No, birth certificates will be required for all individuals connected as proof of claim to belonger status (i.e. applicant’s birth – born outside the V.I., applicant’s father’s birth – born outside the V.I. and applicant’s paternal grandparent birth – born in the Territory). Baptismal and/or marriage certificates as well as deed polls or affidavits are required to show transition to other names or clarify any inconsistencies.
A belongers application can be obtained from any of the three locations of the Civil Registry and Passport Office. They are located at the ground floor of the Central Administration Building, the 2nd Floor of the Burhym Building or the Vanterpool Building on Virgin Gorda. Forms can also be accessed online at www.bvi.gov.vg
All applications should be submitted at the Civil Registry & Passport Office.
Persons are deemed to belong to the Virgin Islands based on the following categories:
- Born in the Virgin Islands of a mother or father who is:
- A British Overseas Territory Citizen (BOTC) by virtue of birth, registration, naturalisation or by descent from a father or mother who was born in the Virgin Islands
- Settled in the Virgin Islands
- Born in the Virgin Islands of a mother or father who is deemed to belong to the Virgin Islands by birth or descent.
- The child adopted in the Virgin Islands by a person who is deemed to belong to the Virgin Islands by birth or descent.
- Is born outside the Virgin Islands of a father or mother who is a BOTC by virtue of birth in the Virgin Islands or descent from a father or mother who was born in the Virgin Islands or who belongs to the Virgin Islands by virtue of birth in the Virgin Islands or descent from a father or mother who was born in the Virgin Islands.
- Is a British Overseas Territories Citizen by virtue of registration in the Virgin Islands.
- Is a person to whom a certificate has been granted under section 16 of the Immigration and Passport Act 1977 of the Virgin Islands.
- Is the spouse of a person who belongs to the Virgin Islands and has been granted a certificate under section 16 of the Act.
A belonger is a person deemed to belong to the Virgin Islands.
A person would require a Belonger's Card as proof of thier immigration status in the Territory. This allows free travel in and out of the Territory. Holders can reside and work in the Virgin Islands free from immigration control, purchase property, apply for trade licences and vote in the Territory.