If you’re a South African, a British passport could be more attainable than you might think. Thanks to the UK’s historical laws and agreements with former colonies, you may qualify for British citizenship depending on where you, your parents and grandparents were born.
Fast Facts
You could be eligible for British citizenship if you were:
- Born to a mother who was born in the UK before 1983.
- Born before 1983 to a parent who was born after 1949, as long as that parent:
- Was a British citizen, or
- Had a parent who was born in the UK.
- Born in South Africa after 31 May 1962, but before 1983, and you have a UK-born grandparent.
- Born after 1948, to parents married before 1949 and your paternal grandfather (your dad’s dad) was born in the UK.
- Born between 2 March 1970 and 18 April 1980 in (Southern) Rhodesia and have a grandfather born in the UK.
Expert UK immigration and nationality advice
We are the world leader in UK immigration and nationality law. For over 22 years, we have been helping thousands of people navigate the complex path to British citizenship.
Some claims to British nationality are relatively straightforward and can be completed quickly if you meet the above requirements. Other claims can be extremely complex and can only be determined by researching old nationality laws.
If you were born in a country that is different to either parent or any of your grandparents, or if you have a connection back to the UK or Ireland, we will be able to give you a definitive answer to your nationality queries.
Making a Successful Nationality Application
Our expertise in British nationality and immigration law means that when we submit an application on your behalf, you can be sure it will be successful.