British Citizenship Application Fee

Applying for British citizenship is a significant milestone for many long-term UK residents seeking to formalise their status and secure the rights and privileges of full citizenship. However, before beginning the process, it is important to understand the full range of fees and costs involved, as these can be substantial and are generally non-refundable once an application is submitted.

What this article is about
This article provides a comprehensive, legally accurate overview of British citizenship application costs in 2025. It explains the standard Home Office fee for adult naturalisation (typically under section 6(1) or 6(2) of the British Nationality Act 1981) and child registration (commonly under section 3(1)), outlines additional and optional costs such as biometrics and the ceremony charge, and clarifies when refunds, exemptions, or waivers may apply. You will also find practical advice on planning your budget, confirming eligibility, and preparing compliant evidence to avoid wasted fees.

The total cost of becoming a British citizen includes not only the Home Office application fee prescribed by the Immigration and Nationality (Fees) Regulations 2024, but also associated charges for biometric enrolment, the citizenship ceremony, translations, and document preparation. These costs can vary depending on individual circumstances and whether professional support is used. Because fees are largely non-refundable once processing begins, awareness of current charges and refund rules is critical.

In the sections that follow, we set out the current Home Office fees for adults and children, explain what the main fee covers and what it does not, detail additional and optional expenses, and outline the limited circumstances in which applicants may qualify for a refund or fee waiver (for example, certain looked-after children or exceptional human rights cases). We also include procedural points—such as the requirement to attend a ceremony within three months and the absence of a statutory appeal right (with potential recourse via judicial review)—alongside budgeting guidance to help you plan effectively.

Section A: Overview of British Citizenship Application Fees

Understanding the British citizenship application fee is a critical first step in preparing to apply. The Home Office fee structure covers different application categories depending on age, status, and the route through which citizenship is sought. Applicants should note that fees are prescribed under the Immigration and Nationality (Fees) Regulations 2024 and reviewed periodically, usually in April or October each year. It is essential to confirm the current figure on GOV.UK before making payment.

1. Current Fee (2025 rate)

As of 2025, the fee for naturalisation as a British citizen under section 6(1) or 6(2) of the British Nationality Act 1981 is £1,500 for adults, while the fee for a child’s registration under section 3(1) is £1,214. These amounts are paid at the time of submission and are non-refundable once processing has started, even if the application is later refused or withdrawn.

Applicants must also pay separately for biometric enrolment and the mandatory citizenship ceremony. The overall cost of becoming a British citizen can therefore exceed £1,600 depending on individual circumstances. Fee changes normally take effect following an update to the Home Office’s published Immigration and Nationality Fees Table.

Before applying, individuals must ensure they meet all eligibility requirements under the British Nationality Act 1981—including lawful residence, good character, English language and Life in the UK requirements—because refusal does not entitle them to a refund. Applicants must also have been lawfully resident in the UK for the full qualifying period and not in breach of immigration laws at any time during that period.

2. What the Fee Covers

The application fee covers administrative processing by the Home Office. It includes eligibility assessment, verification of documents, character and residency checks, and issuance of the citizenship certificate following approval. The fee does not cover biometric enrolment, language testing, the Life in the UK test, or the citizenship ceremony. Nor does it include the cost of replacing documents such as passports or residence permits required to evidence eligibility.

The Home Office fee represents the cost of administering the application, not a payment for guaranteed outcome. Once payment is accepted, the Home Office begins casework activity; hence refunds are limited to narrow exceptions such as duplicate payment or administrative error.

3. Home Office Fee Increases and Trends

Over the last decade, British citizenship fees have risen steadily—often beyond the estimated administrative cost of processing applications. This reflects the government’s policy of using nationality and immigration fees to offset wider Home Office expenditure. Between 2013 and 2024, the adult naturalisation fee increased by over 40%, from roughly £874 to £1,500.

Such increases are justified by the Home Office as necessary for maintaining operational capacity and investment in digital systems, though critics argue that they create barriers for low-income families seeking regularisation. Applicants should always check the current Immigration and Nationality Fees Table before applying to confirm the correct amount and avoid rejected payments.

Section A Summary

The 2025 British citizenship fee is £1,500 for adult naturalisation and £1,214 for child registration. It covers administrative processing only and excludes biometrics, ceremonies, and ancillary costs. As fees are non-refundable, applicants must confirm eligibility and ensure all documentation is ready before payment to avoid financial loss. Verifying the official Home Office figures immediately before applying remains essential.

Section B: Additional and Hidden Costs

Beyond the Home Office’s standard citizenship fee, several additional charges can apply. These extra costs often go unnoticed during budgeting yet form a crucial part of the total expense. Understanding them in advance helps applicants plan accurately and avoid delays or rejected submissions caused by incomplete payments.

1. Biometric Enrolment Fee

All British citizenship applicants must provide biometric information—fingerprints and a digital photograph—to verify identity and link records to existing immigration data. The current biometric enrolment fee is £19.20 per applicant. Biometric data is collected at UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) centres operated by Sopra Steria under Home Office contract.

While the standard fee covers enrolment, optional services such as out-of-hours appointments, walk-in slots, or document scanning support attract further costs, often between £60 and £200 depending on location and time. Applicants must attend within the period specified in their Home Office invitation; failure to do so can result in withdrawal of the application, and no refund is provided for the biometric charge.

2. Citizenship Ceremony Fee

Once the Home Office approves a citizenship application, adults are legally required to attend a citizenship ceremony to finalise their naturalisation. Children are not obliged to attend but may do so voluntarily. The standard fee for a group ceremony is £80, payable to the local authority hosting the event. Private ceremonies, offered by some councils, typically cost between £150 and £300.

The ceremony includes the Oath or Affirmation of Allegiance to the Crown and a Pledge of Loyalty to the United Kingdom, after which participants receive their Certificate of British Citizenship. Under Regulation 8(4) of the British Nationality (General) Regulations 2003, ceremonies must take place within three months of approval. Failure to attend without reasonable excuse will result in cancellation of the certificate, requiring a new application and full fee repayment.

3. Document and Translation Costs

Applicants whose supporting evidence includes documents not in English or Welsh must submit certified translations. The cost varies with the document’s length, language, and complexity—typically £30 to £75 per page. Birth, marriage, or tax documents issued overseas may also require notarisation or legalisation, often costing between £40 and £100 per document excluding courier fees.

Translations must include a signed declaration by the translator confirming accuracy and credentials. Incomplete or uncertified translations can delay processing or cause refusal. Where documents originate outside the UK, obtaining apostilles under the Hague Convention may also be necessary for validation.

4. Legal and Advisory Fees

While many applicants handle their own applications, those with complex immigration histories, criminal records, or uncertain residence may wish to engage a regulated immigration solicitor or adviser. Professional advice helps identify potential issues before submission and ensures eligibility is properly evidenced.

Typical professional fees range between £500 and £1,500 in addition to official charges. Advisers must be authorised by either the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) or the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC). Using unregulated services carries risks, as the Home Office will not accept responsibility for incorrect submissions or misleading advice.

Section B Summary

Applicants should budget for more than the £1,500 naturalisation fee. Biometric enrolment (£19.20), the ceremony (£80+), translation and legalisation of documents, and optional legal representation can together add several hundred pounds. Anticipating these expenses allows applicants to plan effectively, preventing financial shortfall or administrative disruption during the citizenship process.

Section C: Refunds, Exemptions, and Waivers

Although British citizenship fees are largely non-refundable, a few specific exceptions exist. Understanding the Home Office’s refund, exemption, and waiver policies is vital before paying, as fees are substantial and rarely returned once processing has begun.

1. Refund Policy

Once a citizenship application is submitted and the Home Office has started processing, the fee will not be refunded, even if the application is refused or withdrawn. The fee covers the administrative work required to assess eligibility, verify documents, and undertake background checks, which are performed regardless of the final decision.

Refunds are only available in limited circumstances such as:

• Duplicate or accidental payment of the same fee.
• Withdrawal before processing begins (confirmed by the Home Office).
• Administrative error, such as processing under the wrong category.

Applicants who withdraw after processing has begun or whose application is refused must pay the full fee again for any reapplication. For this reason, verifying eligibility and documentation before submission is essential.

2. Fee Waivers or Concessions

Fee waivers for British citizenship are rare. The Home Office normally requires full payment for all applications, including those from children. However, there are limited exceptions—most notably for children in local authority care.

Under section 68 of the Immigration Act 2014 and the guidance “Registration as a British citizen: children” (Home Office, August 2024), the Home Office may waive registration fees for children looked after by a local authority. This ensures that children in care are not financially disadvantaged by their circumstances.

In some exceptional cases, fee waivers may also be granted on human rights grounds—for example, where refusing to register or naturalise an individual would breach Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights (right to private and family life). These cases require substantial supporting evidence and are assessed individually, often with professional representation.

Applicants in financial difficulty but outside these narrow categories should seek legal or charitable advice before applying, as discretionary relief is uncommon and subject to strict proof of hardship.

3. Reapplications and Rejections

If an application is refused, there is no statutory right of appeal under the British Nationality Act 1981. However, applicants may request a reconsideration if they believe the Home Office made a factual or legal error. The fee for a reconsideration is £372 (as of 2025) and must be paid even if the outcome remains unchanged.

Alternatively, applicants may pursue judicial review through the High Court if they believe the Home Office acted unlawfully or unreasonably in its decision-making. This is a formal legal process and typically requires legal representation.

If an applicant reapplies following refusal, the full application fee must be paid again. It is therefore crucial to address any eligibility issues—such as periods of unlawful residence, criminal convictions, or insufficient evidence—before resubmission.

Section C Summary

Refunds are only available for duplicate payments or administrative mistakes. Fee waivers are exceptional and generally limited to children in local authority care or certain human rights cases. Applicants refused citizenship have no appeal right but may seek reconsideration (£372) or judicial review. As fees are rarely refunded, applicants should confirm eligibility, provide full documentation, and seek regulated legal advice where appropriate.

Section D: Practical Guidance for Applicants

Understanding British citizenship costs is only part of the process. Applicants must also plan their finances and documentation to ensure that the application runs smoothly. A well-prepared application avoids wasted fees, unnecessary delays, and potential rejections that can be both costly and time-consuming.

1. Planning Your Budget

The total cost of becoming a British citizen can exceed £1,800 once the Home Office fee, biometrics, ceremony, translations, and documentation costs are factored in. If professional legal support is used, the total can rise beyond £2,500. Applicants should therefore plan their finances carefully.

When budgeting:

• Check the latest Home Office fee schedule on GOV.UK before submitting your application, as charges can change without notice.
• Include ancillary costs such as the Life in the UK test (£50) and the English language test (typically £150 from an approved provider).
• Reserve funds for ceremony booking, translations, and possible re-submissions if additional evidence is requested.

Applicants must also remember that the Home Office requires full payment upfront. There are no instalment or deferred payment options. Proper budgeting ensures that applicants do not withdraw or delay their application due to financial constraints once the process has started.

2. Avoiding Delays or Wasted Fees

Most refusals result from ineligible or incomplete applications. Before paying the application fee, applicants must ensure that they meet all statutory requirements under the British Nationality Act 1981. These include:

• Holding Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), settled status, or permanent residence for at least 12 months (unless married to a British citizen).
• Meeting the minimum residence period—five years for most applicants, or three years for spouses of British citizens.
• Passing the Life in the UK test and meeting the B1 CEFR English language requirement from a Home Office–approved test provider, unless exempt by age or nationality.
• Demonstrating good character, with no serious criminal convictions or immigration breaches.

Applicants must also ensure that their documents are clearly scanned, translated, and uploaded in the correct format through UKVCAS. Incomplete evidence or inconsistent information is a leading cause of delay or refusal. Because the Home Office does not refund fees for rejected applications, accuracy at the point of submission is essential.

3. Professional Support

While many applicants successfully complete their application without representation, professional assistance can be invaluable in complex cases. A qualified immigration solicitor or OISC-regulated adviser can assess eligibility, prepare legal submissions, and ensure compliance with all evidential requirements.

Before engaging representation, applicants should verify that their adviser is regulated by either the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) or the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC). This guarantees professional oversight and accountability. Using unregulated advisers can lead to poor-quality applications, loss of funds, and potential immigration risk.

Section D Summary

Applying for British citizenship requires careful financial and procedural planning. Applicants must budget for the total cost—including ceremony and biometric fees—confirm eligibility, and prepare complete documentation to avoid wasted fees. Where circumstances are complex, engaging a regulated immigration adviser offers reassurance and can significantly improve the likelihood of a successful outcome.

FAQs

What is the current British citizenship application fee in 2025?

As of 2025, the Home Office fee for naturalisation as a British citizen under section 6(1) or 6(2) of the British Nationality Act 1981 is £1,500 for adults. The registration fee for children under section 3(1) is £1,214. These fees cover administrative processing only and do not include biometrics, ceremony, translations, or other ancillary costs.

Is the citizenship ceremony fee included in the main application fee?

No. The citizenship ceremony fee is separate. The standard cost for a group ceremony is £80, paid to the local authority after Home Office approval. Some councils offer private ceremonies for higher fees, typically between £150 and £300. Adults must attend a ceremony to receive their certificate and complete the naturalisation process.

Can I get a refund if my British citizenship application is refused?

In most cases, no. The Home Office does not refund application fees once processing begins, even if the application is refused or withdrawn. Refunds are granted only in limited situations such as duplicate payments, withdrawals before processing starts, or administrative errors. Applicants are strongly advised to confirm eligibility and ensure that all supporting evidence is correct before submission.

Are there any exemptions or fee waivers for British citizenship?

Fee waivers are rare and mainly apply to children in local authority care. Under section 68 of the Immigration Act 2014 and the Home Office guidance “Registration as a British citizen: children” (August 2024), the registration fee can be waived where the local authority confirms financial responsibility. In exceptional cases, a waiver may also be granted on human rights grounds, such as where refusal would breach Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights. Most applicants must, however, pay the full fee.

How much does it cost to apply for a child’s British citizenship?

The Home Office registration fee for children under section 3(1) of the British Nationality Act 1981 is £1,214. Additional costs such as biometrics, translations, or optional ceremony attendance may apply. Children are not legally required to attend a citizenship ceremony but may do so if invited.

What happens if I make a mistake in my application?

If the Home Office cannot process your application due to errors or missing information, it may be returned. However, once processing has begun, the fee will not be refunded. Applicants who discover an error after submission should contact the Home Office Citizenship and Nationality department immediately. In most cases, a new application and full fee will be required.

Can I pay the citizenship fee in instalments?

No. The Home Office requires the full application fee to be paid at the time of submission. Applications will not be accepted or processed until the payment is successfully made in full.

Does the fee cover all dependants?

No. Each individual applicant—adult or child—must pay the applicable fee separately. There is no group or family discount for multiple applications.

How often do citizenship fees change?

The Home Office typically reviews immigration and nationality fees once or twice a year, with new rates taking effect in April or October. Applicants should always confirm the most recent figures on GOV.UK before submitting payment to avoid underpayment or rejection.

What happens if I cannot attend my citizenship ceremony?

Applicants must attend their citizenship ceremony within three months of receiving the approval invitation under Regulation 8(4) of the British Nationality (General) Regulations 2003. Failure to attend without reasonable excuse will result in the cancellation of the certificate, and a new application—with a new full fee—will be required.

Conclusion

Applying for British citizenship represents both a personal milestone and a financial commitment. Understanding the full cost of the process is vital for any prospective applicant. The Home Office fee for 2025 stands at £1,500 for adults and £1,214 for children, but this is only part of the total cost. Additional expenses such as biometrics (£19.20), the citizenship ceremony (£80 or more), translations, and professional advice can significantly increase the overall amount payable.

Because the Home Office fee is non-refundable once processing begins, applicants should confirm that they meet all requirements under the British Nationality Act 1981—including lawful residence for the full qualifying period, good character, and successful completion of both the Life in the UK and English language tests—before submitting payment. Applicants should also ensure that all supporting evidence is valid, certified, and correctly formatted to avoid unnecessary refusals.

Fee waivers remain limited to very specific categories, such as children in local authority care or exceptional human rights cases. For everyone else, the Home Office requires full payment at the time of application, with no instalment options available.

Because citizenship decisions carry no statutory right of appeal, preparation is crucial. Where appropriate, professional legal advice can help ensure compliance, reduce the risk of refusal, and avoid paying multiple fees due to procedural errors. Citizenship represents a permanent step in a person’s integration into the UK. Careful financial and procedural planning helps ensure that this investment leads smoothly to approval and the successful acquisition of British nationality.

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