Do you want to become a British citizen? Great! The process is called naturalisation. It allows you to automatically get that British passport after you have spent 5 consecutive years living in the UK. 

Now, let’s talk about why British citizenship is such a big deal.

With that new British citizenship passport, you’ll have access to travel to 152 different countries worldwide without needing a visa. Sounds great, right?

And, that’s not the end – you’ll get access to the amazing National Health Service (NHS). This universal healthcare system ensures you and your family are taken care of medically without breaking the bank. 

But, let’s be honest – this British citizenship journey does come with some costs involved. And, before you even start the application process for UK citizenship, we’ll make sure you know exactly what fees you need to pay for that.

Understanding British Citizenship Cost

The path to becoming a British citizen comes with various fee requirements and it depends on the specific route you take. 

Naturalisation – Well, this is the typical pathway for those who have been living in the UK for consecutive 5 years and are now seeking British citizenship. From October 4th, 2023, the fee for naturalisation applications is £1,580.

British Overseas Territories Citizens – If you are an adult applying to naturalise specifically as a British Overseas Territories Citizen, the cost will be £1,000.

Children under 18 – Those under 18 years old and are likely to apply to register as British citizens, the fee is £1,214. However, an additional £80 per applicant is required to cover the ceremony fee if the child turns 18 during the application process. This extra fee is payable at the decision point.

Note – It’s important to note that if you miss to provide full fee or biometric data, your application will be rejected as invalid. In such cases, the fee will be refunded minus a £25 administration charge.

There may also be additional associated costs depending on your circumstances. We recommend you check the UK Government’s official website for the most up-to-date fee information. This way you can have accurate figures for your personalised application. Or, you can look on the internet by typing British citizenship solicitors near me to get the right advice.

You also need to make sure you meet the requirements before applying for British Citizenship.

Let’s take a look at the requirements

You must be at least 18 years old. And, you must demonstrate that you have the right intention to make the UK your permanent home. Apart from that, you should meet full compliance with all UK immigration rules. You need to have spent at least 3 continuous years residing in the UK before applying. Plus, for the 12 months right before applying, you can not be absent from the UK for more than 90 days. And, make sure, during the qualifying period, your total absences from the UK cannot exceed 270 days. You should hold for at least 12 months Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK. You should also meet the English language requirements and pass the ‘Life in the UK’ test. And, not to forget – you must have a ‘good character’ with no serious or recent criminal convictions.

Processing Timeframe 

The British citizenship application process through naturalisation is not a quick one. Even if you properly meet all the requirements and submit the correct documentation, it can take up to 6 months to fully process your application. However, the timeframe may be extended longer in some cases.

Bottom Line

Trying to navigate the path to British citizenship on your own can be a total nightmare. You need to decode the legal jargon, calculate the right fees, and make sure you check every box – and, all these are not easy. 

The friendly experts at Intime Immigration Solicitors are here to assist. Our team of top-notch UK immigration solicitors and lawyers can help you through every step of the process.

Our British citizenship solicitors will help you understand the exact fees you’ll need to pay for your situation and understand the rules set by the UK government. And, we will also make sure you meet all the criteria before applying. Our goal is to make this daunting journey smooth and hassle-free.Visit our official website! Or, call us today for expert guidance!