Key takeaways
- Adult naturalisation (form AN) costs £1,839, which already includes the £130 citizenship ceremony fee.
- Registering as a British citizen as an adult costs £1,670.
- Registering a child under 18 costs £1,000 per child.
- There is no longer a separate fee for enrolling biometric information.
- The Life in the UK test costs £50 per attempt; an approved English test typically costs around £150.
- If your application is rejected as invalid, the fee is refunded less a £30 administration fee.
Becoming a British citizen is a major step for anyone building a life in the United Kingdom. Alongside the legal requirements and eligibility criteria, there is a financial side to the process that is worth understanding clearly before you apply.
This page sets out the current cost of applying for British citizenship in 2026: the Home Office application fees for adults and children, the citizenship ceremony fee, and the additional costs you should budget for, such as the Life in the UK test and an English language test.
Table of contents
- How much does it cost to get British citizenship in 2026?
- How much does it cost to register a child as a British citizen?
- What additional costs should you budget for?
- Other nationality and certificate fees
- Is the citizenship fee refundable?
- How can we help?
- FAQ
How much does it cost to get British citizenship in 2026?
The main cost is the Home Office application fee, which depends on the form you use. For most adults the relevant route is naturalisation on form AN, which costs £1,839 and already includes the £130 citizenship ceremony fee. Registration routes, used in defined circumstances, carry their own fees.
The table below shows the current application fees for adults.
Adult application fees (as of 2026)
|
Application form |
Type of application |
Total fee |
|---|---|---|
| AN | Naturalisation (includes ceremony fee) | £1,839 |
| B(OS), B(OTA), RS1, S1, S2, S3, T, EM | Registration | £1,670 |
| B(OTA) as an Irish citizen | Registration | £723 |
| UKM, UKF, BOTC(F), BOTC(M) | Registration (ceremony fee only) | £130 |
If you are applying as a British overseas territories citizen or another type of British nationality, different fees apply: naturalisation on the modified AN form costs £1,140, and registration on forms RS2, S1, S2, SE, P1 costs £1,027.
How much does it cost to register a child as a British citizen?
Registering a child under 18 as a British citizen costs £1,000 per child on the main registration forms. A different, lower fee applies to a small number of other routes. Each child is charged separately, as there is no family or sibling discount.
Child application fees (as of 2026)
|
Application form |
Type of application |
Total fee |
|---|---|---|
| B(OTA), B(OS), EM, MN1, S2, S3, T | Child under 18 registering as a British citizen | £1,000 |
| B(OTA) as an Irish citizen | Child under 18 registering as a British citizen | £607 |
| MN3, MN4, S2 | Child registering as a British overseas territories citizen, British Overseas citizen or British subject | £863 |
If a child turns 18 while their application is still being decided, an additional £130 ceremony fee is required per applicant. This is requested at the point of decision.
What additional costs should you budget for?
The Home Office application fee does not cover everything. Most applicants also need to pay for the Life in the UK test and an English language test, and many spend money on document translation and professional advice. The table below sets out the typical extra costs.
|
Cost |
Typical amount |
Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Biometric enrolment | No fee | Fingerprints and photo are taken at no charge |
| Citizenship ceremony | £130 | Already included in the AN naturalisation fee above |
| Life in the UK test | £50 per attempt | £75 or £80 for short-notice or out-of-hours slots |
| Approved English language test | around £150 | Set by the test provider, not the Home Office |
| Certified document translation | £20 to £50 per page | Only if your documents are not in English or Welsh |
You take the Life in the UK test at an approved centre and book it at least three days in advance. An English language test at CEFR B1 level is currently required for naturalisation unless you are exempt, for example because of your nationality or a degree taught in English.
Other nationality and certificate fees
Beyond the main application, the Home Office charges separately for confirmation of status, reconsiderations, duplicate certificates and corrections. The current figures are below.
|
Service |
Application form |
Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Confirmation of status as a British citizen | NS | £489 |
| Reconsideration of a naturalisation or registration decision | NR | £513 |
| Renunciation of British nationality | RN | £513 |
| Certificate of entitlement to the right of abode | ROA | £589 |
| Duplicate certificate | NC | £456 |
| Correction to a nationality certificate | RR | £456 |
Is the citizenship fee refundable?
In most cases the application fee is not refunded if your application is refused or withdrawn, so it is important to confirm you meet the requirements before you apply. The citizenship ceremony fee is the main exception, as it is refunded if your application is refused or withdrawn.
If an application is rejected as invalid, for example because the full fee was not paid or biometric information was not provided, the application is not considered and the fee is refunded less a £30 administration fee.
How can we help?
Sterling Law advises individuals and families across the full range of British nationality matters, from straightforward naturalisation to complex registration and good character issues. We help you choose the correct route, prepare a complete application, and avoid the errors that lead to refusals or invalid applications.
Our work can include:
- assessing your eligibility for naturalisation or registration;
- advising on the correct application form and fee for your circumstances;
- checking your residence, absences and good character history;
- preparing applications for British citizenship for adults and children;
- handling child registration on forms such as MN1;
- advising on citizenship by descent and dual citizenship;
- guiding US nationals and other applicants through the process;
- supporting applications after indefinite leave to remain;
- reviewing documents, translations and supporting evidence;
- responding to Home Office requests and reconsideration of refusals.
Our team works in several languages and offers individual consultations on each case. We will assess your chances, help you gather the right documents, and guide you through the application from start to finish. For tailored advice before you submit, contact Sterling Law.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does British citizenship cost for an adult in 2026?
Adult naturalisation on form AN costs £1,839, which already includes the £130 citizenship ceremony fee.
How much does it cost to register a child as a British citizen?
Registering a child under 18 on the main registration forms costs £1,000 per child, charged separately for each child.
Is there a fee for biometric enrolment?
No. There is no longer a separate charge for having your fingerprints and photo taken.
How much is the Life in the UK test?
The test costs £50 per attempt for a standard slot. Short-notice or out-of-hours bookings cost £75 or £80.
Does the application fee include the English language test?
No. An approved English language test is a separate cost, typically around £150, and is set by the test provider.
Can I get a refund if my citizenship application is refused?
The application fee is generally not refunded if you are refused or withdraw, although the £130 ceremony fee is refunded in those cases.
What happens if my application is rejected as invalid?
The application is not considered and your fee is refunded less a £30 administration fee.
Can I pay the citizenship fee by credit card?
Yes. For online applications you pay by credit or debit card during the application, and for paper applications you use the official payment slip.
