Have citizenship fees changed in 2026?

Citizenship fees are reviewed annually. The 2026 fee for adult naturalisation is £1,344. Check GOV.UK for the most current fee schedule, as increases are typically announced each April.

Has the good character requirement changed?

The good character requirement is periodically updated through Home Office guidance. While the core principles remain the same, the way certain offences and circumstances are assessed can change. Always check the latest guidance before applying.

Are there any new routes to citizenship in 2026?

No major new routes have been introduced in 2026. The main routes remain naturalisation (after ILR), registration (for children, British nationals overseas, and certain other categories), and descent. However, policy adjustments continue, particularly around fee waivers and digital processing.

Has the digital transition affected citizenship applications?

Yes. The transition to eVisas and digital immigration status continues. Citizenship applicants should ensure their digital records are up to date and that they can access their immigration status online through their UKVI account.

UK Citizenship Changes in 2026: What You Need to Know

2026 brings continued evolution to the UK citizenship system. Key areas include fee adjustments, the ongoing transition to digital immigration status, updates to good character guidance, and the impact of broader immigration policy changes. This guide summarises what applicants need to know.

Fee Updates

Citizenship fees are reviewed annually, typically with changes announced in the spring. For 2026:

Adult naturalisation: £1,344 (check our cost guide for the latest)
Child registration: Fee varies depending on the route
Fee waivers: Remain available for applicants who cannot afford the fee — see our fee waiver guide

The government has faced ongoing criticism about the cost of citizenship, particularly for children. Any fee increases are typically announced alongside the immigration fees order each year. Always check GOV.UK for current fees.

Digital Transformation

The UK's move to a fully digital immigration system continues to affect citizenship applicants:

eVisa transition: All immigration status is moving online. Ensure your UKVI account is set up and your immigration history is accurately recorded digitally.
Online applications: The online application system continues to be refined, with improved validation and document upload capabilities.
BRP phase-out: As BRPs are phased out, citizenship applicants need to reference their digital immigration status.

Good Character Guidance Updates

The Home Office periodically updates its guidance on the good character requirement. Key areas of ongoing development include:

How historic immigration breaches are assessed (particularly for long residence applicants)
The treatment of tax irregularities
How social media and online behaviour may be considered
Ongoing refinement of how rehabilitated offenders are assessed

Always check the latest guidance before applying, especially if you have any concerns about your good character eligibility.

Impact of Broader Immigration Policy

Citizenship rules are influenced by wider immigration policy changes:

Income threshold changes: The income threshold increases for family visas indirectly affect citizenship timelines by making it harder to obtain the initial visa that starts the journey to settlement.
ILR policy: Changes to ILR requirements affect when people become eligible for citizenship.
Immigration White Paper: Policy proposals from the 2025 white paper continue to be implemented, with potential implications for settlement and citizenship pathways.

What Has Not Changed

The core requirements for citizenship remain stable:

ILR (or equivalent settled status) is still required
The Life in the UK test is still mandatory
English language at B1 is still required
Good character is still assessed
The 450-day and 90-day absence limits remain
The ceremony is still required

For the full current requirements, see our British citizenship requirements guide.

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