Section A: British citizenship Fees 2025-2026
When applying for UK naturalisation, one of the main practical questions is how much you will pay from start to finish. Currently, the British citizenship application fee for an adult applying by naturalisation is £1,605. On top of that, you pay a £130 citizenship ceremony fee, so most adults are looking at at least £1,735 in Home Office charges alone, before any tests, translations or legal advice.
1. Home Office British Citizenship Application fees 2026
The fee to apply for British citizenship is £1,605 for an adult applying for naturalisation, with an additional £130 for the citizenship ceremony. In practice, that means most adults who are granted citizenship will pay £1,735 in Home Office fees to complete the process and receive their certificate.
Child citizenship applications through registration cost £1,214. Where a child turns 18 while their application is being decided, the Home Office will also charge the £130 ceremony fee before granting citizenship.
It costs £1,446 to register as a British citizen as an adult where the registration route applies instead of naturalisation.
The table below details the main British citizenship fees where you are applying for citizenship through registration or naturalisation, or dealing with related nationality services.
| Nationality and citizenship application category | Fee |
|---|---|
| Naturalisation (British citizenship, excluding ceremony fee) | £1,605 |
| Naturalisation – British overseas territory citizens | £1,070 |
| Nationality registration as a British citizen – adult | £1,446 |
| Nationality registration as a British citizen – child | £1,214 |
| Arrangement of a citizenship ceremony, including the administration of a citizenship oath and pledge at the ceremony | £130 |
| Administration of a citizenship oath, or oath and pledge, where this is not administered at a citizenship ceremony or by a justice of the peace | £5 |
| Nationality registration – British overseas territory citizen, British overseas citizen, British subject, British protected person – adult | £964 |
| Nationality registration – British overseas territory citizen, British overseas citizen, British subject, British protected person – child | £810 |
| Renunciation of nationality | £482 |
| Certificate of Entitlement (nationality right of abode in the UK) | £589 |
| Nationality review | £482 |
| Status letter (nationality) | £459 |
| Non-acquisition letter (nationality) | £459 |
| Nationality correction to certificate | £428 |
| Nationality – supply of a certified copy of a notice, certificate, order or declaration | £428 |
| Nationality reissued certificate | £428 |
These figures apply to applications made on or after 9 April 2025. The Home Office can change fees, so it is sensible to check the latest nationality fees before you submit your application.
2. Is there a premium service for British citizenship?
Unlike most UK visa and settlement applications, there is no premium or priority service for naturalisation applications. You cannot pay an extra fee to fast-track or guarantee a faster decision on a British citizenship application.
The Home Office aims to decide most naturalisation applications within around six months. Some applications take longer, for example where there are questions about residence, good character, security checks or where additional documents are requested. Because there is no option to buy a quicker service, the only real way to avoid delay is to ensure the application is complete, accurate and well evidenced when it is first submitted.
3. Are there other British citizenship fees you need to pay?
The Home Office application fee is usually the largest single cost, but it is rarely the only outlay. Most applicants also face a series of smaller but significant charges that need to be factored into the overall budget.
Naturalisation applicants still have to enrol their biometric information, such as fingerprints and a photograph. There is no separate Home Office biometric fee for citizenship applications, but you may pay extra if you choose a charged UKVCAS appointment slot, an out-of-hours location or add-on services such as document scanning or interpretation.
If you have to prove that you meet the English language requirement, you will need to take an approved English test, which can cost upwards of £150 depending on the provider and test centre. The Life in the UK test costs £50 per attempt. If you fail and need to sit the test again, you pay the fee each time.
Certified translations will also be required if any of your supporting documents, such as a birth certificate, marriage certificate or degree certificate, are not in English or Welsh. Translation costs vary, but they can add up where you have multiple documents or several family members applying at the same time.
Alongside these third-party costs, many applicants also opt to take professional guidance and engage an immigration lawyer to manage the application. While that adds a further fee, it can be a way to reduce the risk of losing the much higher application fee through a refusal.
4. Total cost: examples
The real cost of becoming British is the combination of the official Home Office fees and the other expenses you incur along the way. The figures below are indicative only, but they show how quickly the total can climb.
For a single adult applying by naturalisation who still needs to take both the Life in the UK test and an approved English test, a typical cost profile could look like this: £1,605 application fee, £130 ceremony fee, around £50 for the Life in the UK test, around £150 for an English test and at least £100 for basic translations and document handling. That takes the total to around £1,935 before any legal costs.
For a couple applying together, both by naturalisation and both needing tests, you can simply double most of those figures. Two application fees and two ceremony fees already total £3,470. Once you add tests for each person and translations for joint documents, the overall outlay can easily move beyond £3,800, even before taking professional advice.
Where an adult applies by naturalisation at £1,605 and a child applies through registration at £1,214, with one ceremony fee of £130 and shared translation costs, a family of one adult and one child is likely to spend well over £3,000 once tests, translations and any UKVCAS appointment upgrades are included. For many families, the financial risk is clear: one refused application can result in the loss of several thousand pounds in non-refundable fees.
| Applicant type | Cost components | Estimated total |
|---|---|---|
| Single adult (naturalisation) | £1,605 application fee £130 ceremony fee £50 Life in the UK test £150 English test (if required) £100 translations (approx) | £1,935 |
| Single adult with tests already completed | £1,605 application fee £130 ceremony fee £100 translations (approx) | £1,835 |
| Adult and child applying together | £1,605 adult application fee £130 adult ceremony fee £1,214 child registration fee £130 ceremony fee if child turns 18 £150 English test for adult (if required) £50 Life in the UK test £150 combined translations (approx) | £3,299–£3,429 depending on ceremony for child |
| Couple applying together | £1,605 x 2 naturalisation fees £130 x 2 ceremony fees £50 x 2 Life in the UK tests £150 x 2 English tests (if required) £150 translations (shared) | £3,470–£3,830 |
| Family of four (two adults, two children) | £1,605 x 2 adult fees £130 x 2 adult ceremony fees £1,214 x 2 child registration fees £150 English tests as needed £50 Life in the UK tests £200 translations (approx) | £5,998–£6,348 depending on tests |
DavidsonMorris Strategic Insight
Applicants often overlook how quickly the overall cost of naturalisation rises once Home Office fees, tests, translations and UKVCAS charges are added.
It is also a live risk that if the application is refused, you will lose the application fee in full.
Section B: How to Pay the British Citizenship Application Fee
The British citizenship application fee is paid online as part of the naturalisation or registration application. You authorise payment before you submit the form, usually by debit or credit card. Until the payment is successfully taken, the application is not treated as lodged and will not enter the decision queue.
UKVI expects the full British citizenship application fee to be paid in one go. There is no facility to pay in instalments or to split the fee across different stages of the process. If your card provider declines the payment, or if the transaction fails for any reason, the application will not proceed and you may have to start again once the issue is resolved.
Where an application is rejected as invalid, for example because mandatory sections are incomplete, the fee has not been correctly authorised or other validity criteria have not been met, the Home Office generally refunds the application fee but deducts a £28 administration charge per applicant. Once an application is accepted as valid and placed in the decision queue, the handling element of the fee is treated as earned and will not be refunded if the application is later refused or withdrawn.
In practical terms, it makes sense to double check card limits, expiry dates and security settings before you submit the form, particularly where you are paying several fees at once for family members. Any glitch at the payment stage will delay the start of the process and can expose you to updated fees if the Home Office increases charges before you manage to submit a valid application.
DavidsonMorris Strategic Insight
Your application will not be processed until the fee is paid in full. The system demands immediate full payment so budget accordingly.
Section C: British Citizenship Fee Waiver & Refund Rules
The way the Home Office handles British citizenship fees is unforgiving. There is no fee waiver for adults applying to naturalise and refunds are only available in narrow situations. Once an application is treated as valid and moves into the decision process, the main application fee is usually spent, even if the outcome is a refusal or you decide to withdraw.
1. Fee waiver rules
There is no fee waiver for adult naturalisation or adult registration applications. Adults are expected to pay the full British citizenship application fee, with no reduction on income or hardship grounds.
The fee waiver scheme applies only to certain children under 18 who are applying to register as British citizens and who cannot afford the fee. In broad terms, a waiver may be granted where the child and their parent or guardian cannot pay the fee after covering accommodation and essential living costs or where paying the fee would mean a child’s needs are not met. Children who are looked after by a local authority, or in an equivalent situation overseas, benefit from a full exemption rather than a waiver.
A fee waiver application for a child has to be decided before the citizenship registration application is submitted. Families need to factor in the time for the waiver decision and the evidence they will need to provide about their income, outgoings and living situation. Even where a waiver is granted, it only covers the Home Office fee and does not remove costs such as translations or legal advice.
2. Fee refund rules
Refunds for British citizenship fees are tightly controlled. The starting point is that the handling and processing part of the fee is not refunded once a valid application has been considered, whether the case is granted, refused or later withdrawn. For most adult applicants, that means the full £1,605 naturalisation fee is at risk from the moment the application is accepted as valid and enters the decision queue.
Where an application is rejected as invalid, the position is different. Invalid applications are those that never meet the basic requirements to be considered, for example because mandatory sections of the form are incomplete, key documents are missing or the fee has not been authorised correctly. In these cases, the Home Office generally refunds the fee but deducts an administration charge of £28 per applicant. Even then, the applicant still faces delay and has to resubmit a fresh application.
The ceremony fee is handled separately from the main application fee. It is charged where an adult is required to attend a citizenship ceremony and is refunded if the application is refused or withdrawn before a ceremony takes place. If a child turns 18 during processing, the £130 ceremony fee only becomes payable if the application is approved and a ceremony is arranged.
| Scenario | Fee waiver position | Refund position |
|---|---|---|
| Adult naturalisation or adult registration | No fee waiver. Full fee payable. | No refund of main fee once a valid application has been considered, even if refused or withdrawn. |
| Child under 18 applying for registration | Fee waiver available in some cases where the family cannot afford the fee. Children looked after by a local authority may be exempt. | Same refund rules as other applications. Main fee not refunded once a valid application has been considered. |
| Application rejected as invalid | Fee waiver rules unchanged. | Overall fee usually refunded minus a £28 administration charge per applicant. Fresh application required. |
| Citizenship ceremony fee | No waiver for adults. Exemptions may apply where a child is fee exempt. | Ceremony fee refunded if the application is refused or withdrawn before a ceremony takes place. |
| Child turning 18 during processing | Existing waiver or exemption for the child’s registration fee can still apply if already granted. | £130 ceremony fee only payable if the application is approved and a ceremony is required. |
DavidsonMorris Strategic Insight
Refund options are limited and strictly enforced. Once an application is accepted as valid, almost all of the fee is lost if the case is refused or withdrawn. The safer option is to make sure the application is comprehensive and correct before submitting and paying the fee.
Section D: Tips for British Citizenship Applicants
Given the level of the British citizenship application fee and the fact that it is largely non-refundable once an application is accepted for processing, careful preparation is critical. Naturalisation applications are examined in detail and the Home Office will refer not only to the information you provide but also to external records, including HMRC data and past immigration history. The following areas are the most common sources of refusal and therefore the greatest financial risk for applicants.
1. Good character requirement
The good character requirement applies to all naturalisation applicants aged ten and above. It is one of the most scrutinised parts of the application and a growing reason for refusal. The Home Office assesses character by looking at patterns of behaviour, including criminality, financial soundness, tax compliance, past immigration issues and any history of deception or nondisclosure. Caseworkers look for inconsistencies between your statements and what official data shows, and even minor issues can raise doubts if they are not addressed transparently and supported with evidence.
There is no single test for good character and outcomes depend heavily on the quality of explanations and supporting documents. If you have any concerns about past conduct, missed tax filings, cautions or unauthorised work, take advice before you apply. Poor handling of a manageable issue can lead to an avoidable refusal and the loss of the application fee.
2. Residence requirement
The residence requirement has two parts. First, you must show that you have lived in the UK lawfully for the full qualifying period: five years for most applicants or three years if you are applying as the spouse or civil partner of a British citizen. Second, you need to stay within the strict absence limits. These are 450 days of absence during the five-year period, or 270 days for those applying on the three-year route, and no more than 90 days of absence in the 12 months before you apply.
Excess absences are a leading cause of refusal. Applicants often underestimate their travel or rely on memory, which usually becomes a problem when passport stamps and HMRC records do not match the dates in the form. If your absences exceed the limits, you will need to prepare evidence of compelling reasons to ask the Home Office to exercise discretion, and that is granted far less often than many expect. Applying too early, or without complete travel history, is a common and costly mistake.
3. Knowledge of English language and life
Naturalisation applicants need to show that they can speak and understand English to a prescribed standard and that they have passed the Life in the UK test. The rules are strict about how this is evidenced. The English requirement can be met either with a degree taught or researched in English or with an approved English test at B1 level. Degrees must be evidenced correctly, and many refusals arise from applicants submitting the wrong type of confirmation or failing to obtain the ECCS statement required for overseas qualifications.
You should also ensure that the Life in the UK test was taken at an approved test centre and that the reference details match exactly what you enter on the application form. Lost confirmation letters, misspelled names and mismatched identity documents can all cause delay or raise questions that lead to further checks and a longer wait for a decision.
4. Providing additional information
The Home Office may request more information if anything in your application is unclear or inconsistent. These requests come with deadlines. If you delay or fail to provide the requested documents, the application can be refused. Caseworkers will write to the address given on your form, so it is important to ensure your contact details are reliable and that you respond promptly to any correspondence.
Where the Home Office has doubts about part of your application, they may look more widely at your immigration and tax records. Applicants often underestimate the impact of a single missing document or an unexplained gap in evidence. Taking time to prepare a complete and well-supported application reduces the risk of follow-up requests and the risk of refusal.
DavidsonMorris Strategic Insight
Issues with British citizenship applications are usually avoidable. The rules, both procedural and eligibility requirements, are incredibly complex and they change frequently. To give the best chance of a positive outcome, professional advice can really increase prospects.
Issues are usually because of problems applicants did not anticipate but advisers dealing with these applications routinely will spot them a mile away.
We offer fixed-fee telephone consultations for British citizenship applicants. For a low, safe cost, you can put your questions to one of our advisers.
Section E: Summary
The British citizenship application fee is a significant outlay and the rules around refunds leave little room for error once an application is accepted for processing. Most applicants will spend far more than the headline fee once tests, translations and appointment charges are added. The financial risk sits in the detail: an incomplete form, unclear evidence or a misjudged disclosure can lead to a refusal and the loss of the fee. Careful preparation, accurate records and clear evidence help reduce that risk. Where there are concerns about residence, character or the way past events should be presented, taking advice before applying can prevent avoidable problems and protect the investment you are making in the application.
Section F: Need Assistance?
Our team of specialist immigration advisers support individuals and families with British citizenship, naturalisation and nationality matters. As Home Office fees can change, you should check the latest charges before submitting your application or contact us for guidance on the full costs and requirements.
Section G: British Citizenship Fees FAQs
What is the British citizenship application fee in 2025?
The naturalisation application fee for adults is £1,605 for applications made on or after 9 April 2025. You will also pay a £130 citizenship ceremony fee once your application is approved, taking the total to £1,735 for most adults.
How much does child registration cost?
The fee for a child to register as a British citizen is £1,214. If the child turns 18 during the process, the £130 ceremony fee becomes payable before citizenship is granted.
Do I need to pay for biometrics?
There is no separate Home Office biometric enrolment fee for British citizenship applications. You may, however, pay extra if you choose a charged UKVCAS appointment or add-on services such as document scanning.
Are there extra costs apart from the application fee?
Most applicants will also need to pay for the Life in the UK test (£50), an approved English test if required (typically £150 or more), document translations and any optional UKVCAS appointment upgrades. Many applicants also take legal advice, which is a separate cost.
Can I get a refund if my application is refused?
Once an application is accepted as valid and placed in the decision queue, the main application fee is not refunded even if the application is refused or withdrawn. The ceremony fee is refunded if no ceremony takes place.
What happens if my application is rejected as invalid?
If the Home Office rejects an application as invalid, the application fee is usually refunded but reduced by an administration charge. Invalid applications are those that never entered the decision process because of missing information or documents.
Is there a fee waiver for British citizenship?
There is no fee waiver for adult naturalisation. Limited fee waivers exist for some children applying for registration, based on affordability and specific criteria set by the Home Office.
Can I pay the British citizenship application fee in instalments?
No. The full fee has to be paid online at the point you submit the application. If payment fails, the application will not be lodged.
Does the Home Office offer priority or fast-track services?
No priority or super priority services are available for naturalisation. All applications follow the standard processing timeline.
How long does a citizenship application take?
The Home Office aims to decide most applications within six months. Some cases take longer where further information or checks are required.
What is the fee for a citizenship ceremony?
The standard citizenship ceremony fee is £130. Private ceremonies may attract higher local authority charges.
Section H: Glossary
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| British citizenship | The legal status that gives individuals full rights as British nationals, including the right to live and work in the UK without restriction. |
| Naturalisation | The process for adults who meet the residence, good character and knowledge requirements to apply to become British citizens. |
| Registration | The citizenship process used mainly by children and some adults with specific entitlements or connections to the UK. |
| Citizenship ceremony | A ceremony that adults must attend after approval, where they take an oath or pledge. The standard fee is £130. |
| Life in the UK test | A £50 multiple-choice test assessing an applicant’s knowledge of British culture, values and history. |
| English language test | An approved test used by applicants who cannot rely on a qualifying English-taught degree to prove their level of English. |
| Biometric enrolment | The process of providing fingerprints and a photograph. There is no separate Home Office fee for this in citizenship cases. |
| Fee waiver | A limited scheme allowing some children applying for registration to apply without paying the fee if their family cannot afford it. |
| Ceremony fee | The £130 charge payable when an applicant is approved and requires a citizenship ceremony. |
| Invalid application | An application that is not accepted for processing because it lacks required information or documents, usually triggering a refund minus an administrative charge. |
| Approved English degree | A degree taught or researched in English that can be used to meet the language requirement when correctly evidenced. |
| Translation | A certified translation of any document not in English or Welsh, required for Home Office submissions. |
Section I: Additional Resources & Links
| Resource | Description | URL |
|---|---|---|
| Home Office nationality fees | Official schedule of citizenship and nationality application charges | https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/visa-regulations-revised-table/visa-fees-table |
| Apply for British citizenship | Main Home Office page explaining eligibility and how to apply | https://www.gov.uk/british-citizenship |
| Eligibility checker | Guidance on naturalisation criteria including residence and good character | https://www.gov.uk/becoming-a-british-citizen/check-if-you-can-apply |
| Life in the UK test | Booking the test, ID rules and test centre information | https://www.gov.uk/life-in-the-uk-test |
| English language requirement | Approved English tests, exemptions and qualification rules | https://www.gov.uk/english-language |
| UKVCAS guidance | Biometric appointments, document upload options and add-ons | https://www.gov.uk/ukvcas |
| Nationality policy guidance | Caseworker instructions used to decide citizenship applications | https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/nationality-policy-guidance |
| Nationality forms | Forms including NR for reconsideration after refusal | https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/nationality-forms |
| Child citizenship fee waiver | Guidance for families applying for child fee waiver | https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/fee-waiver-application-guidance |
| Naturalisation guide | DavidsonMorris naturalisation advice and application support | https://www.davidsonmorris.com/naturalisation/ |
| British citizenship requirements | Detailed guidance on residence, evidence and good character rules | https://www.davidsonmorris.com/british-citizenship-requirements/ |
| Contact DavidsonMorris | Advice on eligibility, risks and full application costs | https://www.davidsonmorris.com/contact/ |
