British citizenship is a highly sought-after status that bestows numerous rights and opportunities upon individuals residing in the United Kingdom. However, the path to acquiring British citizenship is far from straightforward, with one of the pivotal considerations being the application fees. These fees are mandatory for both online and paper-form applications, serving as a critical step in the application process. It’s essential to note that these fees are subject to change, and in this blog post, we will delve into the British citizenship application fees effective from October 4, 2023.
When applying for naturalization, it’s crucial to promptly pay the required application fee, as the failure to do so will result in the application being deemed invalid, accompanied by an additional £25 administration fee. Importantly, the application fee is non-refundable and non-transferable, irrespective of the outcome of the application, whether it’s approved, rejected, or withdrawn.
British Citizenship Fees 2023
| Application type | Current fee |
| British Citizenship by Naturalisation | £1580 |
| Nationality registration as a British Citizen – adult | £1431 |
| Nationality registration as a British citizen – child | £1214 |
| Naturalisation of British overseas territory citizens | £1000 |
| Certificate of entitlement to the right of abode in the UK | £372 |
| Application to renounce British citizenship | £372 |
| Duplicate certificate | £250 |
| Confirmation of status as a British citizen | £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, payable on request | £250 |
It’s important to mention that there’s one notable exception relating to requests for certificate corrections. In such cases, the fee for a certificate correction will be determined by the caseworker once they have assessed the necessary corrections. We strongly advise applicants to ensure they have sufficient funds available to cover the required fees, as certificates of citizenship will only be issued once the fees have been received.
Additional costs
Citizenship ceremony fee
You need to pay this fee (£80) if you are required to attend a citizenship ceremony. You would only get a refund if your application is refused or withdrawn.
Life in the UK test
Unless an exemption applies, applicants are required to pass the Life in the UK test. The Life in the UK Test is a requirement for British citizenship applications. To book the test, use the official government website, it costs £50 fee to take the test.
English language test
If your application requires proof of English language proficiency, you may need to pay for an English language test, typically a test from an approved provider may cost £150.
Legal Assistance
Some applicants choose to seek legal advice or representation, which can involve legal fees.
Timing and Processing
The processing time for British citizenship applications can vary based on factors such as the type of application, your unique circumstances, and the current workload at the Home Office. The standard processing time is approximately up to 6 months.
Before initiating your British citizenship application, it’s advisable to consult with immigration experts or legal professionals to ensure that you meet all eligibility criteria and understand the full scope of fees and costs associated with the process. By staying informed and prepared, you can navigate the application process more effectively and work toward achieving your goal of becoming a British citizen.
How we can help
To discuss your British citizenship application with an experienced adviser, contact our team on 0208 757 5751 or use our contact form.
Frequently asked questions
From 4 October 2023, it costs £1580 for an application for naturalisation, which includes the cost of the citizenship ceremony.
The cost of applying for a first adult British passport online is £82.50 and £53.50 for a child passport.
