Becoming a citizen of the United Kingdom can be a lengthy and expensive process. If you are considering this option, it is important to understand the requirements, costs, and procedures involved. In this article, we will take a closer look at how much it costs to become a UK citizen in 2023, including the fees associated with the application process, the various requirements that applicants must meet, and the different ways in which individuals can become citizens.
Requirements for becoming a UK citizen
Before we dive into the costs of becoming a UK citizen, it is important to understand the requirements that applicants must meet. The UK government has several routes through which individuals can become citizens, including naturalization, registration, and descent. The requirements for each route vary, but generally, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be over the age of 18
- Have been living in the UK for a specified period of time (usually at least five years)
- Have not spent more than a specified number of days outside the UK during the qualifying period
- Have a good knowledge of the English language and British culture
- Have not been convicted of any serious criminal offenses
- Be of good character
In addition to these requirements, applicants may also need to meet other specific criteria depending on the route they choose. For example, if an individual is applying for citizenship through naturalization, they must pass the “Life in the UK” test, which assesses their knowledge of British history, culture, and government. They must also provide evidence that they have settled status in the UK and have not breached any immigration laws during their time in the country.
Fees for becoming a UK citizen
The fees associated with becoming a UK citizen can be significant, and they vary depending on the route that an individual takes. For example, the fees for naturalization are different from those for registration or descent. In addition to these fees, applicants may also need to pay for other costs, such as English language tests, biometric residence permits, and passport fees.
Here is a breakdown of the fees for each route:
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Naturalization
Naturalization is the most common route for becoming a UK citizen. The current fee for naturalization is £1,330, which includes the cost of processing the application and citizenship ceremony. Applicants must also pay a £19.20 fee to have their biometric information taken.
In addition to these fees, applicants may also need to pay for other costs, such as the “Life in the UK” test, which costs £50, and an English language test, which costs between £150 and £200.
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Registration
Registration is another route through which individuals can become UK citizens. This route is typically used by individuals who were born in the UK or who have a British parent. The fees for registration vary depending on the circumstances of the individual.
For example, if an individual is registering as a British citizen because they were born in the UK, the fee is £1,206. If they are registering because they have a British parent, the fee is £1,012. In both cases, applicants must also pay a £19.20 fee to have their biometric information taken.
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Descent
Descent is a route through which individuals can become UK citizens if they were born outside the UK to a British parent. The fees for descent vary depending on the circumstances of the individual.
For example, if an individual is applying for citizenship by descent because they were born to a British parent who was born in the UK, the fee is £1,206. If they are applying because they were born to a British parent who was not born in the UK, the fee is £1,330. In both cases, applicants must also pay a £19.20 fee to have their biometric information taken.
Other costs associated with becoming a UK citizen
In addition to the fees for the application process, there may be other costs that applicants need to consider when becoming a UK citizen. These include:
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English language tests
As mentioned earlier, applicants for naturalization or registration may need to take an English language test. The cost of these tests can range from £150 to £200.
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Biometric residence permits
Applicants may also need to obtain a biometric residence permit (BRP) as part of the application process. The cost of a BRP is £19.20.
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Passport fees
After becoming a UK citizen, applicants may also need to obtain a British passport. The fees for a standard adult passport are currently £75.50 if applying online or £85 if applying by post.
Ways to reduce the costs of becoming a UK citizen
While becoming a UK citizen can be expensive, there are ways to reduce the costs. Here are a few options:
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Apply for citizenship by descent
If an individual is eligible for citizenship by descent, this route may be cheaper than naturalization or registration. The fees for citizenship by descent are generally lower than the fees for other routes.
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Wait until eligibility criteria are met
If an individual is not yet eligible for citizenship, they may be able to wait until they meet the eligibility criteria. For example, if an individual has not yet lived in the UK for the required period of time, they may be able to wait until they have met this requirement before applying for citizenship.
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Study for the “Life in the UK” test
If an individual is applying for naturalization and needs to pass the “Life in the UK” test, they may be able to reduce costs by studying for the test on their own rather than paying for a preparation course.
Becoming a UK citizen can be a lengthy and expensive process. Applicants must meet various requirements and pay significant fees, including application fees, biometric fees, and test fees. However, there are ways to reduce costs, such as applying for citizenship by descent or waiting until eligibility criteria are met. Ultimately, the decision to become a UK citizen is a personal one that should take into account individual circumstances and priorities.
