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UK British citizenship is an asset that opens a world of opportunities. With a British passport, you gain visa-free access to 152 countries and the privilege of utilising the renowned National Health Service (NHS).
While these benefits are substantial, it's important to recognise that acquiring British citizenship involves financial considerations.
Before you start, it's essential to have a clear understanding of the associated British naturalisation costs to ensure you're adequately prepared.
British Citizenship Fees Structure 2024
| Application type | Fee from 10 April 2024 |
|---|---|
| British citizenship Naturalisation * Includes £130 for the naturalisation ceremony |
£1,630* |
| British overseas territory citizens naturalisation | £1,000 |
| British citizen nationality registration – adult | £1,351 |
| British citizen nationality registration – child | £1,214 |
| Citizenship ceremony arrangement (Includes administration of the citizenship oath and pledge) | £130 |
| Administration of Citizenship Oath or Pledge (not at a ceremony) | £5 |
| Nationality Registration for British Overseas Territory Citizens, British Overseas Citizens, British Subjects, and British Protected Persons – Adult | £901 |
| Nationality Registration for British Overseas Territory Citizens, British Overseas Citizens, British Subjects, and British Protected Persons – Child | £810 |
| Renunciation of British Nationality | £450 |
| Certificate of Entitlement to the Right of Abode (In the UK) | £550 |
| Nationality review | £450 |
| Nationality Status Letter | £429 |
| Nationality Non-acquisition Letter | £429 |
| Correction to Nationality Certificate | £400 |
| Certified Copy of Nationality Notice, Certificate, Order, or Declaration | £400 |
| Reissues Nationality Certificate | £400 |
Other British Citizenship Charges to Consider
Remember that the Home Office application fee is not the only expense associated with your application. Applicants for naturalisation will also need to pay £19.20 for the biometric process, which includes fingerprinting and a photograph.
If you need to demonstrate your proficiency in English, you'll have to take an approved language test, which typically costs over £150.
The “Life in the UK” test costs £50 each time you take it, and you'll need to pay this fee again if you must retake the test.
Additionally, if your supporting documents, such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, or degrees, are not in English or Welsh, you'll need to have them translated by a certified professional, which incurs further costs.
Given the high cost and complexity of the naturalisation process, many applicants choose to seek professional help and hire an immigration lawyer to manage their application.
Benefits of Getting British Citizenship
- Live and Work in the UK
Unrestricted right to live, work, and study in the UK without immigration restrictions. - British Passport
Eligibility for a powerful British passport, granting visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to numerous countries worldwide. - Civic Rights
Participate fully in the democratic process, including voting in elections and referendums, and running for public office. - Travel Benefits
Benefit from a passport that provides extensive international travel opportunities and consular protection abroad. - Eligibility for Public Sector Jobs
Qualify for a range of employment opportunities in the public sector, many of which require British citizenship. - Healthcare
Access to the National Health Service (NHS), providing comprehensive healthcare coverage. - Social Services
Receive support from various social services, including benefits and welfare programmes, to assist with different aspects of life.
What is the Process of Applying for UK British Citizenship?
To become a British citizen, you typically need to meet residency requirements, pass English tests, and demonstrate good character.
The process includes completing an application, providing documents, attending a biometric appointment, and potentially an interview. If approved, you'll attend a citizenship ceremony.
How to Improve Chances of Successful UK British Citizenship Application?
To avoid a refused British citizenship application and the potential loss of the application fee, it is crucial to meet all eligibility requirements and provide evidence in line with Home Office guidelines.
Demonstrate Good Character
All applicants over the age of ten must meet the good character requirement, which has become a significant focus of scrutiny. There is no single definition of ‘good character’; each case is assessed based on its own circumstances.
The Home Office issued guidance in January 2019 to help applicants understand the factors considered, including criminal history, financial stability, past immigration issues, and honesty.
However, this list does not cover all aspects, and caseworkers will evaluate each application in its entirety.
Meeting Residency Requirements
The residency rules are a common reason for application refusals. There are two main aspects to consider:
- Duration: You must have lived in the UK lawfully for at least five years before applying, or three years if you are married to a British citizen or a UK-settled person.
- Absences: You cannot be absent from the UK for more than 450 days during the five years, or 270 days if applying as a spouse. Additionally, you must not have been outside the UK for more than 90 days in the 12 months immediately before applying.
Exceeding these absence limits or failing to meet the residency period can result in refusal. In some cases, you may argue compelling reasons for extended absences, but substantial evidence is required.
Proving English Language Proficiency and Knowledge of Life in the UK
Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English and pass a citizenship test on British life, culture, and history. If you are not from an exempt English-speaking country, you must either hold a degree taught in English or pass a B1-level or higher English test from a SELT approved centre.
Provide Additional Supporting Information
The Home Office may request further information during the application process. Delays or failures in providing the requested information can lead to refusal.
Requests for additional documentation will be sent to the email provided in the application, with a specified deadline for submission.
How Can West End Consultants Help?
West End Consultants has a team of professionals, who have a deep knowledge of the British immigration system and can help you successfully apply for a British Citizenship. With our thorough guidance, your chances of refusal in application are minimised.
Our experts assist you throughout the application from gathering documents to finally becoming a British citizen. Trust our consultants with the best guidance for UK British Citizenship application.