Applying for dual citizenship as a German during COVID

[sbc94]

Good morning board members,

I hope you're all well despite these confusing times. I searched the forum but didn't find answers to my specific questions, so I hope this thread could help.

I'm a German currently living in Colombia, born in 1994 in Germany to a British father and a German mother (unmarried). My father died shortly after my birth but I'm still in close contact with the British side of my family. I've never lived in the UK. My father was born in London and served in the British military. In view of the Brexit I'd like to apply for dual citizenship since Germany is only allowing it with other EU member states and applications should be made before the end of 2020.

According to all I've read, I could be eligible for British citizenship. I've started filling out the online form to apply, but would like to clarify some questions before continuing:

- Eligibility: Given my a.m. background, how are my chances?

- Costs: In the respective website it says the fees are only £80 for the ceremony and £19.20 to take biometric data, but I reckon the total will amount to the £1,206 stated on this page. Am I right?

- Living situation: I spent the last two years living between Colombia and Germany, although I'm officially registered in Germany. Can that influence my chances negatively?

- Legal support: Is it worth it to consult an immigration solicitor beforehand or can I just apply right away?

- What exactly are my duties as a British citizen as long as I don't do business or live there permanently? Any specific tax implications that I should consider? I'd be happy about experiences or website referrals.

Thanks in advance and enjoy your week!

Cheers,
Simon

[CR001]

- Eligibility: Given my a.m. background, how are my chances?

You can apply on form UKF if you meet the requirements and have the original documents to support your claim. You don't state if your father was British (UK) born or British by Descent (born abroad to British parents), the latter likely making you not eligible.

- Costs: In the respective website it says the fees are only £80 for the ceremony and £19.20 to take biometric data, but I reckon the total will amount to the £1,206 stated on this page. Am I right?

Form UKF registration is ONLY £80 plus biometric fee. The higher fee is relevant to Naturalsation on form AN, not applicable to you.

- Living situation: I spent the last two years living between Colombia and Germany, although I'm officially registered in Germany. Can that influence my chances negatively?

It makes NO difference where you live.

- Legal support: Is it worth it to consult an immigration solicitor beforehand or can I just apply right away?

Not necessary. It is not a difficult application. You either meet the requirements or you don't.

- What exactly are my duties as a British citizen as long as I don't do business or live there permanently? Any specific tax implications that I should consider? I'd be happy about experiences or website referrals.

No 'duties' or anything.

[secret.simon]

My father was born in London and served in the British military.

Was your father serving in the British military at the time of your birth? And if so, do you have the documentation to prove it?

[sbc94]

Thanks for your replies! Delighted to hear that costs are indeed that low!

My father was British, born in the UK to British parents, served in the British military some twenty years before my birth, studied at Cambridge. As British as it gets I guess.

So, as far as I see it, my chances should be quite good?

[sbc94]

Forgot to add an additional question: With the current situation, I'm not sure how much more I'll be staying in Colombia. I think the place for the ceremony will be chosen according to my home address. Suppose that I register my German address as my home address but will be in Colombia (or vice versa), can I later change the place for the ceremony if that should become necessary?

[secret.simon]

My father was British, born in the UK to British parents,

Then it is a relatively straightforward bog-standard Form UKF application, assuming that you have documentary proof (your and your father's birth certificates) and meet the good character requirements. Assuming you meet the above requirements, it is an entitlement (it can't be refused).

Be aware that as you were born abroad yourself, any children born to you abroad will not be British citizens automatically and there will be residency requirements for them to register as British citizens if they are born outside the UK.

can I later change the place for the ceremony if that should become necessary?

Not easily. Changing the place for taking the oath can be quite bureaucratic and be quite slow. You are better off making sure of where you will take the oath.

[CR001]

It is difficult to change ceremony location within the UK. It would be even harder to change it between different countries.

[sbc94]

Thanks a lot for your replies, helped a lot!

Will apply today and hope for the best!

Cheers

[1mic]

You are wrong secret.simon. Good character requirements is irrelevant in his case as it has been abolished.

[1mic]

https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/ho ... imination/

[sbc94]

A lot of time has passed but I've now submitted my application. I've got the document checklist and my only remaining question is: Stuff like my birth certificate, legal documents concerning parenthood, etc. - do I have to let them be translated, since they're all in German? Also - do they need to be notarized?

Cheers,
Simon

[sbc94]

Also: The checklist states that they need my passport - as an original??? I'm based in Colombia and the thought of sending my passport around the globe doesn't make me feel very comfortable. Could I just bring it to the British embassy in Colombia in person?

Cheers,
Simon

[sbc94]

Does anybody have an answer to this?

[alterhase58]

If it's an online application you need to upload scans of your documents - UKVI can still request originals during their processing. Cannot comment on translations of documents, unless they are required by the guidance.

[sbc94]

Danke Alter Hase