Is there a fee waiver for British citizenship?

People often ask whether the cost of becoming British can be waived. As at 13 October 2026 the position is:

Adults applying to naturalise

There is no fee waiver for adult naturalisation. The fee is £1,709 plus £130 for the citizenship ceremony, £1,839 in total, and it must be paid when you apply. Biometric enrolment is free. The fee is not refunded if the application is refused, which is why the requirements should be checked before you apply; see naturalisation.

Children under 18

A fee waiver is available for a child's registration application (fee £1,000) where the child or the parents cannot afford it. You must show income and essential outgoings; children looked after by a local authority qualify automatically. See registering a child as a British citizen.

Other exceptions

• Registration as a stateless person is free.
• Some historical unfairness registration routes carry no fee or a reduced fee; we confirm the current position for your route.
• Members and former members of the armed forces can apply to naturalise without a fee in defined circumstances.

If you cannot afford the adult fee

There is no official route around it. Some people save towards it while holding indefinite leave, which carries almost all the same rights. Settlement does not expire while you live in the UK; it is lost after two years' continuous absence.

Paying for citizenship for a family

Each person pays their own fee. For a family of four with two children that is two adult fees and two child fees, with waivers possible for the children only.

Need advice on your own case?

Guides are general information, not advice on your situation. Ask a solicitor and we will reply by phone or email.