Frequently Asked Questions - What different routes to citizenship will exist under the Scottish Government’s proposals and who will qualify for these?

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Current Status Scottish Citizenship?

At the date of independence

British citizen habitually resident in Scotland on day one of independence

Yes, automatically a Scottish citizen

British citizens born in Scotland but living outside of Scotland on day one of independence

Yes, automatically a Scottish citizen

After the date of independence

Child born in Scotland to at least one parent who has Scottish citizenship or indefinite leave to remain at the time of their birth

Yes. Automatically a Scottish citizen

Child born outside Scotland to at least one parent who has Scottish citizenship

Yes. Automatically a Scottish citizen (the birth must be registered in Scotland to take effect)

British national living outside Scotland with at least one parent who qualifies for Scottish citizenship

Can register as a Scottish citizen (will need to provide evidence to substantiate)

Citizens of any country, who have a parent or grandparent who qualifies for Scottish citizenship

Can register as a Scottish citizen (will need to provide evidence to substantiate)

Migrants in Scotland legally

May apply for naturalisation as a Scottish citizen (subject to meeting good character, residency and any other requirements set out under Scottish immigration law)

Citizens of any country who have spent at least 10 years living in Scotland at any time and have an ongoing connection with Scotland

May apply for naturalisation as a Scottish citizen (subject to meeting good character and other requirements set out under Scottish immigration law)

 

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.