Right of Abode and Certificate of Entitlement

The Certificate of Entitlement is a proof of Right of Abode in the UK. Having right of abode means a person is allowed to live or work in the UK free from immigration restrictions. This right is most commonly held by British citizens and certain Commonwealth citizens with close historic ties to the UK. If you have the right of abode but do not hold a British passport, you may need to apply for a Certificate of Entitlement, which provides formal proof of your citizenship.

What Is the Right of Abode?

The right of abode means a person can enter and remain in the UK without immigration control. If  person has the right of abode, they do not need a visa or electronic travel authorisation (ETA) to come to the UK. They are not subject to visa restrictions or work limitations.

A person automatically has the right of abode if they are:

• A British citizen; or
• (through Parent) A Commonwealth citizen on 31 December 1982, with a parent who was born in the UK and a citizen of the United Kingdom and Colonies (CUKC) at the time of their birth, and who did not stop being a Commonwealth citizen (even temporarily) at any point after 31 December 1982. 
• (through Marriage) A female Commonwealth citizen, who has been married to someone with right of abode before 1 January 1983, and has not stopped being a Commonwealth citizen (even temporarily) at any point after 31 December 1982 
• (through Marriage) A female Commonwealth citizen, who legally entered the UK as their husband’s only wife while married, and before 1 August 1988, even if their husband has other wives in the UK, and has been in the UK since their marriage 

A person can prove the right of abode if they have a UK passport describing them as a British citizen or British subject with right of abode.

Who Can Apply for a Certificate of Entitlement?

If a person does not hold a British passport, but have naturalised or registered as a British citizen, or if they believe they have the right of abode, they can apply for a Certificate of Entitlement to the Right of Abode, which will be endorsed in their valid foreign passport.

A person cannot hold both a British passport and a Certificate of Entitlement at the same time.

If you have any questions or would like to speak with an immigration solicitor, please get in touch via +44 20 8088 2555 or email us at info@darkgreen-dugong-323401.hostingersite.com.