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Can you claim British Nationality?

Getting a British passport might be easier than you think. Thanks to the UK's historical laws and agreements with former territories, you may qualify for British nationality depending on where you, your parents and grandparents were born. 

South Africa

You could qualify for a British Passport if:

  • you were born in South Africa 30.05.1962 and before 31.12.1982 and you have a UK-born grandparent.

Fast facts

You could be eligible for British citizenship if you were:

  • Born to a parent (a father or 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 a) was a British Citizen, or b) had a parent born in the UK. 
  • Born after 1948, and your parents were 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 you have a grandfather born in the UK.

There are hundreds of other ways to qualify. As a general rule, if you were born in a country that is different to either parent or any of your grandparents, or you have a connection back to the UK, Ireland or a former British Territory, then you might have a claim.

Expert UK immigration and nationality advice

We are the world’s leading experts in UK immigration and nationality. 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.

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.

Making a successful nationality application

To find out whether you or your children might have a claim, take a couple of moments to complete our FREE online passport assessment.

Tell me if I qualify for a British passport


STATUS OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN PROVINCES

The Cape

Between 1815 and 30.05.1910, the Cape Colony was within the British Crown Dominions.

Natal

The Natal Colony fell within the British Crown Dominions from 1844 until 30.05.1910.

The Transvaal

The Transvaal was within the British Crown Dominions between 1877 and 1881.

From 1881 until 31.08.1900, it was a British Protectorate. Click here for more information on the status of a British Protected Person (based on birth in Transvaal when it was a British Protectorate).

From 01.09.1900 until 30.05.1910, it was within the British Crown Dominions as a colony.

The Orange Free State

The Orange Free State was within the British Crown Dominions between 1848 and 1854.

Between 1854 and 23.05.1900, it was a foreign country.

From 24.05.1900 until 30.05.1910, it was within the British Crown Dominions as a colony.

Other Territories

Other areas within South Africa that were, at some time or another, under the control of the British were:

SOUTH AFRICA

Prior to 31.05.1910, South Africa comprised of four separate territories (above).

From 31.05.1910 until 31.12.1948, South Africa was within the British Crown Dominions.

Between 01.01.1949 and 30.05.1962, it was an independent Commonwealth country. Click here for more information about the consequences of being born in a Commonwealth country.

From 31.05.1962 until 25.07.1994, it was a foreign country.

From 26.07.1994 until the present day, it was a independent Commonwealth country. Click here for more information about the consequences of being born in a Commonwealth country.

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Ask Philip Gamble whether you (or your children) have a claim to British nationality.

ASK PHILIP GAMBLE NOW!
Learn more about these routes to British Nationality:

WhatPassport.com is a specialist UK Nationality and British Citizenship site offering an online search and assessment. Claims to hold a British Passport can be complex and the site offers a quick, simple search to give you the answers. While many people qualify for the UK Ancestry Visa based on holding a Commonwealth passport with a UK born grandmother or grandfather, we have found that if you have a grandparent born in the UK, or if your mother is British or your father is British, then there are several scenarios where you can claim British Nationality and the right to hold a British Passport. This stems from Britain’s collection of British Colonies, British Protectorates and British Protected States in the middle of last century and the Nationality rules concerning what are now the countries of the Commonwealth.

WhatPassport.com is a subsidiary of Sable International.

Sable International offers a range of services relating to UK and Australian immigration. For over 20 years, we have been helping people with their UK and Australian visa applications. We assist with applications for Ancestry visas, spouse visas, work visas, Tier 1 visas, UK working holiday visas, UK dependant visas, Tier 4 visas, UK Visitor visas, sponsorship visas or UK permanent residency or indefinite leave to remain. We also specialise in UK visa extensions. If you’ve overstayed your visa, our Overstayer Status Trace service can assist to regularise your visa status.