UK Right of Abode

The Certificate of Entitlement to the Right of Abode will entitle you to live in the United Kingdom. You may enter and leave the UK freely, and work in any capacity. Holders of a Right of Abode stamp are free from immigration control.

Once approved, there is no expiry or time limit.

If you have the Right to Abode, you will also be eligible to apply for either Indefinite Leave to Remain, or register as a British Citizen, making the Right of Abode stamp redundant.

Eligibility

British nationals have the Right of Abode without applying for it.

Dual nationals that do not hold a British passport may obtain a Right of Abode stamp in a foreign passport to allow travel to the UK without any problems.

Commonwealth nationals born before 1 January 1983 with a parent born in the UK are eligible to claim a Right of Abode.

Commonwealth women married to a person meeting the criteria of any of the scenarios above are also eligible. (South African and Pakistani nationals do not qualify as their countries were not part of the Commonwealth until 1 January 1983.)

Dual nationality

Right of Abode stamps are ideal for nationals of countries that do not allow dual citizenship. You will not lose your foreign nationality by claiming a Right of Abode in the UK, whereas some countries will withdraw your citizenship once you obtain British citizenship.

Dependants

Spouses and dependants of those who qualify for the Right of Abode may enter the UK with a view to settling. Spouses and dependants will need to enter the UK with a qualifying person, or to join a qualifying person already in the UK.