It’s well documented that becoming a British citizen involves fulfilling residency, language and character requirements. But there are also several fees involved. These costs change from time to time so it’s important to know what you’ll pay, when and what else to budget for. Read on as we explain everything you need to know.
Recent fee changes in 2025
From April 2025, many Home Office fees for immigration, visa and nationality applications increased. That included application fees for naturalisation, also known as British citizenship.
The government introduced these changes to ensure the migration and borders system covers more of its operational costs. Citizenship applications are among those affected by the updated charges.
Core charges for citizenship in 2025
Here are the main fees you can expect when applying for British citizenship by naturalisation in 2025:
- The naturalisation application fee is £1,605 for adults
- The citizenship ceremony fee is £130 for successful adult applicants
- The Life in the UK test costs £50
- If you need to prove English language ability, the English test fee is usually around £150
- If any documents are not in English, you may also need certified translations
These are the key government-set costs, though they may be subject to change. Always check the latest Home Office fee table before applying.
When you have to pay
You must pay the application fee in full when you submit your online naturalisation application. The system no longer allows submission without payment. The citizenship ceremony fee is paid separately once your application has been approved.
If your application is refused, the fees you paid are non-refundable so it’s vital to ensure your application is correct before submitting.
Related reading: Naturalisation Processing Times: What to Expect
Additional costs to budget for
In addition to official fees, there are several other expenses to consider:
- Legal advice from an immigration solicitor
- Document translation costs
- Travel expenses for biometric appointments or interviews
- Fees for obtaining documents such as birth or marriage certificates
- Potential costs to retake expired or invalid tests
Naturally, these costs can vary depending on your individual situation.
Why these fees matter
Citizenship is a significant milestone and the fees help fund the processes that support it, including background checks and verification of eligibility. While the increases can seem steep, they reflect the resources needed to manage applications securely and efficiently.
Understanding the full list of costs helps applicants prepare financially and avoid unexpected delays.
Need help with your application?
Applying for British citizenship can be complex and mistakes are costly, not just financially but also in terms of time and stress. Our immigration solicitors can help you understand which fees apply to your case, prepare your documents correctly and guide you through the process with confidence.
Please note that this article is solely for informational purposes. It’s not a substitute for legal advice. We encourage readers to contact Osbourne Pinner for case-specific guidance.
We offer a free 30-minute consultation to discuss your case. You can speak to us remotely on a video call or book an appointment at our offices in Harrow, Canary Wharf, Piccadilly Circus or Manchester. Call 0203 983 5080, email [email protected] or use the form below.
