Can Indians Apply for British Dual Citizenship? A Quick Guide

Did you know a recent report states that in the United Kingdom, Indian nationals are the largest number? In 2020/21, approximately 896,000 Indians were living in the UK. So, if you also want Dual British citizenship to acquire a good lifestyle and also to send money to India, rest assured you can apply for it with a plus point that you will not feel homesick with so many Indians around you. Indeed, a chance to get British dual citizenship retains the benefits of living & earning in the country, which is among the top most designating countries in the world. Let's help you find quick insights into how Indians can apply for British dual citizenship.

Significance of British Dual Citizenship for Indians

It's worthwhile to know why Indians want to get British dual citizenship. As an Indian national, you will have the following perks from British dual citizenship.

• You can permanently remain in the United Kingdom without worrying about visa or passport renewals. 
• After a continuous period of five years, you will be granted the right to permanent residency. After that period, you can submit an application for British citizenship.
• Those accepted for citizenship in the United Kingdom receive a passport in the ordinary (O) category.
• You do not need a visa to enter any European country.
• You will soon have the right to cast a vote in British elections. 
• You will be eligible for free medical care, schooling, and other benefits, including retirement and funeral payments. 
• Having British citizenship also gives your children unrestricted access to the educational opportunities and travel options of the United Kingdom.
• As an O-category citizen, you will likely not be required to pay any British taxes if you are an Indian. 
• When British citizens returning from abroad, they are not subject to exit-entry controls. 
• If you are an O-category citizen, you can apply to sponsor your parents or your spouse's parents for permanent residency in the country. 
• Whether you fall under the O or non-O category of British citizenship, you have the right to work in the country and transfer money to India.
• If you pass away in a hospital in the United Kingdom, your family can bring your remains back to India free of charge. 

The Difference between UK ILR and UK Citizenship 

Both ILR and British citizenship offer benefits, but they do so in distinct ways. Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) allows a person to continue living and working in the United Kingdom indefinitely. Still, it does not grant the individual the right to vote or seek a British passport. You will be entitled to these protections once you have obtained British citizenship. However, you do all this to get a good job and support your loved ones back home with a regular money transfer to India from the UK.

If you have ILR, indefinite leave to remain in the UK, you can travel abroad for up to two years. You'll need to apply for a return visa if you want to come back after this time frame has passed. However, British nationals are permitted to remain permanently outside the United Kingdom.

What Documents do Indians Need to Apply for British Dual Citizenship?

In general, as an Indian national, you should have the following documents:

1. A birth certificate and certified copies with Apostille.
2. If applicable, have the marriage certificate translated into English.
3. Birth certificates for children and certified copies with Apostille if applicable.
4. If applicable, a marriage certificate (for husband or wife).
5. Divorce decrees, death certificates, and so on (as applicable).
6. If applicable, any court orders for maintenance and child support.
7. Your passport must be valid for at least 9 months from the date of application.
8. Two pictures, as well as certified copies with Apostille, if applicable.
9. Proof of UK address in utility bills or bank statements, for example.
10. Employment documents such as ERCs, P60s, and so on

How Can Indians Apply For British Dual Citizenship? 

The following actions are required for Indian nationals to apply for British dual citizenship:

1. First, apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).

2. The UK Citizenship Test is taken in convergence with the Life in the UK test. Both tests are mandatory.

3. Attend the ceremony and, if successful, have your British citizenship certified by the Home Office.

4. Request Permanent Residency (PR).

5. Apply for British citizenship using the points you earned after completing the previous three phases.

6. If you want to work in Britain after acquiring British citizenship, you must apply for a Tier 2 visa (Skilled Worker or Intra-Company Transfer Work Permit).

Final Viewpoint

Many Indians have made the journey to the United Kingdom in search of a better standard of living and access to better educational and working opportunities in a more welcoming and diverse cultural arena. The United Kingdom is the primary destination for Indian expats.

To apply for British dual citizenship, you must have been a country resident for at least ten years and be of good character. Once an Indian gets a job, they need a reliable money transfer service to send money to India online to let the beneficiaries quickly receive funds. In this regard, for a trusted and convenient process, ACE Money Transfer is an excellent option.