When applying for naturalisation as a British citizen, you will be required to pay a naturalisation application fee. Currently, the cost of applying to naturalise as a British citizen is £1,330. The naturalisation fee of £1,330 is payable in one lump sum at the point of submitting your application and includes the cost of your citizenship ceremony if your application for naturalisation is successful.
The British citizenship feesthat you pay for British citizenship will depend on whether you naturalise as a British citizen or register as a British citizen
British Citizenship Application Fees in 2023
The table below details the different British citizenship application fees that will be applicable to you depending on your circumstances:
| UK Nationality Applications | |
|---|---|
Application Type |
Fee from April 2022 |
Application for Naturalisation (including the citizenship ceremony fee of £80) |
£1,330 |
Application for Naturalisation as a British overseas territory citizens |
£1,000 |
Application for registration as a British citizen – adult |
£1,126 |
Application for registration as a British citizen – child |
£1,012 |
Application for nationality registration – British overseas territory citizens, British overseas citizens, British Subjects, British protected persons – adult |
£901 |
Application for nationality registration – British overseas territory citizens, British overseas citizens, British Subjects, British protected persons – child |
£810 |
How Long Does It Take to Process British Citizenship Applications?
- It can take up to 6 months for Applications for British citizenship to be decided according to the Home Office’s published application processing time-frame. In practice, the majority of British citizenship applications are decided much quicker than 6 months.
- If you don’t meet all of the eligibility or suitability requirements of an application for naturalisation but have made an application on a discretionary basis, it could take much longer for your application decided. In all cases, the 6 months time frame within which you can expect your application to be decided runs from the date you enrol your biometric.
- If your application is successful, you’ll receive a letter from the Home Office confirming that your application for British citizenship has been successful. You will also receive a letter from the Home Office inviting you to contact your local authority and arrange an appointment to take part in a citizenship ceremony. You will be presented with a Certificate of Naturalisation at your citizenship ceremony, which confirms that you are a British citizen. Once you have received your Certificate of Naturalisation, you can then apply for a British passport.
When Must the British Citizenship Fees Be Paid?
The British nationality fees must be paid at the point of submitting your application. If you are applying online, you will be directed to a payment portal where you can pay the required fee and upon successful payment of the required fee, you will receive an automatic confirmation that your application has been submitted.
If you are applying for British citizenship using the paper form, you will need to provide your card details on the application form or send a cheque or a postal order for the required application fee together with the application form. Failure to pay the correct application fee will result in your application being rejected by the Home Office.
Is There a Refund for the Citizenship Fees?
The UK Nationality fees is non-refundable once you have submitted your application and paid the necessary fees. This is because the purpose of the British citizenship fees application is to cover the cost the Home Office incurs in considering your application.
However, if your application is refused, you will receive a refund of £80 which is the fee taken as part of your citizenship application to cover the cost of your citizenship ceremony.
Boost Your Chances of Submitting a Successful Application for British Citizenship
It is important to note that the decision to grant British citizenship is one for the Home Office. Even when you can demonstrate that you have met both the eligibility and suitability requirements of the application, the Home Office still has the power to refuse your application.
There are several ways to improve your prospects of a successful British citizenship application.
- Your work history : Being economically active in the UK and making contributions to the UK treasury through your taxes will be seen as a very positive attribute by the decision-maker. If you have been paying all your annual tax liabilities, it will demonstrate that you are an asset to the UK rather than a liability and can be a helpful consideration when deciding whether you should get British citizenship.
- Leading a life of good conduct : You must show that you have led a life of good behaviour and that you have no convictions for serious crimes, such as murder or rape. This could include being sentenced for certain offences with a sentence of at least 12 months imprisonment and receiving fines or community orders for previous convictions.
- Having strong ties to the UK : Citizenship can only be granted to those who have strong ties with the UK, such as having lived here for five years and having close family connections here.
