Dual Citizenship Rules for EU and Commonwealth Citizens in the UK: A Comprehensive Guide

The UK allows dual citizenship, so as an EU or Commonwealth citizen you can usually become British without giving up your existing nationality under UK law. The decision that often causes problems sits with your home country, not the UK. Some countries let you hold 2 passports freely, others restrict it, and some ask you to take extra steps before or after naturalising.

This guide explains how the rules work, what changed after Brexit, and where the common traps are. If you want the wider picture before you start, this UK dual citizenship guide covers the basics in plain terms.

Does the UK allow dual citizenship?

Yes. British nationality law allows dual and multiple nationality. You can naturalise as British and keep another citizenship, and a British citizen can usually take a second nationality later without losing British status.

The important check is whether your other country allows it. GOV.UK advises applicants to check with the relevant embassy or consulate before applying, because the UK cannot protect you from losing another nationality if that country’s law requires it.

EU citizens after Brexit

If you are an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen, your route normally runs through the EU Settlement Scheme, unless you have another form of indefinite leave. Most people applying on the 5-year naturalisation route must hold settled status or indefinite leave for 12 months before applying. You do not usually need to wait 12 months if you are married to, or in a civil partnership with, a British citizen.

Brexit did not remove your right under UK law to hold 2 nationalities. It changed the immigration status you need before applying, and it made your home-country rules more important. We look at this in more detail in our piece on Brexit's impact on dual citizenship.

Commonwealth citizens

Commonwealth citizens face the same UK-side naturalisation rules, but their home-country laws vary widely. India, for example, does not allow dual citizenship and offers Overseas Citizen of India status instead. OCI is valuable, but it is not Indian citizenship. Pakistan permits dual nationality with the UK.

Nigeria generally allows dual nationality for citizens by birth, but naturalised Nigerian citizens should check their position carefully.

If you are weighing this up, our note on retaining British citizenship is a sensible starting point, alongside the general steps to apply for British citizenship.

Country	Dual citizenship with the UK
Ireland	Allowed
Poland	Generally allowed
India	Not allowed; OCI status is not citizenship
Pakistan	Allowed under the UK-Pakistan dual nationality arrangement
Nigeria	Generally allowed for citizens by birth
South Africa	Allowed, but the position has changed after recent court rulings, so check before applying
Australia	Allowed

Rules change, and administrative practice can lag behind court decisions. Treat this table as a guide, then confirm your own country’s current position before you commit.

What dual citizenship touches beyond your passport

Holding 2 nationalities can affect practical parts of life. If you plan to buy a home here, our conveyancing solicitors can handle the purchase whatever your nationality. Marriage across borders raises questions our family law solicitors deal with regularly, and arrangements for children who hold 2 nationalities sometimes involve our child custody solicitors.

It is also worth setting up a lasting power of attorney if you own assets in more than 1 country, so someone can act for you if you lose capacity. Tax is the area people underestimate most, which is why we wrote about the tax implications of dual citizenship.

Keeping, losing and using your status

In narrow cases, the UK can deprive someone of British citizenship, usually on serious public-interest or fraud grounds. It is rare, but real, and we explain it in can dual citizens be deported.

For most people, the day-to-day issue is simpler: travelling with two passports. British dual citizens are generally advised to use a British passport, or a certificate of entitlement to the right of abode, when travelling to the UK.

On cost, naturalising as an adult now costs £1,839 in total, made up of a £1,709 application fee and a £130 citizenship ceremony fee. The Life in the UK test costs a further £50. Fees usually rise, so check the current figures on GOV.UK before you apply.

Frequently asked questions

Does the UK allow dual citizenship?

Yes. The UK allows you to hold British citizenship alongside 1 or more other nationalities.

Will I lose my current citizenship if I become British?

That depends on your other country’s law, not UK law.

Does India allow dual citizenship with the UK?

No. Indian nationals usually surrender Indian citizenship if they become British, though OCI status may be available.

Can EU citizens hold dual British citizenship?

Usually yes under UK law, provided their EU member state also allows it.

Get th sequence right the first time

If you are considering a second nationality, the order you do things in matters, and a small mistake can cost you your original citizenship. Speak to the team at Athi Law for advice tailored to your country and your circumstances, and get it right the first time.