Categories: Expat Life

Dual Nationality for Australia and the UK

Q: I have dual nationality (Australian and Dutch) and hold a valid EEA permit for the UK for over 3 years now.  Do I need to apply for Permanent Residency before applying for  British Citizenship?

A: As an EEA national you will automatically be deemed to have been granted Permanent Residency once you have resided in the United Kingdom continuously for five years, provided that you have consistently exercised your treaty rights during the whole of the five year period.

In order to apply for British Citizenship you need to demonstrate that you have resided in theUnited Kingdomfor five years, that during those years you exercised your treaty rights consistently, and that you have held Permanent Residency for at least 12 months. Accordingly, if you do not have a Permanent Residency Visa in your passport you will need to demonstrate that you have resided in the United Kingdom for six years in total and that for the first of those five years you consistently exercised your treaty rights.

Please contact our offices for further advice and assistance.

JP Breytenbach

Director of Breytenbachs Immigration Consultants Limited

www.bic-immigration.com or info@bic-immigration.com

Breytenbachs Immigration Consultants

Breytenbachs Immigration Consultants Ltd offer expert advice and representation in relation to UK immigration law, UK visa applications, and UK visa reviews and appeals. Our highly qualified consultants have many years of experience in the field of immigration. We pride ourselves on our reputation for excellence, fast results, and friendly personal service.We also offer advice and representation in all South African immigration matters.