What is Right of Abode?

Having the Right of Abode allows you to live and work in the UK without Immigration restrictions. You will be able to live in the UK as long as you want and there is no limit on your length of stay. British Citizens automatically have Right of Abode in the UK.

You may qualify for Right of Abode if you are a commonwealth citizen. You can apply for Right of Abode from outside or inside the United Kingdom. You can apply for certificate of entitlement to Right of Abode, which is generally granted up to the length of your passport.

Qualifications & Eligibility for Right of Abode

Following Commonwealth citizens qualify for the Certificate of Entitlement to the Right of Abode:

• Either by birth, adoption or registration;

• Those legally adopted before 1st January 1983 by a person born in the UK;

• A woman who married a man prior to 1st January 1983 with the right of abode;

• Applicants who are born before 1st January 1983 to a mother born in the UK or UK born biological father .

Eligibility for Right of Abode

• A citizen of the United Kingdom and Colonies who was born, adopted, naturalised or registered in the UK or Islands; or

• A citizen of the United Kingdom and Colonies born to or adopted by a parent who, at the time of the person’s birth or adoption, had right of abode; or

• A citizen of the United Kingdom and Colonies who was ordinarily resident in the UK for any continuous period of 5 years before 31 Dec 1982; or

• A Commonwealth citizen (not a citizen of the United Kingdom and Colonies) with a parent / adoptive parent who, at the time of the person’s birth / adoption, was a citizen of the United Kingdom and Colonies by birth in the United Kingdom; or

• A female Commonwealth citizen who is, or has been, married to a man with right of abode at any time before 31 Dec 1982; or

• A citizen of the United Kingdom and Colonies woman who is, or has been married to a man with right of abode at any time before 31 Dec 1982.