Renewing UK Passport Abroad

Hi all,

Can someone please answer a hypothetical question?

Once granted UK citizenship and a passport, is it safe to assume that the applicant can move abroad to live and work without time restrictions? They won't "lose" their citizenship after x years being abroad?

What about UK passport renewal? Do you have to maintain a current passport the whole time you're away, in other words not allow it to expire? Are there penalties if you do allow it to expire before renewing?

Sorry, that's more than one question but kind of linked.

Thanks.

You won't lose citizenship. Though, there are some potential issues when you arrive back after a substantial absence such as the habitual residence test for benefits and ordinary residence test for NHS treatment. No issues if the passport expires, but for returning to the UK.

Folks,

This is a very relevant issue for those who wish to work abroad after getting their British Passports. (It is a fact that given the state of the British Economy and the work environments, many just hang around to get the passport)

Here is the link for the rules on whether you qualify for free NHS Treatment..

http://www.nhs.uk/chq/pages/1087.aspx?c ... goryid=162

cheers
vr

Thanks for the replies.