How Much Does British Citizenship Cost in 2026: The Full Breakdown

24 Jul How Much Does British Citizenship Cost in 2026: The Full Breakdown

How much does it cost to become a British citizen? It is one of the most common questions among Italians in the UK who have reached the requirements for naturalisation. The short answer is: more than many people expect — and costs increased from April 2026. But knowing them in advance allows you to plan calmly, without surprises.

This article gives you a complete, up-to-date picture of all the expenses to factor in before submitting your application.

The Main Fee: The Naturalisation Application

The most significant cost is the Home Office fee for the naturalisation application (Form AN). From 8 April 2026, the fee for an adult is £1,709, inclusive of the citizenship ceremony charge.

For children registering as British citizens, the fee is £1,000 — good news compared to the previous £1,214, as this fee was actually reduced from 8 April 2026.

Each application is charged separately: there is no family rate. If the whole family applies together, each member pays the applicable fee.

Is the Fee Refundable?

Almost never. If the Home Office begins processing the application and it is refused or withdrawn, the fee is not returned — or is retained in large part. Only in specific cases of formal invalidity (submitted with significant errors before processing began) is a partial refund possible, minus an administrative charge.

This is the main reason it is worth investing time in preparing your documentation correctly before submitting.

Other Costs to Budget For

The Home Office fee is the largest expense, but it is not the only one. Here is everything to consider:

Life in the UK Test Cost: £50 per attempt. If you do not pass first time, the fee is payable again for each new session. Historical data suggests approximately 70-86% of candidates pass on their first attempt — the figure varies depending on nationality and preparation level.

English Language Certificate (B1) If you are not already exempt (for example because you hold a degree obtained in English), you will need to take an English language test at a UKVI-recognised centre. The cost ranges from approximately £150 to £250, depending on the provider and location.

Important note: from April 2026, the government is considering raising the minimum requirement from B1 to B2. If you are planning your application, check the level currently required before booking your test.

Biometric Appointment (UKVCAS) Fingerprint and photo registration does not have a separate Home Office fee, but you may pay for certain appointment slots at UKVCAS centres — particularly for out-of-hours times or premium locations.

Certified Translations If you have non-English documents to attach to your application (birth certificate, marriage certificate, criminal record, foreign qualifications), each must be accompanied by a certified English translation. The cost varies depending on the length and complexity of the document: roughly £50 to £200 per document.

British Passport Citizenship approval does not include a passport. Once you receive your naturalisation certificate, you will need to apply for a British passport separately. The cost for a standard adult British passport is approximately £102 (online), and around £66.50 for children — fees also updated in April 2026.

Cost Summary (Adult, Standard Route 2026)

Indicative total (without translations): approximately £2,000 to £2,200

With translations (e.g. 2-3 documents): approximately £2,200 to £2,800

Important: Fees Change Every Year

The Home Office typically updates fees twice a year, in April and October. The naturalisation fee increased by approximately £104 in the most recent update alone. Before submitting your application, always check the current costs on the official page: gov.uk/government/publications/fees-for-citizenship-applications

How We Can Help

Words at Hand handles certified translations of all foreign documents required by the Home Office for naturalisation applications. We offer translations from Italian, Portuguese, Spanish, German, French, Polish and many other languages into English, in the correct format accepted by UKVI.

Contact us today: cristina@wordsathand.com | WhatsApp: +44 7824 347667 | wordsathand.com/contact