UK citizenship comes with plenty of perks for Americans, opening doors to better opportunities for your personal, professional and family life. We take a look at why you should explore your British roots.

One of the biggest advantages is the freedom to live and work in the UK without needing visas or work permits. As a UK citizen, you can settle, work or study anywhere in England, Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland. Plus, you’ll have access to essential public services like free healthcare through the NHS and be eligible for social benefits such as pensions and housing support.

Freedom to travel

With UK citizenship, traveling becomes so much easier – whether you’re exploring Europe or heading further afield. Even though the UK is no longer part of the EU, being so close to Europe means travel is still simple, and getting residence permits for EU countries is often more straightforward. On top of that, UK citizens can travel visa-free or with visa-on-arrival access to over 180 countries, including EU destinations. It’s a game-changer for both leisure trips and professional opportunities around the world.

Read more: UK Citizenship: Why it’s worthwhile even after Brexit

Dual citizenship

Another advantage is that you can hold dual citizenship. This means you can keep your US citizenship while enjoying all the benefits of being a UK citizen. With this dual status, you get the best of both worlds – freedom to live, work, and even vote in both countries, while maintaining strong ties to each.

A better education system

University tuition fees are much lower for UK citizens compared to what international students pay, making higher education more affordable. On top of that, UK citizens can access government-backed student loans, scholarships and grants, which help take the pressure off when it comes to funding your studies. You will have to be ordinarily resident in the UK for three years before you can qualify for home fees. While NI contributions are not a direct determining factor for home fees eligibility, it will demonstrate genuine residence to the university.

Business benefits in the UK

If you’re looking to start or grow a business, UK citizenship makes things a lot easier. It cuts through the red tape, making it easier to open a UK bank account, giving you smoother access to local markets and the chance to tap into the UK’s global trade agreements. These agreements create a business-friendly environment, making international trade and investment more straightforward and rewarding for entrepreneurs.

Strengthening family ties

UK citizenship makes it much simpler to bring your family together. You can sponsor close relatives – like your spouse, kids, or dependent parents – for visas and settlement in the UK without too much hassle. It’s a great way to strengthen family ties and create a stable, supportive environment where you can all build a life together.

Access to the Commonwealth

Another great benefit is access to Commonwealth opportunities. The UK’s strong connections with countries like Australia, Canada and New Zealand make it easier to secure work visas and leverage professional and educational networks in these nations. As a Commonwealth citizen, you may also be eligible for scholarships and other programmes that can help expand your global career and opportunities.

Long-term security for you and your family

Gaining UK citizenship offers long-term security and peace of mind. Unlike UK visas that need frequent renewals and can be revoked, citizenship provides a permanent status that’s yours for life – unless obtained fraudulently. It also simplifies inheritance and estate planning, ensuring greater stability and legal clarity for families.

Beyond that, it opens doors for future generations. Children born to UK citizens outside the country often inherit citizenship rights, giving them access to global opportunities in education, work and settlement. It’s a legacy that ensures your family benefits from these opportunities for years to come.

Read more: How to claim British citizenship for your children

Becoming a UK citizen comes with a mix of practical, financial and cultural benefits that can truly enrich the lives of Americans looking to strengthen their connection to the UK or explore opportunities around the world.

Can you claim UK citizenship?

Our Director of Citizenship, Mishal Patel explains how Americans can qualify for UK citizenship.

If you think you may qualify for UK citizenship or would like to explore your immigration and naturalisation options, join our team who will be visiting New York City and Washington, DC from 24 – 27 February 2025. They will be doing one-on-one consultations so don’t miss out and book your spot today.

Alternatively, you can get in touch with our team on +44 (0) 20 7759 7581 or +27 (0) 21 657 2139  or send an email to citizenship@sableinternational.com

We are a professional services company that specialises in cross-border financial and immigration advice and solutions.

Our teams in the UK, South Africa and Australia can ensure that when you decide to move overseas, invest offshore or expand your business internationally, you'll do so with the backing of experienced local experts.