Applicants adopted outside the United Kingdom by a British citizen parent

Although the UK recognises legal adoptions in Commonwealth and some non-Commonwealth countries, an adoption itself does not confer British nationality. The nationality rules concerning adoption are complex but if you were under 18 years of age and you were adopted in Australia and one of your parents are British, you may be eligible to be registered as a British Citizen but you must make your application before your 18th birthday.

If you were adopted in one of the following countries: Anguilla; Austria; Bahamas; Barbados; Belgium; Belize; Bermuda; Botswana; British Virgin Islands; Canada; Cayman Islands; China; Cyprus (Rep Denmark; Dominica; Fiji; Finland; France; Germany; Ghana; Gibraltar; Greece; Guyana; Hong Kong; Iceland; Ireland (Rep Israel; Italy; Jamaica; Kenya; Lesotho; Luxembourg; Malawi; Malaysia; Malta; Mauritius; Montserrat; Namibia; Netherlands; New Zealand; Nigeria; Norway Pitcairn; Portugal; Seychelles; Singapore; South Africa; Spain, Sri Lanka; St Christopher and Nevis; St Vincent, Surinam; Swaziland; Sweden; Switzerland; Tanzania; Tonga; Trinidad and Tobago; Turkey; Uganda; USA; Yugoslavia; or Zambia, you may also be entitled to register as a British Citizen if you are under 18 years of age.

If you are adopted and over 18 years of age, you will not qualify for British Citizenship by registration but you should contact our Visa Section to see if you qualify for a visa.

For further information on registering as a British citizen refer to the citizenship section of the website.