passport of United Kingdom

United Kingdom Passport

Passport rankings out of 193 countries

Freedom of travel9

Asset protection8

Quality of life14

"Plan B"13

About United Kingdom

An island state in the northwest of continental Europe. Includes four "historical countries": England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The British monarch is the head of 15 other states and the Commonwealth of Nations. Great Britain is one of the most developed countries in the world, an important financial, business and cultural center. In 2019, foreigners visited the country about 40 million times.

In order to move to the UK and obtain citizenship after 5-6 years of residence in the country, wealthy people can get a Tier 1 Investor visa for an investment of 2 million pounds.

Population

67.1 million

Capital

London

Official language

English, Welsh, Scots, Gaelic, Irish, Cornish

GDP per capita

$41.811

Time zone

UTC+0

Currency

GBP

UK passport ranking and benefits

  • 1

    Travel to 185 countries of the world

    The UK passport opens visa-free access to the Schengen countries, the USA, Canada, Australia, Japan, and other states.

  • 2

    Comfortable living conditions

    United Kingdom is in the top 5 greenest countries in Europe. There are 15 national parks in the country and many green areas in cities. The country is known for its mediaeval cathedrals, castles, unique architecture, and landscape design.

  • 3

    Work and international business

    London ranks fifth in the number of offices of the Global Fortune 500 companies such as BP, Aviva, Prudential, and Unilever. The average annual income of a UK resident is £31,285.

  • 4

    Education and healthcare in the UK 

    UK universities are in the global top 10 and are in the second place worldwide after the US in terms of the higher education quality. The ranking evaluates not only academic reputation but the number of employed graduates.

    Most of the country’s citizens receive healthcare services for free. UK healthcare system holds high positions in world rankings.

Grounds for obtaining the United Kingdom passport

United Kingdom allows dual citizenship

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Birth to citizens of the country

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Marriage to a citizen of the country

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Work for the country's government

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Naturalization

Estimated time: 5 years

repatriation icon

Repatriation

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Adoption

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Parents citizenship

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Special conditions

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Special services to the state

Obtaining the United Kingdom passport by naturalization: requirements for applicants

Knowledge of state language

Assimilation or cultural knowledge

Stable financial status

Good health

No criminal records

Frequently asked questions

  • How do I get a UK passport?

    British citizenship is obtained by naturalisation, birthright, adoption, marriage, pedigree, service to the government of the country and investment.

    To obtain British citizenship by naturalisation, you need to live in the country for at least 5 years, pass language and country history tests, have a regular income, not use the benefits and not have a criminal record.

    A UK passport through marriage can be obtained after 5 years of permanent residence in the country. The family should have a stable income and not use the benefits. The spouse of a British citizen takes language and country history tests.

    High-net-worth people can obtain citizenship after 6 years of residence in the country for an investment of at least 2 million pounds. Or in 5 years — with an investment of at least 5 million pounds.

  • Does the UK recognize dual citizenship?

    Yes, British citizens can hold multiple citizenship, as long as it does not contradict the laws of other states.

  • How to reside in the UK with the citizenship of another state?

    The UK has exited the European Union, so citizens of European states can travel around the country without a visa for up to 90 days during any 180-day period. To stay longer, or to work or study, you will need to get a visa.

  • Who can get UK citizenship by birth?

    British citizenship can be obtained by right of blood — if the child was born to citizens of the country. In this case, the place of birth does not matter.

    British citizenship by right of soil can be obtained by a child born on the territory of the country, provided that his parents are unknown.

  • What are the European Union residency conditions for British citizens?

    The UK exited the European Union in 2021. There remains a visa-free regime between European countries and the UK for trips of no more than 90 days out of every 180 days. If you travel to several European countries, the total number of days should not exceed the 90-day.

    For longer travels, as well as for study, work and business trips, you will need to obtain a visa to any of the European Union countries, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, or Liechtenstein.

  • How to get an education or healthcare treatment in the European Union with a UK passport?

    A child with a UK passport will need to get a visa to enrol in an EU country university. Tuition will cost more than for a European Union citizen. In addition, British citizens do not receive healthcare benefits in other EU countries.

  • How to work in the European Union with a UK passport?

    To start a company in another European state or to work in the European Union, you need to obtain a residence permit or work permit in advance. There are exceptions for international-level highly qualified specialists.

United Kingdom Passport in comparison with other passports