Scotland citizenship, passport plans outlined

ANYONE who has lived in Scotland for 10 years at some stage of their life will be allowed to apply to become a Scottish citizen after independence, according to the white paper.

Details of the SNP's vision for independence were outlined by the SNP's white paper yesterday. Picture: PA

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It will also be available to anyone with a Scottish grandparent or parent, through a system of citizenship by descent.

Those who will automatically be considered Scottish citizens are British citizens “habitually resident” in Scotland - including those who have a dual citizenship with another country.

Scottish-born citizens currently living outside the country will also be considered citizens.

“This Government proposes an inclusive model of citizenship for people whether or not they define themselves as primarily or exclusively Scottish or wish to become a Scottish passport holder,” the document states.

“People in Scotland are accustomed to multiple identities, be they national, regional, ethnic, linguistic or religious and a commitment to a multicultural Scotland will be a cornerstone of the nation on independence.”

A Scottish passport will be available to anyone who acquires Scottish citizenship.

MORE ON THE WHITE PAPER

• Scottish independence white paper: key facts

• Scottish independence: white paper political reaction

• The White Paper is now online - click this link to read it in full