If you’re a U.S. citizen interested in acquiring British Citizenship, it’s important to understand the full scope of costs involved. The cost of UK citizenship for US citizens goes beyond the basic application fee—there are several required steps in the process, each with its own associated expenses. Knowing these costs upfront can help you budget and plan your naturalization journey effectively.

The central fee is the naturalization application fee, which, as of 2025, is approximately £1,630 (roughly $2,070 USD, subject to exchange rates). This fee covers the processing of your application for British Citizenship, but it does not include the cost of additional requirements, which are mandatory for all applicants.

Before you can apply, you must hold Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or settled status, which comes with its own application fee—currently £2,885 (about $3,660 USD). If you are not already a permanent resident of the UK, this cost must be factored in as a prerequisite for citizenship.

In addition to these application fees, most applicants must also pay for:

• Life in the UK Test: £50 (~$65 USD)
• English Language Test (if applicable): £150–£200 (~$190–$250 USD)
• Biometric enrolment fee: £19.20 (~$25 USD)
• Citizenship Ceremony fee: Included in the main naturalization fee, but private ceremonies may incur an additional cost

Other expenses may include passport photos, document translation services (if necessary), and courier fees for document submission from the U.S. It’s also important to factor in legal fees if you choose to work with a British naturalization lawyer, which can vary depending on the complexity of your case and the level of support you require.

While the total cost of UK citizenship for US citizens may seem substantial, it is a long-term investment in permanent residency rights, the ability to live and work in the UK indefinitely, and access to a British passport. Additionally, both the UK and the U.S. allow dual citizenship, so you don’t have to give up your American nationality.

Our firm offers transparent, step-by-step guidance to help U.S. clients budget accurately for the naturalization process. We ensure there are no surprises and work to make your journey to British Citizenship smooth and cost-efficient.