How much does it cost to become a British citizen?
The main cost is the naturalisation fee of £1,500 per adult applicant. This includes the citizenship ceremony. Additional costs may include the Life in the UK test (£50 per sitting), an English language test if required (approximately £150-£200), and optionally a British passport (£88.50 online for adults).
How much does it cost to register a child as British?
Registering a child as a British citizen costs £1,012. This fee has attracted significant criticism and legal challenge, as the Home Office's own estimates suggest the actual processing cost is approximately £372. The fee applies per child. No citizenship ceremony is required for children.
Do I need to pass the Life in the UK test?
Yes, if you are applying for naturalisation as an adult. The test costs £50 per sitting and must be passed before you can apply. You can take the test as many times as needed. Each sitting costs £50. Children registering as British do not need to take the test.
Do I need an English language test?
Adults applying for naturalisation must demonstrate English language ability. You may be exempt if you have a degree taught in English, are a national of a majority English-speaking country, or are aged 65 or over. If not exempt, you must pass an approved English language test. Approved tests include IELTS Life Skills B1, Trinity College London, and LanguageCert.
When can I apply for a British passport?
You can apply for a British passport immediately after your citizenship ceremony. You will need your naturalisation certificate as part of the passport application. Processing typically takes up to 10 weeks. Applying online is faster and cheaper than the paper form.