British Citizenship Cost 2026: Full Fee Breakdown
What you need to know
- •British citizenship by naturalisation costs £1,344 (£1,214 application fee + £130 ceremony fee).
- •Child registration costs £1,214.
- •The Life in the UK test costs £50 and must be passed before you apply.
- •There is no IHS to pay for citizenship applications.
- •The application fee is non-refundable, even if your application is refused.
Applying for British citizenship by naturalisation costs £1,344 in 2026. But there are additional costs to consider, including the Life in the UK test, English language tests, and potential solicitor fees. This guide provides a complete cost breakdown for every type of citizenship application.
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Citizenship Application Fees
The cost of British citizenship depends on the type of application. The most common route is naturalisation, which is for adults who have lived in the UK with settled status for a qualifying period.
Naturalisation (Adults): £1,344
This is the standard route for most people applying for citizenship. It includes:
- Application fee: £1,214
- Citizenship ceremony fee: £130
This fee applies whether you are applying based on marriage to a British citizen, long residence, or any other qualifying basis.
Registration (Children): £1,214
Children (under 18) who are eligible for British citizenship apply through registration rather than naturalisation. The fee is £1,214. There is no ceremony fee for children.
Registration (Adults): £1,012
Some adults apply through registration rather than naturalisation. This applies to people who have a claim to British citizenship through their parents or through other specific provisions. The fee is £1,012 plus the £130 ceremony fee.
Additional Costs
Life in the UK Test: £50
All adult applicants must pass the Life in the UK test before applying for citizenship. The test costs £50 per attempt. If you fail, you can retake it, but you must pay £50 each time.
English Language Test: £150-£200
You must prove English language ability at B1 level (intermediate) or above. If you already proved this when applying for ILR, you can use the same certificate. Otherwise, you will need to take a new test. See our English language tests guide for approved providers and costs.
Document Costs
You may need to pay for certified copies of documents, translations, or additional paperwork. Common costs include:
- Certified document translations: £20-£50 per page.
- Replacement documents (if originals are lost): Variable.
- Passport photos: £5-£15.
Solicitor Fees for Citizenship
Most straightforward citizenship applications do not require a solicitor. However, if your case involves complications (such as time spent outside the UK, criminal record issues, or complex residency questions), professional advice can be valuable.
Immigration solicitor fees for citizenship applications typically range from £500 to £2,000, depending on the complexity. Some solicitors offer a fixed fee for standard applications.
Preparing a UK visa application?
Get the exact document list and step-by-step timeline — £149, paid once.
What You Do Not Pay
Unlike visa applications, citizenship applications do not require:
- Immigration Health Surcharge: The IHS only applies to visa applications, not citizenship.
- Biometric fees: Biometrics for citizenship are included in the application fee.
This makes citizenship less expensive than many visa applications when you consider the total cost. However, the application fee itself is still substantial.
Cost Comparison: Routes to Citizenship
The total cost of reaching British citizenship depends on which visa route you took. Here are the approximate total government fees for the most common routes:
Spouse Visa Route
- Initial Spouse Visa: ~£4,609
- Extension: ~£3,811
- ILR: ~£3,110
- Citizenship: ~£1,344
- Total: ~£13,160
Skilled Worker Route
- Initial Skilled Worker visa: ~£6,000-£8,000 (including IHS)
- Extension: ~£4,000-£6,000
- ILR: ~£3,110
- Citizenship: ~£1,344
- Total: ~£15,000-£19,000
These figures are approximate and do not include solicitor fees, English language tests, or other incidental costs. For a full overview, see our UK visa fees guide.
Fee Waivers
Fee waivers for citizenship are very limited. The Home Office may waive fees in specific circumstances, primarily for:
- Children in local authority care.
- Children who cannot afford the fee and it would not be in their best interests to refuse the application.
Most adult applicants will not qualify for a fee waiver. If you believe you may be eligible, check the latest guidance on GOV.UK.
The Citizenship Ceremony
The £130 ceremony fee is mandatory for all adult applicants. After your application is approved, you must attend a citizenship ceremony within 3 months. At the ceremony, you will:
- Make an oath or affirmation of allegiance to the Crown.
- Make a pledge to respect the rights, freedoms, and laws of the UK.
- Receive your certificate of British citizenship.
You are not a British citizen until the ceremony is complete. You can then apply for a British passport. For the full process, see our how to apply for British citizenship guide.
To understand how long the full process takes, read our citizenship processing time guide.
This guide is general immigration information, not immigration advice under s.82 Immigration and Asylum Act 1999. Immigration rules change frequently. For advice on your specific situation, consult an IAA-authorised adviser or an SRA-regulated immigration solicitor. Always check GOV.UK for the authoritative current rules.
Related guides
Preparing a UK visa application?
Get the exact document list and step-by-step timeline — £149, paid once.