Bermuda citizenship in 2026 — naturalisation, descent & UK ties

Bermuda, as a British Overseas Territory, links its citizenship framework to British nationality law. Still building eligibility? Secure the right residence route first and keep your timeline clean — explore our companion guide on Bermuda residence.

Key terms

BOTC (British Overseas Territories Citizenship): citizenship linked to Bermuda and other territories under the British Crown.

Naturalisation: process of applying for BOTC after permanent residence or PRC in Bermuda.

Descent: automatic BOTC status for children born to BOTC parents, subject to proof.

UK citizenship (full British): since 2002, many BOTCs may register as full British citizens under the British Overseas Territories Act.

Dual nationality: Bermuda and the UK permit dual citizenship in most cases.

PRC (Permanent Resident’s Certificate): required long-term residence status before applying for BOTC naturalisation.

Oath of allegiance: mandatory step to complete BOTC naturalisation.

Governor of Bermuda: authority granting naturalisation and BOTC certificates.

Citizenship types

• Naturalisation as BOTC: Long-term Bermuda residents with a PRC or lawful stay can apply for naturalisation as BOTCs. Requirements include five years of residence, lawful conduct, good character, and integration. Naturalisation confers BOTC status, and in many cases eligibility for full British citizenship by registration in the UK.
• Citizenship by descent: Children born to BOTC parents from Bermuda are BOTCs by descent. Registration of the birth and provision of long-form certificates are crucial. Adults claiming later must prove the lineage through certified records.
• Birth in Bermuda: Birth alone does not guarantee BOTC status. If at least one parent is a BOTC or settled resident, the child qualifies. Otherwise, birthright applies only in rare statelessness cases.
• Marriage: Marriage to a BOTC or Bermudian does not automatically grant citizenship. Spouses must live in Bermuda, hold residence status, and later naturalise through the standard route.
• Adoption: A child legally adopted by BOTC Bermudian parents acquires BOTC if adoption is recognised under Bermuda law.
• UK ties (British citizenship): Since the 2002 reform, BOTC holders connected to Bermuda can register as full British citizens. This provides the right of abode in the UK and EU-like mobility within Europe’s post-Brexit framework.
• Merit or service: Rare discretionary grants exist for individuals providing exceptional service to Bermuda or the wider British community.
• Humanitarian/stateless cases: Citizenship may be granted to stateless persons or on humanitarian grounds, usually requiring exceptional documentation and governor approval.

Routes & timelines

Step-by-step

1. Confirm route: naturalisation, descent, birth, adoption or UK registration.
2. Collect documents: passports, PRC, long-form birth/marriage certificates, police records, financial evidence.
3. Submit application: file with the Governor of Bermuda’s office or through the UK Home Office (for full British registration).
4. Attend checks: interviews, police clearance and evidence of residence/integration.
5. Approval: on success, receive BOTC certificate.
6. Oath of allegiance: required for naturalisation cases.
7. Next step: apply for a Bermuda BOTC passport and, if eligible, register as a full British citizen.

Documents

Typical files: passports, PRC cards, birth/marriage/adoption certificates, police records, residence proofs, financial documents. Need certified translations or apostille wording? Use our translation support to meet Bermuda’s legal requirements.

Costs

Expect filing fees, document preparation, apostille/legalisation and translation costs. See more comparative guides in the Residency & Citizenship section to align your budget and timeline.

Integration

Authorities assess integration via residence continuity, community involvement and lawful conduct. Applicants with long-term ties, employment, or family roots in Bermuda have stronger cases.

What changed in 2026

In 2026 Bermuda refined descent registration rules, requiring stricter proof of lineage. Naturalisation applicants now benefit from online status tracking, reducing uncertainty during processing.

Did you know?

Holding BOTC linked to Bermuda allows many to register as full British citizens, providing UK residence rights without renouncing Bermuda connections.

Common mistakes

• Confusing PRC with BOTC citizenship — PRC is residence, not nationality.
• Using short-form certificates in descent claims.
• Believing marriage alone grants citizenship.
• Forgetting to take the oath of allegiance after naturalisation approval.
• Failing to update civil records before filing.
• Missing opportunities to register as a full British citizen under the 2002 Act.

FAQ

Expert opinion

Bermuda’s citizenship framework is shaped by its UK connection. For residents, PRC is the critical stepping stone before BOTC naturalisation. Families benefit most from descent registrations, while long-term expats must plan for naturalisation and potential UK registration. Getting documents aligned early is key.

— Clara, Global Visa Consultant, VelesClub Int.

Next steps

Ready to secure BOTC or move further toward full British citizenship? Receive a free consultation with VelesClub Int. Start at our main platform or explore detailed tools in the Residency & Citizenship section — and continue to the companion residence article to align your process.