UK Citizenship Application Cost
If you want to become a British citizen in 2026, you must apply for naturalisation with the Home Office. This process includes application fees, biometric enrolment, tests, and optional solicitor costs. This guide explains the full cost breakdown for 2026, what documents you need, and how much you should expect to spend overall.
1. UK Citizenship Application Fee (2026)
The main Home Office fee to apply for British citizenship by naturalisation is:
- £1,500 – £1,600 (official fee for 2026)*
*The Home Office typically increases fees annually.
This is non-refundable, even if your application is refused.
2. Biometric Enrolment Cost (2026)
You must attend a biometric appointment for fingerprints and a photo.
- Standard biometric fee: £19.20
- Premium appointment options may cost: £65 – £150
Most people pay only the standard fee.
3. Life in the UK Test Cost (2026)
All citizenship applicants must pass the Life in the UK Test.
- Test fee: £50
- Practice books/apps (optional): £5 – £15
You must book through the official government site.
4. English Language Test Cost (2026)
If you are not from a majority English-speaking country, you must take an approved English test (CEFR B1 level).
Typical 2026 prices:
- £120 – £180 depending on test centre
- Valid for 2 years, but accepted for citizenship even if expired (if already used for ILR)
People who have a degree taught in English may be exempt.
5. Solicitor / Adviser Fees (Optional)
You can apply yourself, but many applicants choose legal assistance.
Typical solicitor costs in 2026:
- £600 – £1,200 for full application preparation
- £300 – £600 for document checking service
- £150 – £300 for guidance-only consultations
Solicitor costs are optional but can reduce mistakes.
6. Documents Translation Costs (If Needed)
If any document is not in English or Welsh, you must provide a certified translation.
Typical cost per document:
- £20 – £50 per page
7. Citizenship Ceremony Cost (2026)
After approval, you must attend a ceremony.
- Standard group ceremony: Free (included in application fee)
- Private ceremony: £80 – £200 depending on council
You must attend the ceremony within 3 months of approval.
8. Total Cost of UK Citizenship in 2026
If applying without a solicitor:
- Citizenship fee: £1,500 – £1,600
- Biometrics: £19.20
- Life in the UK test: £50
- English test: £120 – £180
- Optional translations: £20 – £50 per page
Estimated total: £1,700 – £1,900
If using a solicitor:
Add £600 – £1,200, making the total:
£2,300 – £3,100
(depending on complexity)
9. How Long Does Citizenship Take in 2026?
- Application processing time: 6 – 8 months
- Ceremony booking: 2 – 4 weeks
- Passport application after citizenship: 3 – 6 weeks
10. Who Can Apply for UK Citizenship?
You must usually meet these criteria:
- Over 18
- Held ILR or settled status for at least 12 months
- Lived in the UK for 5 years (or 3 years if married to a British citizen)
- Passed Life in the UK Test
- Passed English test (unless exempt)
- Not spent more than 450 days outside the UK in 5 years
- Good character requirement
11. Common Reasons Applications Are Refused
- Too many absences from the UK
- Failing the good character requirement
- Wrong documents
- Incorrect passport dates or addresses
- Failing to disclose offences or fines
A solicitor can reduce these risks.
12. Related UK Cost Guides
To improve SEO and keep traffic flowing through your site, include these internal links at the end:
