Applying for British citizenship is a major step for many long-term UK residents. It represents the final stage of settling permanently in the UK and gaining full legal rights as a British citizen. But before you start your application, it’s crucial to understand all the associated costs. Citizenship fees can be substantial — and once paid, most are non-refundable — so careful planning is key.
What this article covers
This guide provides a clear, up-to-date overview of all the costs involved in applying for British citizenship in 2025. You’ll find detailed explanations of the Home Office fees for both adults and children, the extra charges you may need to pay, and what the main application fee actually covers. It also explores when refunds or fee waivers might apply and offers practical advice on budgeting effectively to avoid losing money due to incomplete or ineligible applications.
The total cost of becoming a British citizen includes more than just the Home Office fee. You’ll also need to factor in biometric enrolment, the citizenship ceremony, translation costs, and possibly legal or professional advice. Because these payments are typically non-refundable, it’s important to fully understand the process before submitting your application.
Section A: Overview of British Citizenship Application Fees
Understanding the British citizenship fee structure is an essential starting point. The Home Office sets different fees based on age, status, and application type. Fees are reviewed periodically, generally in April or October each year, so it’s vital to check the latest figures before you apply.
1. Current Fees (2025)
As of 2025, the application fee for adult naturalisation under section 6(1) or 6(2) of the British Nationality Act 1981 is £1,605.
In addition, there is a statutory citizenship ceremony fee of £130, which must be paid upfront with your application.
This brings the total payable to £1,735 for adult applicants.
The fee for a child’s registration under section 3(1) remains £1,214.
These fees must be paid in full when submitting the application and are non-refundable once processing begins — even if the application is later refused or withdrawn.
Applicants also pay separately for other related services, meaning the overall cost can exceed £1,800 once additional expenses are factored in.
Before applying, confirm that you meet all the eligibility requirements under the British Nationality Act 1981 — including lawful residence, good character, and the English language and Life in the UK test requirements. Applications that do not meet these criteria are refused without refund.
2. What the Fee Covers
The Home Office application fee covers administrative processing, including document verification, background and good character checks, and issuance of the citizenship certificate if your application is approved.
However, it does not include:
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Biometric enrolment
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The Life in the UK test
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English language testing
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The citizenship ceremony (although the £130 fee is paid with the application)
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Translation or notarisation of supporting documents
Because this fee covers administrative work rather than outcome, refunds are extremely limited — typically only for duplicate payments or Home Office administrative errors.
3. Fee Increases and Trends
Citizenship application fees have steadily increased over the past decade. Between 2013 and 2025, the adult naturalisation fee rose from around £874 to £1,605.
This increase reflects the government’s cost-recovery approach to immigration services, meaning that applicants now fund much of the Home Office’s processing costs.
Takeaway: Always verify the latest official fee before applying to avoid payment errors or delays.
Section A Summary
The 2025 British citizenship fee stands at £1,605 for adult naturalisation (plus £130 for the ceremony) and £1,214 for child registration.
These charges cover administrative processing only, excluding biometrics, translations, and other costs.
As fees are non-refundable, it’s vital to confirm eligibility and prepare all documentation before submission.
Section B: Additional and Hidden Costs
Beyond the main Home Office fee, applicants should budget for several additional expenses. These often-overlooked costs can significantly increase the total amount you’ll need to pay.
1. Biometric Enrolment Fee
All applicants must provide biometric information — fingerprints and a digital photo — to verify their identity.
The standard biometric appointment at a UKVCAS centre is free.
However, optional extras such as premium appointments, document scanning, or extended hours may add £60 to £200, depending on location and time.
Missing your biometric appointment can result in the withdrawal of your application, and any extra service fees paid are non-refundable.
2. Citizenship Ceremony Fee
Once your application is approved, you must attend a citizenship ceremony within three months to complete the process.
The Home Office charge for the ceremony arrangement is £130, paid upfront with the application.
Local authorities sometimes charge additional fees for private ceremonies, typically ranging from £150 to £300.
During the ceremony, you’ll take the Oath or Affirmation of Allegiance and a Pledge of Loyalty to the United Kingdom before receiving your Certificate of British Citizenship.
Failing to attend the ceremony without a valid reason will result in the cancellation of your certificate and the loss of all paid fees.
3. Document and Translation Costs
If your documents are not in English or Welsh, you’ll need certified translations.
Prices vary by document type, generally £30 to £75 per page.
Documents issued abroad, such as birth or marriage certificates, may also require notarisation or legalisation, costing £40 to £100 per document, plus courier fees.
Translations must be completed by qualified translators who sign a declaration of accuracy — otherwise, your application may be delayed or refused.
4. Legal and Advisory Fees
Some applicants, especially those with complex immigration histories or gaps in residence, choose to hire an immigration lawyer or adviser.
Professional help can prevent costly errors and improve your chances of success.
Fees typically range between £500 and £1,500, depending on case complexity.
Always ensure that any adviser you use is regulated by the IAA or SRA, as unregulated advice can lead to mistakes that the Home Office will not correct.
Section B Summary
Beyond the standard £1,605 Home Office fee, expect extra costs for biometrics (free standard), the ceremony (£130+), translations, and professional advice.
Factoring in these additional charges helps you budget properly and avoid financial surprises.
Section C: Refunds, Exemptions, and Waivers
Citizenship application fees are generally non-refundable, but there are a few exceptions worth knowing.
1. Refund Policy
Refunds are only issued in limited situations, such as:
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Duplicate or accidental payments
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Withdrawal before consideration begins
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Home Office administrative errors
If an application is rejected as invalid before it is considered (for example, due to a missing signature or payment issue), the fee is refunded minus a £28 administration charge.
Once casework begins, the fee cannot be refunded, even if the application is refused or withdrawn.
If you reapply after refusal, you must pay the full fee again.
2. Fee Waivers or Concessions
Fee waivers for British citizenship are rare.
The main exception applies to children in local authority care, whose fees may be waived to ensure they are not disadvantaged.
In some exceptional human rights cases, the Home Office may also waive fees — for example, if refusing to register or naturalise someone would breach their right to family or private life.
Such cases require strong supporting evidence and are assessed individually.
3. Reapplications and Reconsiderations
If your application is refused, there is no automatic right of appeal.
However, you can request a Reconsideration (Form NR) if you believe the decision was based on an error.
The current fee for this service is £482 (as of April 2025).
You can also challenge an unlawful decision through judicial review, though this is a formal legal process and typically requires professional representation.
If you decide to reapply, the full fee must be paid again.
Section C Summary
Refunds are limited to duplicate payments or administrative mistakes.
Fee waivers apply only in rare cases, mainly for children in care or exceptional human rights situations.
Unsuccessful applicants can request reconsideration (£482) or judicial review.
Because fees are rarely refunded, confirming eligibility and preparing your documents thoroughly is crucial before paying.
Section D: Practical Guidance for Applicants
Understanding the costs is only part of the journey — managing your budget and documentation properly will make the entire process smoother and less stressful.
1. Planning Your Budget
The total cost of becoming a British citizen can easily exceed £1,900, or even £2,500 if professional assistance is used.
When planning your budget:
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Check the latest Home Office fees before submitting.
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Include additional costs like the Life in the UK test (£50) and English language test (£150).
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Set aside funds for ceremony fees, translations, and possible re-submissions if more evidence is requested.
The Home Office requires full payment at the time of application — instalments or payment plans are not available.
Proper financial planning ensures you can proceed without interruptions.
2. Avoiding Delays or Wasted Fees
Most refusals happen because of incomplete or ineligible applications. Before you apply, make sure you:
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Hold ILR, Settled Status, or Permanent Residence (for at least 12 months unless married to a British citizen)
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Meet the minimum residence period (five years, or three years if applying through marriage)
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Have passed both the Life in the UK test and an approved B1 English test (if required)
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Can demonstrate good character and continuous lawful residence
Be sure to scan, translate, and upload documents correctly through the UKVCAS system.
Missing or incorrect documents often lead to refusal — and since fees are not refunded, accuracy from the start is essential.
How LawSentis Can Help
Applying for British citizenship can feel overwhelming, especially when you consider the high costs, complex eligibility rules, and non-refundable fees.
At LawSentis, our regulated UK immigration advisers provide expert, end-to-end support for every step of the citizenship process — from eligibility checks and document preparation to final submission and ceremony guidance.
We ensure your application is complete, compliant, and cost-effective, saving you time, stress, and unnecessary expense.