How much does British citizenship cost in 2026?

The citizenship application fee for adult naturalisation is £1,344 in 2026. This includes the £1,214 application fee and £130 ceremony fee. Additional costs include the Life in the UK test (£50), English language test (£150-£200 if needed), and optional solicitor fees.

Is there a fee waiver for citizenship?

Yes. If you cannot afford the fee due to financial hardship, you can apply for a fee waiver. You need to demonstrate that paying the fee would leave you unable to meet essential living costs. The fee waiver process is separate from the main application.

Do children pay the same fee as adults?

No. The fee for registering a child as a British citizen is different from the adult naturalisation fee. Child registration fees have been a subject of legal challenge, and a fee waiver is available for children.

Can I get a refund if my application is refused?

No. The citizenship application fee is non-refundable, even if your application is refused. This makes it important to check your eligibility carefully before applying.

British Citizenship Cost 2026: Full Fee Breakdown

The total cost of British citizenship in 2026 includes the application fee (£1,344 for adults), Life in the UK test (£50), English language test (if needed), biometrics, and passport application after approval. Fee waivers are available for those in financial hardship.

Government Fees

Adult naturalisation: £1,344 (£1,214 application fee + £130 ceremony fee)
Child registration (under 18): Check the latest fee on GOV.UK
Life in the UK test: £50 per attempt
British passport (after citizenship): £82.50 online, £93 by post

These fees are set by the government and change periodically. Check the fee increase guide for any recent changes.

English Language Costs

If you need to take an English language test, budget for:

IELTS for UKVI (Life Skills): Approximately £150
Trinity College London GESE: Approximately £150
Preparation course (optional): £0-£500 depending on the course

You may be exempt from the English requirement if you hold a degree taught in English, are a national of a majority English-speaking country, or meet other exemption criteria.

Optional Professional Fees

While you can apply for citizenship yourself, some applicants use professional help:

Immigration solicitor: £500-£1,500 for a citizenship application
Document certification: £5-£25 per document (see our certified copies guide)
Document translation: £20-£50 per page if documents are not in English

For straightforward applications, you may not need a solicitor. See our solicitor vs DIY guide to help you decide.

Total Cost Summary

Here is a realistic total for a single adult:

Citizenship application: £1,344
Life in the UK test: £50
English language test: £150 (if needed)
British passport: £82.50
Document certification: £20-£50
Total (without solicitor): approximately £1,650-£1,680
Total (with solicitor): approximately £2,150-£3,180

Fee Waivers

If paying the citizenship fee would cause financial hardship, you can apply for a fee waiver. You must demonstrate that you cannot afford the fee without compromising your ability to meet essential living needs (housing, food, utilities).

The fee waiver application is submitted separately, before the main citizenship application. If approved, you can apply for citizenship without paying the fee or at a reduced rate.

Comparison with Other Immigration Costs

For context, here is how citizenship costs compare with other immigration milestones:

ILR application: £2,885
Spouse visa: £1,846
Skilled Worker visa: £719-£1,420

The full journey from visa to citizenship typically costs £10,000-£20,000+ per person over several years. See our budgeting guide for planning.

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