Disclaimer: The information in this blog is accurate as of its publication date. Any updates after that date are not reflected here.
Quick Facts
| Category | Key Details |
| Naturalisation Fee (Adult) | £1,605: covers your formal application to the Home Office for British citizenship through naturalisation. |
| British citizenship ceremony cost 2025 | £130: a mandatory final step once your application is approved, where you officially become a British citizen. |
| Child Registration Fee | £1,214: applicable for minors registering as British citizens under Sections 1(3) or 3(1) of the British Nationality Act. |
| Average Processing Time | Between 6 and 12 months, depending on the Home Office’s caseload and document verification timelines. |
| Payment Flexibility | Instalments are not accepted; the full amount must be paid upfront at the time of submission. |
The benefits of British citizenship are well-documented. As a British citizen, you’ll have access to the world, with 152 countries welcoming you without a visa. Becoming a British citizen isn’t just a legal status, it’s an investment in a life of stability, freedom, and belonging. With access to 152 visa-free destinations, the protection of the NHS, and the right to live, work, and vote in the UK, the benefits far outweigh the costs.
You’ll also have access to the National Health Service (NHS), one of the most advanced social healthcare systems in the world. There’s no denying that British citizenship is valuable, but there are also costs associated with this journey.
Before applying for British citizenship, it’s important to be aware of the associated costs and fees. For a clear understanding of all expenses involved, refer to the UK citizenship cost breakdown 2025, which outlines the latest Home Office fees and additional charges you may need to budget for. We recommend making sure you have enough to cover the entire cost of your British citizenship application before you begin.
Here’s a breakdown of some of the costs you can expect to encounter on your journey to British citizenship.
Hidden costs of British citizenship 2025
How Much Does It Cost to Become a British Citizen?
The cost of British citizenship depends on your route, whether through naturalisation, registration, or other nationality routes. The most common path, naturalisation, now costs £1,605 as of 9 April 2025, following the Home Office’s latest fee update.
If you’re applying as a citizen from a British Overseas Territory, the fee is £1,070. For children, the registration fee remains £1,214, while adults registering for citizenship pay £1,446.
For the nationality registration, you must pay £1,446 for an adult from the 4th October 2023, whereas for children, the fee is £1,214.
What Is the New British Citizenship Fee in 2025?
The full breakdown of fees associated with British citizenship applications can be found below. We have included the old prices in addition to the new fees valid from the 9th April 2025.
Naturalisation fees UK 2025
| Application type | Old fee | Fee from 9th April 2025 |
| Naturalisation (British citizenship) | £1,250 | £1,605 |
| Naturalisation British overseas territory citizens | £1,000 | £1,070 |
| Registration – Adult | £1,126 | £1,446 |
| Registration – Child | £1,012 | £1,214 |
| Citizenship ceremony | £130 | £130 |
| The administration of a citizenship oath | £5 | £5 |
| Adults nationality registration for British overseas territory citizen, British overseas citizens, British Subjects or British protected persons | £901 | £964 |
| Child nationality registration for British overseas territory citizen, British overseas citizens, British Subjects or British protected persons | £810 | £810 |
| Renunciation of nationality | £450 | £482 |
| Application for a certificate of entitlement to the right of abode in the UK | £372 | £589 |
| Nationality review | £372 | £372 |
| Status Letter | £250 | £250 |
| Non-acquisition Letter | £250 | £250 |
| Nationality correction to certificate | £250 | £250 |
| Nationality – supply of a certified copy of a notice, certificate, order or declaration | £250 | £250 |
| Nationality reissued Certificate | £250 | £250 |
British Citizenship Fee Increase 2025
The British citizenship fee increase took effect on 9 April 2025, raising the cost of naturalisation and several related nationality applications. The fee for naturalising as a British citizen rose to £1,605 (up from £1,500). Including the citizenship ceremony fee of £130, the total cost for an application became £1,735.
This update was part of a broader Home Office review of immigration and nationality fees aimed at generating additional revenue for operational costs. While the increase was considered significant, it was important to factor in the long-term benefits of citizenship – permanent status, visa-free travel to over 150 countries, and full access to public services.
Single Application Fee
For the vast majority of applicants, the only costs that will be payable on their application will be the application fee. Applications for naturalisation include the ceremony fee and the biometric information collection fee. For those applying for British citizenship by registration, these fees are not relevant.
During the naturalisation process, if your biometric information is not collected, the Home Office will consider your application incomplete. Then they can reject your application. They will refund your application fee minus an administration fee of £25.
Hidden and Additional Costs of Applying for British Citizenship
Before you can submit your application, you may need to prove your knowledge of English with a recognised English language test. You can only complete this at a recognised test centre. This will usually cost around £150 for the test. If you fail this test, you will need to pay the fee again to resit the test.
Another fee to take into consideration is the Life In The UK test. They designed this test to show that you have a good understanding of British history, culture and etiquette. This test costs £50. If you fail this test, you will need to pay the fee every time you resit the test. Need help preparing? Explore our Life in the UK Test – Complete 2025 Guide for study tips, booking details, and official resources.
In addition, you may need to translate documents that are not in English. Certified translations typically cost £50–£200 per document, depending on length and complexity.
For the most up-to-date government charges, it’s worth reviewing the Home Office nationality fees April 2025, which outline all mandatory and optional costs associated with your British citizenship application.
Do You need to take an English test for British citizenship?
You don’t need to take this test if you hold a UK degree, have a qualification taught in English, or are a citizen of a majority English-speaking country (as listed by the Home Office).
The one good thing is there is no additional fee you need to pay for the standard appointment to collect your biometric data.
If you have indefinite leave to remain and have completed the English language requirement and the life in the UK test, you won’t need to complete these again. A naturalisation application for a child is different. If they turn 18 before you receive a decision, you will then need to pay for the citizenship ceremony fee. This fee won’t be due until the child turns 18.
Legal Guidance for British Citizenship Applications
There is no legal right to an appeal for a British citizenship application. All you can do is ask for UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) to review your application if you believe they have not correctly applied the law to your case, or if you suspect your caseworker has made a mistake.
With limited scope for appealing in the event you make a mistake on your application, it makes sense to secure expert advice before submitting your application. A single error or missing document could result in your application being refused, and the Home Office will not refund your £1,600+ fee. This is why many applicants choose to seek legal guidance on their applications.
Unsure what documents or eligibility criteria apply? Our detailed British Citizenship Application Requirements 2025 guide explains everything step-by-step.
At A Y & J Solicitors, our immigration lawyers help ensure every detail of your application meets current Home Office standards, from eligibility checks to supporting documentation. With expert legal guidance, you can protect your investment, avoid costly delays, and move closer to securing your British passport with confidence. Good legal advice can help to remove any possibility of doubt in your application, helping to signpost everything clearly for your caseworker. This can help to speed up the application processing time and reduce the chances that your application will be rejected.
Extra Fees to Consider
One category of fees that will often catch applicants off guard is the cost of translating original documents. If any of your evidence documents are not in English or Welsh, you will need to pay for a certified translation. The cost of this can quickly add up if you aren’t expecting to have to pay this for every document you provide.
Taking the English language test and the Life in the UK test multiple times will also increase the overall cost of your application. This can happen if you go unprepared for the test and assume that you can pass these tests without preparation. Try taking practice tests online to determine when you are ready to take these important tests. This will help to keep the overall cost down.
You should also pay close attention to whether or not you even need to take these tests. If you have completed them for another application, you may not need to take these tests again.
British Citizenship Fee Waiver & Exemptions (Adults & Children)
If you are applying for British citizenship by registration, there is a chance you could be eligible for a fee waiver. The following are the instances when the British citizenship fees will not be applicable:
- Registration of a child under the age of 18
- Registering as a British citizen for a stateless person
- You apply for British citizenship if you were born in the UK on or after 1 January 1983 and lived here until you turned ten.
- You claim British citizenship if you hold British Overseas citizen, British subject, British protected person, or British National (Overseas) status and don’t have any other nationality.
- You apply for British citizenship if you hold status as a British Overseas Territories citizen, British Overseas citizen, British protected person, British subject, or British National (Overseas).
- As a British Citizen, registering through residence in Hong Kong before 1997 (paper applications only)
You need to apply for your fee waiver before you submit your British citizenship application. If you are granted a fee waiver, they will give you a token to submit with your application in lieu of payment.
However, you cannot transfer the fee waiver tokens and can only be used by the original applicant. To be eligible for the fee waiver, you need to demonstrate why you are unable to afford the full application fee. In the case of a child’s application, you might need to demonstrate how paying the fee would be detrimental to the child’s wellbeing.
Can Indians Apply for British Citizenship & How Much Does It Cost?
Yes, Indian citizens can apply for British citizenship if they meet the eligibility criteria such as holding Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or Settled Status for at least 12 months. The application fee is the same for all nationalities — £1,605 for naturalisation (as of April 2025): but Indian applicants often face additional costs, such as certified document translations (£50–£200 per document) and overseas police clearance certificates. These added expenses can make preparation and budgeting especially important for applicants living outside the UK.
Refund policy for British citizenship 2025?
If your British citizenship application is refused, the main fee (£1,605) is non-refundable. However, the citizenship ceremony fee (£130) will be refunded automatically, as ceremonies only apply to approved applicants. The Home Office may retain a £25 administration charge in certain withdrawal or invalidation cases. This is why professional legal review before submission can save both time and significant financial loss.
Please Note: If your application was refused, our British Citizenship Refusal Reasons and Review Process guide explains what went wrong — and how to fix it.
Documents Required for UK Citizenship (and Related Costs)
To apply for British citizenship by naturalisation, you will typically need:
- A valid passport and BRP (Biometric Residence Permit)
- Proof of residence for 5 years (payslips, council tax bills, etc.)
- Life in the UK test pass certificate
- English language test certificate (unless exempt)
- Evidence of good character and tax compliance
Document preparation can incur translation and certification costs (£50–£200 per document). Submitting incomplete or inaccurate documentation may result in rejection and full loss of your fee, so precision matters.
How Long Does the British Citizenship Process Take?
The average British citizenship processing time is between 6 and 12 months, depending on case complexity. Once approved, you’ll be invited to attend your citizenship ceremony within up to 3 months. Delays can occur if your application lacks key documents, contains discrepancies, or requires extended background checks by the Home Office.
After your British Citizenship ceremony, applying for your passport is the final milestone — read our How to Apply for a British Passport After Naturalisation guide to do it right.
What is the British Citizenship Cost for Child 2025?
The British Citizenship Cost for Child 2025 remained £1,214, according to the Home Office nationality fees effective from April 2025. This covers the registration of a child as a British citizen under Section 1(3) or 3(1) of the British Nationality Act. While this fee does not include optional legal or document costs, it represents the total government charge payable at the time of application.
Can I Pay for British Citizenship in Instalments?
No. The Home Office does not allow instalments for citizenship applications — the full fee must be paid upfront when submitting your form. However, fee waivers exist for limited categories, such as children under 18 and stateless applicants. If affordability is an issue, you may wish to explore whether legal aid or charitable support applies in your case.
Why did the British citizenship fees increase in 2025?
The Home Office raised the naturalisation fee to £1,605 on 9 April 2025 to align with processing costs and administrative changes introduced under the 2025 Immigration Fees Regulations. This was part of a broader revision of all visa and nationality fees.
Can I get a refund if I withdraw my British citizenship application?
If you withdraw before biometric enrolment, the Home Office may refund your fee minus a £25 administration charge. After biometrics or decision-making begins, no refund will be issued.
What is the Total Cost of Applying for British citizenship in 2025?
The total cost of acquiring British citizenship in 2025 is a combination of the application fee and biometric enrolment fee. Other costs include the cost of obtaining legal advice and translation of documents, where required.
| Application Type | Main Fee (2025) | Other Costs | Total Estimated Cost |
| Adult Naturalisation | £1,605 | English test, Life in UK test | £1,805–£2,000 |
| Child Registration | £1,214 | Translation, documentation | £1,300–£1,400 |
| Adult Registration | £1,446 | Translation | £1,550+ |
Are There Any Other Fees for Obtaining British Citizenship?
Due to the extra requirements needed to obtain British citizenship, if you have not already done so, you have to pay an additional fee to sit the Life in the UK test and the requisite English language test.
Is There Financial Help Towards the British Citizenship Application Fee?
No, there are no provisions for financial aid, or waivers for the application fee for British citizenship. The applicants will have to bear the cost of this application process.
Can I Pay the British Citizenship Application Fees in Instalments?
No, the British citizenship application fee is payable in full when submitting the online application. The UK government does not provide instalment options for the fee.
What Happens If My British Citizenship Application is Refused? Will I Get a Refund?
If your British citizenship application is refused, the Home Office will not give you a refund of your application fee. However, the small fee of £130 goes towards the citizenship ceremony when your application is approved. They will refund the citizenship ceremony fee when the application is refused.
However, if you withdraw before biometric enrolment, the Home Office may refund your fee minus a £25 administration charge. After biometrics or decision-making begins, no refund will be issued.
How Much is the IHS Fee for 2025?
UK visa applicants must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge at the point of application. First, students, their dependants, and under-18s pay £776 per year. Next, other visa applicants pay £1,035 per year. Then, you calculate the total based on your visa’s length.
What are the New Immigration Rules for the UK in 2025?
First, in 2025 the UK government doubled the qualifying period for permanent settlement from five to ten years for most visa holders. Then, it raised minimum skill and salary thresholds under the Skilled Worker route. Also, it plans to phase out low-skilled visas and set up return hubs for failed asylum seekers.
How to Plan for Unexpected Citizenship Expenses
If you are not eligible for the fee waiver, you will need to be prepared to pay the full fee at the time of the application. You will not be able to submit your application until the full fee has been paid.
To help avoid any delays to your application, it’s a good idea to let your bank know that you will be making a large transaction prior to submitting your application. It’s not uncommon for banks to reverse the payment if this triggers a fraud alert. If this happens, it could delay and derail your application.
For example, if you are unaware of the fee reversal and UKVI is unable to contact you for any reason, your application would be rejected. You don’t pay anything yet because you haven’t submitted the application fee, but delaying payment can slow down your application.
If you are looking for more detailed guidance on the British citizenship application, download this guide. It covers every single step of the naturalisation process.
Go Forward with the Application
Understanding the application process is the best way to avoid unexpected fees. If you are struggling with any aspect of the application, it’s helpful to seek out expert advice from A Y & J Solicitors. This can help you to avoid unexpected fees.
At A Y & J Solicitors, we have handled over 100s of successful British citizenship applications. With a 95% success rate, we have achieved an overall track record of 5,000+ successful immigration and visa cases through our result-driven approach to every application. We take on each client with the genuine intention to provide our undivided care and attention to their case. Our end-to-end immigration support will enable the clients to be confident that their British citizenship process is in expert hands committed to their success.
Why A Y & J Solicitors?
With over thousands of successful immigration cases to our name, A Y & J Solicitors has built its reputation on trust, care, and real results. Over the 15+ years of working in UK immigration law, we’ve helped individuals and businesses confidently navigate sponsor licences, visas, and ILR applications. We’re proud to be recognised by The Legal 500, but it’s our clients’ peace of mind that matters most. When you work with us, you get clear advice, honest support, and a team that’s truly on your side.
How Can A Y & J Help?
A Y & J Solicitors is a specialist immigration law firm with extensive experience with British citizenship applications. We have an in-depth understanding of immigration law and are professional and results-focused. For assistance with your visa application or any other UK immigration law concerns, please contact us on +44 20 7404 7933 or contact us today. We’re here to help!
