Nationality rules

You can apply for any job in the Civil Service as long as you’re a UK national or have dual nationality with one part being British. In addition, about 75% of Civil Service posts are open to Commonwealth citizens and nationals of any of the member states of the European Economic Area (EEA). The remainder, which require special allegiance to the state, are reserved for UK nationals.

This page sets out the technical information that Civil Service departments need to apply nationality rules.  If you're interested in becoming a civil servant, go to the recruitment section.

Last updated - 23rd December 2008

The Cabinet Office's “Civil Service Nationality Rules: Guidance on Checking Eligibility” has been extensively updated. It is intended to assist departments and agencies to discharge effectively their responsibilities on nationality matters related to Civil Service recruitment. For ease of reference, specific aspects of nationality have been addressed in separate annexes to the guidance.

To view the updated Guidance on Checking Eligibility and related annexes, please use the links below:

Contact details

Jane Allen
Cabinet Office
Room 3.16
Admiralty Arch
The Mall
London
SW1A 2WH
Tel: 020 7276 1639
 Email: jane.allen@cabinet-office.x.gsi.gov.uk