UK Right of Abode and Certificate of Entitlement Checklist
A certificate of entitlement proves your right of abode in the UK when you do not hold a British passport. It is not a visa. This checklist covers who can apply, the passport-surrender rule, the three application routes, the cost and timing. Based on the official GOV.UK guidance (gov.uk/right-of-abode), September 2026.
Who can apply
- You are a British citizen with a foreign passport; or
- You are a Commonwealth citizen who has the right of abode.
You can only apply if you fall into one of those two groups.
Not a visa
The official guidance states plainly that your digital certificate is not a visa. It is proof of an existing right, not permission to enter.
Passport surrender rule
If you hold a valid British passport you must surrender it before you can apply for a certificate of entitlement. If you already have a valid vignette sticker in your passport, do not apply — a valid sticker can be used until the passport expires, and moving to a digital certificate is free.
Application routes
- Inside the UK, Channel Islands or Isle of Man: apply online, or by post using Form ROA.
- Outside the UK or in a British overseas territory: apply online and attend a visa application centre to give biometrics.
- North Korea: you cannot apply online; download the form and the separate guidance.
For an online application inside the UK you can usually keep your documents until the application is decided.
Cost and timing
| Fee | £589 |
| Decision (inside UK) | About 8 weeks |
| Decision (outside UK) | About 3 weeks after the appointment |
| Digital certificate | Does not expire; update your UKVI account if your passport or details change |
Why applications are refused
- You are not eligible (you are neither a British citizen with a foreign passport nor a Commonwealth citizen with the right of abode).
- You did not send enough evidence to support your claim — the fee is not refunded.
- You still hold a valid British passport and did not surrender it.
- You already have a valid vignette sticker certificate of entitlement.
Related: the UK visa documents checklist, document translation and copies, and the passport six-month rule.
Frequently asked questions
Is the certificate of entitlement a visa?
No. The official wording is that your digital certificate is not a visa.
Who can apply?
You can only apply if you are either a British citizen with a foreign passport, or a Commonwealth citizen who has the right of abode.
What if I already have a British passport?
If you hold a valid British passport you must surrender it before you can apply for a certificate of entitlement. An application made while you still hold one will not be accepted.
Do I need to apply if I already have a vignette sticker?
No. Do not apply if you have a valid vignette sticker in your passport. A valid sticker can continue to be used until the passport expires, and moving to a digital certificate is free.
How much does it cost and how long does it take?
It costs £589. Inside the UK a decision takes about 8 weeks; outside the UK about 3 weeks after the appointment. Faster, paid options may be available.
What happens if my application is refused?
If you did not send enough evidence to support your claim the fee is not refunded. Reconsideration may be requested within the 28-day timeframe using the separate form.
Source: GOV.UK, "Right of abode" pages (gov.uk/right-of-abode, /apply-for-a-certificate-of-entitlement, /commonwealth-citizens) — retrieved 2026-09-29. Requirements change, so confirm the current position on the official page before you apply.