BNO Visa Fees 2025

The British National (Overseas) visa, commonly referred to as the BNO visa, provides an immigration route for eligible Hong Kong residents and their close family members to live, work and study in the United Kingdom. Since its launch in January 2021, the scheme has enabled thousands to relocate under this pathway.

What this article is about: This guide provides a comprehensive breakdown of the costs involved in applying for and maintaining a BNO visa in 2025. It explains the Home Office application fees, the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), biometric enrolment fees, and other potential expenses such as translations and renewals. It also examines the impact of dependants on overall costs, long-term financial planning for settlement, and practical steps to manage fees effectively.

Understanding the financial obligations of a BNO visa is critical. Fees apply not only to the principal applicant but also to every dependant, including children. In addition, the IHS significantly increases the total outlay, making careful budgeting essential for families considering this route.

This article is written for individuals and families planning to apply for the BNO visa, as well as those already in the UK preparing for an extension or settlement. Employers and advisers may also find it useful when supporting BNO visa holders within their organisations.

Section A: Overview of BNO Visa Fees

1. What the BNO Visa Covers

The BNO visa allows eligible Hong Kong residents and their close family members to live, work, and study in the UK. Applicants can choose between a 2.5-year (30 months) visa or a 5-year visa, depending on their preference and circumstances. The visa is granted on an individual basis, meaning each person in a family must apply separately. This includes the main applicant, their spouse or partner, and any children under the age of 18.

The application fee is payable to the Home Office and is non-refundable, even if the application is refused. The fee is the same whether the visa is being applied for outside the UK or as an in-country application.

2. Current Fee Structure

As at 2025, the Home Office fees for the BNO visa are:

• £193 per person for a 2.5-year visa
• £268 per person for a 5-year visa

These fees are charged per applicant. For example, a family of four applying for the 5-year visa would pay £1,072 in total for the Home Office application fees alone, before factoring in the Immigration Health Surcharge and other associated costs.

3. Who Pays the Fees

The visa fee must be paid by every individual applicant, regardless of age. This means that children, even infants, require their own application and incur the same fee as adults. The Home Office does not provide family discounts or reduced fees for dependants. Applicants should therefore carefully calculate the total cost of all family members when deciding between the 2.5-year and 5-year routes.

Section Summary

The BNO visa application fees are relatively modest compared to other UK visa categories, but the costs accumulate quickly for families as each person must apply and pay separately. Applicants should be aware that fees are non-refundable and are only one part of the overall financial commitment required for the BNO visa.

Section B: Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)

1. Purpose of the IHS

The IHS is a mandatory fee that contributes towards the cost of using the UK’s National Health Service (NHS). By paying the surcharge, visa holders gain access to NHS services on the same basis as UK residents during the validity of their visa. The charge ensures that migrants make a financial contribution to the healthcare system while they are living in the UK.

2. Current IHS Rates for BNO Visa

In February 2024, the UK Government increased IHS rates. As of 2025, the surcharge is set at:

• £1,035 per year for adults
• £776 per year for children under 18

Since BNO visa applicants can choose either a 2.5-year or a 5-year visa, the total IHS payment is calculated by multiplying the annual charge by the length of the visa:

• 2.5-year visa (per adult): £2,587.50
• 5-year visa (per adult): £5,175
• 2.5-year visa (per child): £1,940
• 5-year visa (per child): £3,880

The IHS must be paid in full at the time of application. It cannot be paid in instalments and will not be refunded if the visa holder decides to leave the UK early, except in limited circumstances.

3. Exemptions and Refunds

For the BNO visa route, there are generally no exemptions from the IHS. Even dependants and children are required to pay. Refunds are only available in specific situations, such as if the visa application is refused or withdrawn before a decision is made, or if an applicant pays the surcharge twice in error. Partial refunds are not issued if the applicant leaves the UK before their visa expires.

Applicants who later switch to a different immigration route, such as a Skilled Worker visa, may be entitled to a partial refund of the IHS, but this does not apply when moving from BNO status to settlement (ILR). Applicants on certain welfare benefits applying for the 30-month extension may qualify for a concession that covers the IHS and application fee, but this is not available for the 5-year route or initial applications.

Section Summary

The IHS represents a significant part of the overall cost of a BNO visa. Applicants must plan carefully, as the surcharge must be paid in advance for the full visa duration and applies to every family member. Families with children can face substantial costs, making long-term budgeting essential.

Section C: Additional Costs

1. Biometric Enrolment Fees

All applicants are required to provide biometric information — fingerprints and a digital photograph — as part of the application process. For those applying outside the UK, this is usually done at a Visa Application Centre (VAC). While the biometric appointment itself is often included in the main application fee, certain premium services or appointments outside standard hours may incur additional charges.

For in-country applications, the UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) centres may charge for enhanced services such as priority appointments, document scanning, or out-of-hours slots. Although basic biometric enrolment is free at most locations, applicants should budget for possible extra fees if they wish to use premium services for convenience or speed.

2. Document Translation and Certification

Applicants must ensure that all supporting documents not in English or Welsh are professionally translated. Translation fees vary widely but can range from £30 to £60 per page, depending on complexity and certification requirements. Some applicants may also need to provide notarised or certified copies of key documents, such as birth or marriage certificates, which can add further costs.

3. Renewal and Extension Fees

The BNO visa can be granted for either 2.5 years or 5 years. Those who apply for the shorter route will need to renew their visa before they can progress to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). Renewal involves paying the application fee and Immigration Health Surcharge again.

For example, a family that opts for the 2.5-year route must be prepared to pay the Home Office fee and IHS twice before reaching the five-year qualifying period for ILR. This can make the 5-year visa route more cost-effective in the long run, despite the higher initial outlay.

Section Summary

Applicants should not overlook the additional expenses that accompany the BNO visa process. While biometric and translation fees may appear minor compared with application and IHS charges, they can add up, particularly for larger families. Renewal costs for those choosing the 2.5-year route can also be substantial, underscoring the importance of forward planning.

Section D: Managing BNO Visa Costs

1. Planning for Dependants

Each dependant — including a spouse or partner and children — must pay the same visa fee and Immigration Health Surcharge as the main applicant. For families, this multiplies the overall cost considerably. For example, a family of four applying for a 5-year visa would face:

• £1,072 in total application fees (4 × £268)
• £20,110 in total IHS charges (2 adults × £5,175 + 2 children × £3,880)

This brings the combined upfront cost to over £21,000, before factoring in additional expenses like translations and biometric services. Families should calculate these totals early and decide whether the 2.5-year or 5-year route makes more financial sense for their situation.

2. Budgeting for Long-Term Settlement

The BNO visa is a pathway to settlement, but applicants should plan for costs beyond the initial visa. After five years of continuous residence, holders can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), which currently carries a fee of £3,029 per applicant (2025 rate). For those who go on to apply for British citizenship, a further fee of around £1,500 per applicant applies.

Families therefore need to budget not only for the visa and IHS charges but also for future settlement and naturalisation applications. Spreading these costs across the five-year residence period can make them more manageable.

3. Tips for Avoiding Unexpected Costs

Applicants can take steps to reduce the risk of unforeseen expenses:

• Prepare documents carefully to avoid refusal or delay, which would mean losing the application fee.
• Use standard appointment services where possible rather than paid premium slots.
• Submit complete applications with all required evidence to prevent reapplication costs.
• Seek early advice if unsure about eligibility or requirements, to avoid wasted fees.

Section Summary

Managing the costs of a BNO visa requires careful financial planning, especially for families. While the Home Office application fee is relatively low, the Immigration Health Surcharge, settlement applications, and potential additional costs make this a significant long-term investment. Applicants who plan ahead and prepare thoroughly are best placed to manage these obligations successfully.

FAQs

How much is the BNO visa fee in 2025?
The application fee is £193 per person for a 2.5-year visa and £268 per person for a 5-year visa. Each applicant, including children, must pay separately.

Do dependants pay full fees?
Yes. Spouses, partners and children are all required to pay the same Home Office fee and Immigration Health Surcharge as the main applicant. There are no discounts for families.

How much is the NHS surcharge for a BNO visa?
The Immigration Health Surcharge is £1,035 per year for adults and £776 per year for children. For a 5-year visa, this means £5,175 per adult and £3,880 per child, payable in advance.

Are there any discounts or fee waivers for BNO visa applicants?
No discounts are available. However, applicants applying for the 30-month extension who are receiving certain welfare benefits and cannot afford the fees may qualify for a limited concession covering the application fee and IHS. This does not apply to first-time applications or the 5-year route.

What happens if I cannot pay the full fee?
Applications cannot be submitted without payment of the full visa fee and Immigration Health Surcharge. If you are unable to pay, your application will not be processed. Applicants should plan their finances before applying.

Conclusion

The BNO visa provides a vital route for eligible Hong Kong residents and their families to settle in the UK, but the financial requirements should not be underestimated. While the application fee itself is modest compared with other immigration categories, the Immigration Health Surcharge is substantial and applies to every family member. When combined with additional costs such as biometrics, document preparation, renewals, and the eventual fees for settlement and citizenship, the overall outlay can be significant.

Careful financial planning is therefore essential. Families should calculate their total costs early, weigh up whether the 2.5-year or 5-year route is more practical, and budget not only for the initial visa but also for long-term settlement. Applicants who prepare thoroughly will be better placed to manage the process smoothly and avoid unexpected expenses.

Glossary

Useful Links