British Citizenship Fees 2026: Full Cost Breakdown
If you are planning to apply for British citizenship in 2026, understanding the Home Office fees is an important part of preparing your application. Depending on the route you are applying under, the total cost can vary significantly, particularly if you require priority processing or professional legal representation.
This guide provides a complete breakdown of the British citizenship application fees from 8 April 2026, together with other costs you may incur during the application process.
British Citizenship Application Fees 2026
The Home Office nationality fees effective from 8 April 2026 are as follows:
|
Application |
Home Office Fee |
|
Naturalisation as a British citizen (adult) |
£1,709 |
|
Naturalisation as a British Overseas Territories Citizen |
£1,140 |
|
Registration as a British citizen (adult) |
£1,540 |
|
Registration as a British citizen (child) |
£1,000 |
|
Registration as a British citizen (Irish citizen provisions – adult) |
£723 |
|
Registration as a British citizen (Irish citizen provisions – child) |
£607 |
|
Registration as a British Overseas Territories Citizen, British Overseas Citizen, British Subject or British Protected Person (adult) |
£1,027 |
|
Registration as a British Overseas Territories Citizen, British Overseas Citizen, British Subject or British Protected Person (child) |
£863 |
These fees are payable to the Home Office when submitting your application and are generally non-refundable once your application has been processed.
British Citizenship Ceremony Fees
Most successful applicants aged 18 or over must attend a citizenship ceremony before becoming a British citizen.
Current fees are:
- Citizenship ceremony: £130
- Administration of an oath or oath and pledge outside a ceremony: £5
The standard naturalisation fee already includes the cost of the standard group citizenship ceremony. However, applicants choosing a private ceremony arranged by their local authority may need to pay an additional fee set by the council.
Biometric Enrolment Costs
As part of the application process, applicants are usually required to enrol their biometric information.
The biometric enrolment itself is generally included within the application process when using TLS Contact services. However, applicants may incur additional charges depending on:
- Premium appointment availability
- Out-of-hours appointments
- Enhanced document scanning services
- Mobile biometric appointments
These optional services vary depending on the appointment provider.
British Citizenship Priority Service
The Home Office now offers a Priority Service for eligible nationality applications.
The current fee is:
- Priority processing: £500
Where available, the Home Office aims to make a decision within 30 working days after biometric enrolment, although this is a target rather than a guaranteed timescale. Priority processing does not increase the chances of approval; it only aims to reduce waiting times. Certain complex applications may not be eligible for the service.
Other Nationality Fees
Depending on your circumstances, you may also encounter the following charges:
|
Service |
Fee |
|
Renunciation of British nationality |
£513 |
|
Nationality review |
£513 |
|
Status letter |
£489 |
|
Non-acquisition letter |
£489 |
|
Correction of nationality certificate |
£456 |
|
Replacement nationality certificate |
£456 |
|
Certified copy of nationality documents |
£456 |
These services apply in specific circumstances and are not required for most citizenship applicants.
Other Costs to Budget For
The Home Office application fee is only one part of the overall cost of obtaining British citizenship. Depending on your circumstances, you may also need to budget for:
- English language test fees (if applicable).
- The Life in the UK Test (£50), unless already completed.
- Translation and certification of documents where required.
- Legal representation if you choose to instruct an immigration solicitor.
- Optional priority processing.
- Optional premium biometric appointments.
These additional expenses can increase the overall cost of your application.
Can You Get a Refund?
Generally, Home Office nationality application fees are non-refundable once your application has been submitted and processing has begun, even if the application is refused.
If an application is rejected as invalid before it is considered—for example, because the required fee or biometric information was not provided—the Home Office will normally refund the application fee, less the applicable administration charge.
Is Legal Representation Worth the Cost?
British citizenship applications often appear straightforward, but refusals can arise where applicants:
- miscalculate their residence or absence requirements;
- fail to disclose previous immigration or criminal matters;
- do not satisfy the good character requirement;
- provide insufficient supporting evidence; or
- misunderstand the eligibility requirements for their route.
Obtaining legal advice before submitting your application can help identify potential issues, ensure the correct evidence is provided and reduce the risk of avoidable delays or refusals.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does British citizenship cost in 2026?
An adult naturalisation application costs £1,709 (not including the £130 citizenship ceremony fee), while registration fees range from £607 to £1,540 depending on the applicant's age and route.
Is the citizenship ceremony included in the application fee?
Yes. The standard naturalisation fee includes the cost of a standard group citizenship ceremony. Private ceremonies arranged by local authorities usually attract an additional local authority charge.
Can I pay extra for a faster decision?
Yes. Eligible applicants may be able to use the Home Office Priority Service for an additional £500, subject to availability.
Are Home Office citizenship fees refundable?
In most cases, no. Once an application has been submitted and processing has commenced, the fee will not be refunded even if the application is refused.
Need Advice on Your British Citizenship Application?
Applying for British citizenship is a significant step, and ensuring your application is accurate and supported by the correct evidence can help avoid unnecessary delays or refusals.
At Migrate UK, our experienced immigration solicitors provide clear, practical advice on all British citizenship applications, including naturalisation, registration, and complex nationality matters. We can assess your eligibility, advise on the documents you need, prepare your application, and represent you throughout the process.
If you are ready to apply or would like professional advice before submitting your application, contact Migrate UK today. Our team is here to guide you through every stage of the British citizenship process with confidence and expertise.
Call us, complete our online enquiry form, or book a consultation with one of our immigration specialists to discuss your circumstances and receive tailored legal advice.
