Immigration Advice Service
03334149244 (local rate)

Mon - Sun, 8.30 am - 6 pm

Find an office

20 offices in the UK

Menu

We are the UK's leading immigration specialists
OISC Accredited UK immigration lawyers
We've had over 7000 applications approved
We are now open 7 days a week from 8.30 am to 6 pm.
4.7 rating 2649 reviews

British Citizenship Fees

To obtain British citizenship and gain a British passport, foreign nationals must make a British citizenship application to the Home Office. As part of the application process, applicants are expected to pay fees.

Our team of specialist immigration lawyers can help you explore your options to gain British citizenship and provide guidance on any required fees. In some cases and depending on your circumstances, we could help you apply for a fee waiver. For accurate legal advice regarding your British citizenship application and what it costs, call us today at 0333 305 9375 or contact us online.

    Request a call back from our immigration experts

    How Much Does It Cost To Become a British Citizen?

    There are different ways to become a British citizen and the total cost depends on the route taken to secure citizenship in addition to the applicant’s circumstances. In some cases, applicants may be eligible to apply for a fee waiver. If successful, this means the fees do not apply.

    EXCELLENT
    Immigration Advice Service 4.7 rating 2649 reviews
    Reviews.io Logo

    How Much Does It Cost to Get British Citizenship by Naturalisation?

    Applicant Fee

    Many foreign nationals become British citizens through naturalisation. To be eligible, applicants must be over the age of 18 and have lived in the UK for at least 5 years. In addition, they must have held either ILR, settled status or indefinite leave to enter the UK for at least 12 months unless they are married to a British citizen. They must also intend to continue living in the UK once citizenship is granted and be of ‘good’ character. Once granted citizenship and when invited, all applicants should attend a citizenship ceremony.

    The application fee to become a British citizen by naturalisation is currently £1330. (This includes an £80 citizenship ceremony administration charge).

    There may be other circumstances that grant an applicant the right to ‘naturalise’. For example, an individual may be eligible if they became a British overseas territory citizen after 21 May 2002 and they meet specific criteria. The fee for naturalising as a British overseas territory citizen is currently £1000.

    Life in the UK Test Fee

    In addition to the above criteria, all naturalisation applicants (unless exempt) must also pass a ‘Life in the UK Test’. Applicants are given 45 minutes to answer 24 questions about life in the UK to prove their understanding of the country’s core values.

    The fee for completing the Life in the UK Test is currently £50.

    Proof Of English Language Fee

    Depending on the country that they are originally from, some applicants may also have to prove their knowledge of either English, Welsh or Scottish Gaelic language. To do this applicants must pass a listening and speaking test for which the fee is currently £150.

    Biometric Information Fee

    All applicants must agree to have their biometric information (fingerprints and photograph) taken and stored on UK government systems. There is currently no charge for this service.

    How Much Does It Cost to Register as a British Citizen?

    Under 18s

    The process of registering as a British citizen usually applies to children under the age of 18 that do not automatically have British citizenship. Children who were born in the UK to foreign parents can apply to register as British citizens as soon as their parents are granted ILR. Children born outside of the UK may be able to register if they have a British mother or father or have lived in the UK for at least 10 years.

    The fee to register as a British citizen is currently £1012. However, if the registering child turns 18 during the application process, they are also expected to pay the £80 citizenship ceremony and administration charge.

    Adults

    There are certain circumstances where adults may also be able to register. For example, British overseas nationals or British overseas territories citizens with a connection to Gibraltar or Hong Kong could be eligible, alongside those with a British parent that had the right to become a British citizen when they were born.

    The fee to register an adult as a British citizen is currently £1206. However, British overseas citizens, British subjects and British protected persons can apply to register as British nationals for a lower cost of £901.

    Don't miss out on the benefits of becoming a British citizen. Contact us and apply today. Contact Us

      Fill out the form

      Can I Get a Fee Waiver?

      Fee waivers are available under the British Nationality Act of 1981 for applicants that are under 18 and meet specific criteria. Applicants are eligible to apply if they or their parent/guardian:

      • Does not have a place to live and cannot afford one.
      • Is unable to afford essential living costs such as food and heating.
      • Cannot afford the fee after paying for other essential living costs (like rent, food, etc).
      • Could not meet the child’s needs after paying the fee.

      Children being looked after by a local authority are exempt from paying the fee completely so long as they can provide evidence of this on their citizenship application.

      The Home Office provides further information on affordability in the fee waiver application guidance notes but it is worth noting that applicants will have to prove their income as part of their fee waiver application form. The proof is usually provided in the form of documentation such as bank statements.

      How Much Does It Cost To Get a British Passport?

      Once British citizenship has been granted by the Home Office, applicants can apply for a British passport. The process takes approximately 10 weeks but this can be fast-tracked in certain circumstances.

      Applicants can apply online or by post, however, it is cheaper to apply online. Fees also depend on whether or not the applicant is applying from inside or outside of the UK.

      Applying From Inside the UK

      The following fees apply to those applying from inside the UK:

      • Adult (16+) 34 page (standard): £82.50 (online)/ £93 (post).
      • Adult (16+) 50 page (frequent traveller): £93.50 (online)/ £104 (post).
      • Child (Under 16) 34 page (standard): £53.50 (online)/ £64 (post).
      • Child (under 16) 50 page (frequent traveller): £64.50 (online)/ £74 (post).

      Applicants born on or before 2 September 1929 do not have to pay any fees and can obtain a passport free of charge.

      Applying From Outside the UK

      Processes and fees vary depending on the individual’s circumstances and where they are applying from.

      Other British Citizenship Fees

      There are other fees applicable to other processes that relate to British citizenship. For example, if somebody wants to renounce their citizenship or apply to the Home Office for a certificate for the right of abode, then they are charged fees to do so.

      Renouncing British Citizenship

      To apply to renounce British citizenship (including that of British Overseas citizenship, British Overseas Territories citizenship, a British subject, British protected person status or British National Overseas) the fee payable to the Home Office is £372.

      Right Of Abode Certificate

      All British citizens and some commonwealth citizens have the ‘right of abode’ in the UK. This means they are not subject to immigration control and can live and work in the UK without restriction. They do not need a visa to enter the UK and there is no limit on the length of time they can spend in the country. If they do not have a passport that describes them as a British citizen, they can apply to obtain a certificate that proves their ‘right of abode’. To do so they must pay the Home Office a fee of £372.

      Further Examples

      Further examples of when fees may apply in relation to British citizenship are as follows:

      • Duplicate certificate: £250
      • Confirmation of status as a British citizen: £250
      • Confirmation of non-acquisition of British citizenship: £250
      • Reconsideration of an application for naturalisation or registration: £372
      • Reconsideration of an application for a certificate of entitlement to the right of abode: £372
      • Correction to nationality certificate: £250

      What Is An Invalid Application?

      An application will be considered invalid if the fee is not paid in full upon submission or if the biometric information is missing. If an application is invalid it will not be considered by the Home Office and the fee will be refunded to the applicant less a £25 administration charge.

      Let us help maximise your chances of becoming a British citizen. Contact our expert team today for assistance. Contact Us

        Fill out the form

        Benefits of Becoming a British Citizen

        There are various reasons why foreign nationals may wish to become British citizens. If they have settled in the UK and built a life, it gives them security. Once citizenship is granted they have full rights to live and work in the UK indefinitely and can travel without restriction as a UK citizen. Citizenship also gives the right to vote in all local and general elections in the UK and allows access to the UK’s state benefits and National Health Service (NHS).

        Can I Become a British Citizen?

        Being born in the UK does not automatically grant British citizenship and status at birth mainly depends on where an individual’s parents were born. It is possible to check citizenship status on the UK government’s website.

        There are several reasons why an applicant may be eligible to apply for British citizenship. They include:

        • Through marriage or civil partnership.
        • By having ‘settled status’ under the EU settlement scheme.
        • By having indefinite leave to remain (ILR).
        • By being born in the UK.
        • By having a British parent.
        • By having another type of British nationality.
        • By having a parent with British overseas territories citizenship.
        • By being ‘stateless’.
        • By having previously renounced citizenship.
        • By being a Chagossian descendant (a direct descendant of someone born in the British Indian Ocean Territory).
        • By being a commonwealth citizen under the Windrush scheme.
        • Where other special circumstances apply.

        How Do I Become a British Citizen?

        There are different routes available to obtain British citizenship depending on the applicant’s circumstances. For example, those with ILR or settled status under the EU scheme should apply for British citizenship by naturalisation, and those under 18 who were born in the UK but do not automatically qualify for citizenship should register as British citizens.

        The eligibility requirements and fees needed for British citizenship differ depending on the route taken to secure citizenship. However, all British citizenship applicants must have permission to stay in the UK whilst their application is being processed. Permission needs to last until the applicant has attended their citizenship ceremony.

        We can help you through your British citizenship application. Contact us to learn more. Contact Us

          Fill out the form

          How Can IAS Help?

          British citizenship applications can often be complex and daunting. However, our team of immigration specialists at IAS can help you complete your application quickly and easily no matter what your circumstances may be.

          Our expert immigration lawyers can advise you on the most suitable pathway to citizenship, help you fill out your application form, gather evidence and inform you of all eligibility requirements and residence rules that you must meet to be granted British citizenship.

          We can inform you of the total amount of fees that you will be liable for when you submit your application and can help you apply for a fee waiver if you are eligible. We can guide you through any application and service issues that may arise during the process and help you combat them lawfully.

          For accurate help and advice regarding your British citizenship application or to get answers to queries about citizenship fees, call IAS today at 0333 305 9375 or contact us online.

          Advice Package icon

          Advice Package

          Need help with an immigration issue? Book a one-to-one advice session with one of our legal caseworkers.

          Application Package icon

          Application Package

          We can complete your visa application on your behalf, taking the stress and hassle out of the process.

          Fast Track Package icon

          Fast Track Package

          Need to submit an application quickly? We can help you complete and send it off in as little as 24 hours.

          Appeal Package icon

          Appeal Package

          Ensure you have the greatest chance of a successful appeal with our legal support and guidance.

          Advice Package image

          The Advice Package

          With our Advice Package, you can book a one-to-one session with one of our legal team and receive bespoke advice tailored for your situation. We will review your case and give you expert advice on how best to proceed with your immigration matter. Reach out to a member of our team and book your session today.

            Fill out the form

            Request the Advice Package
            Application Package image

            The Application Package

            Our Application Package is designed to help relieve the stress of immigration applications. One of our legal caseworkers will help you throughout the entire process, including establishing your eligibility for your chosen route, completing your application form to the highest standards and organising your documents. We will then submit it and monitor its status on your behalf.

              Fill out the form

              Request the Application Package
              Fast Track Package image

              The Fast Track Package

              Our premium Fast Track Package is ideal if you need to submit an application quickly, such as if you need to meet a tight deadline. Our lawyers will work closely with you to see that your application is completed to the highest standards and ensure you get your application in on time, helping to take the stress and pressure off you.

                Fill out the form

                Request the Fast Track Package
                Appeal Package image

                The Appeal Package

                Visa appeals can be a stressful process, especially if you’re relying on a specific visa to be approved. Our legal team can help you navigate the whole process and maximise your chances of a successful appeal, working alongside you to reach a favourable result. We can also represent you in immigration-related hearings and tribunals.

                  Fill out the form

                  Request the Appeal Package

                  We offer immigration advice sessions as face to face appointments at all of our UK offices, or via the phone. Learn more

                    Request a call back from our immigration experts

                    Related pages for your continued reading.

                    Frequently Asked Questions

                    All individual citizenship fees must be paid in full at the time of purchase, therefore it is not possible to spread the cost.

                    Unfortunately, if an application that has been considered by the Home Office is rejected the applicant is not entitled to a refund of the entire fee. Only the £80 citizenship ceremony administration charge is refundable.

                    Payment should be made upon submitting an online application where applicants can pay with either a debit or credit card.

                    X