Right of abode

This page explains who has the right to live permanently in the UK without any immigration restrictions. This is officially known as 'right of abode in the UK'. It means you do not need an immigration officer's permission to enter the country, and can live and work here without restriction.

Who has the right of abode?

All British citizens have the right of abode in the UK. To find out whether you are a British citizen, see the Who already has British citizenship? page.

Some Commonwealth citizens also have the right of abode, but some others cannot claim the right of abode. For more information, see the Commonwealth citizens and the right of abode page.

How to claim the right of abode

You can use the following documents as evidence that you have the right of abode:

• a UK passport describing you as a British citizen or a British subject with the right of abode; or
• a UK identity card describing you as a British citizen or a British subject with the right of abode; or
• a certificate of entitlement to the right of abode in the UK, which has been issued by the UK government or on its behalf.

You can find out how to obtain a UK passport on the Identity and Passport Service website.

If you do not have a passport or identity card confirming your right of abode, you must apply for a certificate of entitlement in order to claim the right of abode.

How to apply for a replacement registration/naturalisation certificate

If you need to apply for a duplicate registration/naturalisation certificate because you have lost yours, you should complete and return the duplicate registration form which you can download from the right side of this page.

Our fees leaflet (2.0MB opens in a new window) contains information about the fee you will have to pay when you apply.