they were born and the status of their parents.
Descent
A person may acquire nationality through a parent and, under some nationality systems or circumstances, through earlier generations.
Registration
UK nationality law provides registration routes for certain people who meet particular statutory conditions.
Naturalisation
An adult who was not automatically British may be able to apply to become a British citizen through naturalisation if the relevant requirements are met.
The correct route depends on the person’s individual circumstances.
Does Your Passport Show Your Nationality?
A passport normally identifies the nationality or legal status under which it was issued and can therefore be important evidence when checking nationality.
However, not every British passport holder necessarily has British citizenship.
For example, some people holding other forms of British nationality may also be entitled to a British passport.
You should therefore check the nationality status stated in the passport rather than assuming that possession of any British passport automatically means British citizenship.
What If I Am Unsure About My British Nationality?
British nationality can become complicated where a person’s status depends on historical legislation, parental circumstances or events that occurred many years ago.
Factors may include:
- your date of birth;
- your place of birth;
- your parents’ nationality;
- whether a parent was settled in the UK;
- whether your parents were married;
- adoption;
- previous nationality status;
- connections with former British territories; and
- changes in nationality legislation.
GOV.UK advises people who are unsure whether they hold British nationality to check their status and, where necessary, contact UK Visas and Immigration.
If I Was Born in England, What Is My Nationality?
Being born in England does not always mean that your nationality is automatically British.
The answer depends particularly on when you were born and your parents’ circumstances at the time.
Born in the UK Before 1 January 1983
A person born in the UK before 1 January 1983 will usually have become a British citizen automatically, subject to limited exceptions.
GOV.UK identifies exceptions including certain children of foreign diplomats and particular historical circumstances involving the Channel Islands during the Second World War.
Born in the UK on or After 1 January 1983
Being born in England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland on or after 1 January 1983 does not by itself automatically make someone a British citizen.
A person born in the UK on or after that date will generally be automatically British where, at the time of birth, at least one parent was a British citizen or settled in the UK, subject to the rules applying to the person’s circumstances and date of birth.
People who were not automatically British at birth may nevertheless qualify to register as British citizens later.
If you need to determine whether you are already British or whether you may qualify to acquire citizenship, see our British Citizenship guidance for the relevant routes.
What Is Dual Nationality?
Dual nationality means holding the nationality or citizenship of two countries at the same time.
It is also commonly described as:
- dual citizenship;
- double nationality; or
- having two nationalities.
For example, someone may simultaneously be a British citizen and an Irish citizen if they qualify under the laws of both countries.
Whether this is possible depends on the nationality laws of both countries involved.
Dual Nationality UK: Can You Have Two Nationalities?
Yes. The United Kingdom allows dual nationality, also known as dual citizenship.
This means British law can allow a person to hold British citizenship while also holding the nationality of another country.
However, the fact that the UK permits dual nationality does not mean that every other country does.
Some countries:
- permit dual nationality freely;
- allow it only in certain circumstances;
- require official permission;
- impose restrictions; or
- may treat acquisition of another citizenship as affecting the person’s original nationality.
The nationality law of the other country should therefore be checked before acquiring another citizenship.
Do You Apply for Dual Nationality Separately?
No.
There is no separate UK application simply to become a dual citizen.
A person may become a dual national because they already possess another nationality and later acquire British citizenship, or because they automatically hold more than one nationality under the relevant countries’ laws.
GOV.UK confirms that a British citizen does not need to make a separate dual-citizenship application.
For a more detailed explanation of keeping another citizenship when becoming British, see our guide to Dual Citizenship UK.
Can Every Nationality Be Held With British Nationality?
Not necessarily.
The UK allowing dual nationality only answers the British side of the question.
A second country may have different rules, so anyone considering acquiring British citizenship while retaining another nationality should check that country’s current law or obtain advice from its embassy, consulate or an appropriately qualified professional.
Our dedicated Dual Citizenship UK guide considers the issue in more detail.
How to Get British Nationality
There is no single route called simply “getting British nationality”.
A person’s status may arise:
- automatically at birth
- through a British parent
- through registration
- through naturalisation
- through adoption in qualifying circumstances
- under particular provisions of British nationality legislation.
Which route applies depends on the person’s history and the type of British status involved.
British Nationality Application vs British Citizenship Application
The phrase British nationality application is broad.
Not everyone who becomes British follows the same application process, and some people are already British automatically and therefore do not need to apply to acquire citizenship at all.
Others may need to:
- register as a British citizen
- apply for naturalisation
- establish an existing claim to British citizenship
- use a route connected with another form of British nationality.
GOV.UK confirms that people who already hold certain other forms of British nationality may, in appropriate circumstances, be able to register as British citizens.
Applying for British Citizenship by Naturalisation
Naturalisation is an important route for adults who have established their lives in the UK and meet the applicable citizenship requirements.
The rules can involve matters such as:
- immigration status
- residence history
- permitted absences
- English-language requirements
- the Life in the UK Test
- good character
- future intentions, depending on the route.
The exact requirements depend on the applicant’s circumstances, including whether they are applying on the basis of marriage to a British citizen.
For detailed eligibility, documentation and application guidance, see our British Citizenship service page rather than relying on a general nationality definition guide.
What Are the Benefits of Nationality?
The benefits of nationality depend on the country and the particular nationality status held.
Possible rights or advantages can include:
- recognition as a national of the country
- eligibility for an appropriate passport
- consular assistance abroad
- residence rights
- political or civic rights where applicable
- the ability to return to the country
- in some circumstances, the ability to pass nationality to children.
These rights should not be assumed to be identical for every nationality.
This is particularly important with British nationality because the six recognised forms of British nationality carry different legal consequences.
Benefits of British Citizenship
British citizenship provides particularly significant rights within the UK.
A British citizen can generally:
- live in the UK without immigration restrictions
- work in the UK without needing immigration permission
- apply for a British citizen passport
- leave and return to the UK subject to normal passport and border requirements
- exercise applicable civic and political rights where the relevant conditions are met.
GOV.UK confirms that British citizens can live and work in the UK free from immigration controls.
Other forms of British nationality should not automatically be assumed to provide all the same rights.
Nationality Questions at a Glance
| Question | Short Answer |
|---|---|
| What is nationality? | A person’s legal relationship with a country or state under its nationality law |
| What does nationality mean? | It identifies the state that legally recognises someone as its national |
| Is British a nationality? | Yes. British nationality includes several different legal statuses |
| What is a UK national? | Generally someone holding a recognised form of British nationality, although the exact status matters |
| Is a British national always a British citizen? | No |
| Can you have dual nationality in the UK? | Yes. UK law permits dual nationality |
| Does being born in England make you British? | Not always; the date of birth and parents’ circumstances matter |
| Is nationality the same as country of birth? | No |
| How can British nationality be acquired? | Depending on the circumstances, through birth, descent, registration, naturalisation or other nationality provisions |
| Do you apply separately for dual nationality? | No |
Frequently Asked Questions About Nationality
What does nationality mean?
Nationality generally means the legal connection between a person and a country or state. It is determined by that country’s nationality laws and may be acquired through birth, descent, registration, naturalisation or another recognised route.
What is a nationality?
A nationality is the legal status that identifies someone as a national of a particular state. British, Irish, French and Canadian are examples of nationalities.
What is an example of nationality?
If someone is legally recognised as a British citizen, British is an example of their nationality. Other examples include Irish, French, Italian, Australian and Canadian.
Nationality should not be confused with ethnicity or the country where someone happens to live.
Is nationality your country?
Not exactly.
Nationality describes your legal connection with a country or state. It is not necessarily the same as your country of birth, current country of residence or national identity.
For example, someone could be born in India, live in the UK and hold British nationality.
Is British a nationality?
Yes. British is a nationality.
However, British nationality includes several legal statuses, including British citizenship, British overseas territories citizenship, British overseas citizenship, British subject status, British National (Overseas) status and British protected person status.
What is nationality if British?
If you are legally a British citizen, your nationality would ordinarily be described as British.
However, where an official form or legal process asks for your nationality, you should check exactly what information it requires because there are several types of British nationality.
Someone who is a British National (Overseas), for example, has a different legal status from a British citizen.
What does UK national mean?
A UK national generally refers to someone with a recognised form of British nationality, although the exact legal meaning can depend on context.
Because different British nationality statuses carry different rights, it is better to identify the specific status rather than rely only on the expression “UK national”.
What is the difference between a British national and a British citizen?
British citizen is one specific form of British nationality.
British national is a broader expression that can include people holding other recognised British nationality statuses.
British citizens generally have the right to live and work in the UK without immigration controls, while some other British nationals do not automatically have that right.
How do I know my nationality?
Start by checking your passport and any nationality or citizenship certificates you hold.
If your status is unclear, relevant facts may include:
- where and when you were born;
- your parents’ nationality;
- your parents’ status when you were born;
- whether you have been registered or naturalised;
- whether you were adopted; and
- whether historical British nationality rules apply.
For complicated British nationality cases, documentary and legal analysis may be necessary.
What is my nationality if I was born in England?
Being born in England does not automatically determine your nationality in every case.
People born in the UK before 1 January 1983 will usually have become British citizens automatically, subject to limited exceptions. For people born on or after 1 January 1983, parental nationality or settled status can be decisive.
Can I have dual nationality in the UK?
Yes. The UK permits dual nationality.
You can potentially be a British citizen while also holding citizenship of another country. However, you must also check whether the other country allows you to retain its nationality.
Is dual nationality the same as double nationality?
Yes. Dual nationality, double nationality and dual citizenship are commonly used to describe a person who simultaneously holds two nationalities or citizenships.
The exact terminology used in law can vary between countries.
How do I get British nationality?
The route depends on your circumstances.
You may already be British automatically because of birth or descent, or you may be able to acquire British citizenship through registration or naturalisation.
The appropriate route can depend on your birthplace, date of birth, parents’ status, residence history and current immigration status.
Do I need to make a British nationality application?
Not necessarily.
Some people acquire British citizenship automatically and do not need to apply to become British. Others must register or apply for naturalisation.
If you are unsure whether you are already British, establish your current nationality status before submitting a citizenship application.
Understanding Your Nationality
Nationality is more than the country where you were born or where you currently live. It is a legal status determined by the nationality laws that apply to your circumstances.
For UK purposes, the most important distinction is that British nationality is broader than British citizenship. The UK recognises six forms of British nationality, and the rights attached to them are not identical.
If you are unsure whether you are a British citizen, whether you acquired British nationality through birth or descent, or whether you can become British while retaining another nationality, your date and place of birth, parents’ circumstances and existing legal status should be considered carefully.