How long in the processing time for renunciation of British citizenship?

the timeframe for the renunciation seems variable – make sure to allow plenty of time.

When I did my renunciation back in 2018 it took me 6 weeks using the paper submission of the RN1 with all supporting documents. However, others have said that doing their online has meant a considerably longer wait – many did not hear anything for six months and in one case, the renunciation papers were returned back to the Home Office as undelivered. Factoring in six months for the renunciation would mean that it is advisable to do it at latest eighteen months after gaining Austrian citizenship, although my personal belief is that it is best to press on with it as soon as possible, since the last thing I would want is for a long and strenuous procedure to be rendered null and void by a failure to get the paperwork done in time. The complications of the process “lapsing” that Uzbek and Ukrainian citizens I know have told me about are simply not worth the hassle.

Categories: Legal, Paperwork, Renunciation
Tag: Renunciation
  • Hi,

    I’ve submitted my online form for renouncing my British Citizenship. They have asked for some documents to be sent to the Liverpool (in the checklist).

    Must the supporting documents be the original or can they be photocopy? Similar to someone who asked before, I’m also concerned my passport will get misplaced or I can’t travel during the renouncement processing period.

    How long does it usually take to process and reply with a confirmation letter for my application? I’ll need it for my other citizenship application as supporting document, but the indication says the renouncement process can take up to 6 months, which is the validity of my citizenship application, otherwise it’ll be rejected.

    Is there way to expedite the process/ renouncement?

    • Sorry for the delay in replying – my advice would be to send a copy of the passport and only sending the original for cancellation once you have your Austrian passport.

  • Hello …can you help me?
    I am renouncing my british passport to take on Liechtenstein citizenship. There is NO DUAL citizenship allowed.
    I am worried that I will have NO passport..no ability to travel during the process time… as I have family in Austria and Britain, I would not like to be a “prisoner” !! One only gets a Liechtenstein passport AFTER proof of renouncing british is received….any advice.. thanks in advance

    • Would suggest sending in only a copy of the British passport – due to living in a microstate you would be justified in retaining a valid travel document until your new passport and citizenship comes through.

  • Can a copy of my US passport be sent for proof of citizenship when renouncing British citizenship? I am completing on-line application, where do I send original British passport and supporting documents.

    • Usually when you submit the online forms, there is an address stated at the end (for UKVI in Liverpool) that they say where some documents e.g. travel documents are required to be sent. If your US passport is proof of US citizenship (in some countries a passport is only a travel document and not considered proof of citizenship – e.g. from here you send your Staatsbürgerschaftsnachweis) then a copy would be a suitable document to send. There is a filling guide, please check whether you need a certified copy made of the photo page by a lawyer. Hope this helps – this blog only deals with becoming an Austrian citizen and renouncing British.

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    8 Replies to “How long in the processing time for renunciation of British citizenship?”

    1. Can a copy of my US passport be sent for proof of citizenship when renouncing British citizenship? I am completing on-line application, where do I send original British passport and supporting documents.

      1. Usually when you submit the online forms, there is an address stated at the end (for UKVI in Liverpool) that they say where some documents e.g. travel documents are required to be sent. If your US passport is proof of US citizenship (in some countries a passport is only a travel document and not considered proof of citizenship – e.g. from here you send your Staatsbürgerschaftsnachweis) then a copy would be a suitable document to send. There is a filling guide, please check whether you need a certified copy made of the photo page by a lawyer. Hope this helps – this blog only deals with becoming an Austrian citizen and renouncing British.

    2. Hello …can you help me?
      I am renouncing my british passport to take on Liechtenstein citizenship. There is NO DUAL citizenship allowed.
      I am worried that I will have NO passport..no ability to travel during the process time… as I have family in Austria and Britain, I would not like to be a “prisoner” !! One only gets a Liechtenstein passport AFTER proof of renouncing british is received….any advice.. thanks in advance

      1. Would suggest sending in only a copy of the British passport – due to living in a microstate you would be justified in retaining a valid travel document until your new passport and citizenship comes through.

    3. Hi,

      I’ve submitted my online form for renouncing my British Citizenship. They have asked for some documents to be sent to the Liverpool (in the checklist).

      Must the supporting documents be the original or can they be photocopy? Similar to someone who asked before, I’m also concerned my passport will get misplaced or I can’t travel during the renouncement processing period.

      How long does it usually take to process and reply with a confirmation letter for my application? I’ll need it for my other citizenship application as supporting document, but the indication says the renouncement process can take up to 6 months, which is the validity of my citizenship application, otherwise it’ll be rejected.

      Is there way to expedite the process/ renouncement?

      1. Sorry for the delay in replying – my advice would be to send a copy of the passport and only sending the original for cancellation once you have your Austrian passport.

    Feel free to comment or ask a question....

    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.