UK Citizenship System 2026: Calls for Lower Fees and Clearer Routes to Settlement
September 12, 2026
A new report from the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) has called for significant changes to the UK’s citizenship and settlement system, including lower citizenship fees, clearer routes to settlement and greater emphasis on integration and civic participation.
The think tank argues that the current system can make British citizenship difficult to access for some long-term residents because of high costs and a process that places limited emphasis on meaningful participation in civic life.
UK Citizenship Fees
According to the IPPR report, the Home Office currently charges £1,709 for a standard adult naturalisation application, while the estimated administrative cost of processing an application is around £324.
Successful applicants must also pay £130 for a citizenship ceremony, bringing the total cost to approximately £1,839.
The IPPR says the UK has the highest naturalisation fee among the G7 countries. By comparison, the equivalent fee in the United States is around £562, while France, Germany and Italy charge approximately £200. Japan does not charge an application fee for ordinary adult naturalisation.
Calls for Lower Citizenship Fees
The IPPR argues that high citizenship fees can discourage some long-term residents from applying for British citizenship, potentially leaving people who have lived in the UK for many years outside full political and civic participation.
The organisation recommends reducing citizenship fees so that they more closely reflect the actual administrative cost of processing applications.
It also proposes that the government introduce fee waivers for people who are destitute or at risk of destitution and would otherwise be unable to afford settlement or citizenship.
Under the proposal, some of the cost of reducing citizenship fees could potentially be recovered by increasing the fees employers pay for Certificates of Sponsorship, shifting some costs towards the point of entry rather than settlement or citizenship.
Clearer Routes to Settlement and Citizenship
The report also calls for greater clarity and consistency in the routes from long-term residence to settlement and citizenship.
The IPPR recommends that, in principle, people should become eligible for settlement after five years, while the maximum period before eligibility should be 10 years.
It also proposes that children born in the UK should be able to apply for citizenship after living in the country for five years, regardless of their parents’ immigration status.
Changes to the Life in the UK Test
The IPPR says the current Life in the UK Test places too much emphasis on memorising obscure factual information and does not adequately prepare applicants for participation in British civic and community life.
The organisation proposes replacing the existing approach with a citizenship course and a revised test covering areas such as everyday life in the UK, British institutions, the political and legal systems, and shared civic values.
It also recommends introducing a practical volunteering element to encourage applicants to become more involved in their local communities.
David Blunkett’s Views on Citizenship Reform
The report includes a foreword from former Home Secretary David Blunkett, who supports reforms aimed at creating clearer pathways to citizenship and strengthening citizenship education.
Blunkett argues that the process should place greater emphasis on individuals demonstrating their commitment to their communities through activities such as English-language learning, citizenship education and community participation.
He also called for planned improvements to citizenship education in schools to be accelerated and suggested that people entering the UK through permitted visa or resettlement routes should be encouraged to undertake English-language training.
The report also argues that long-term residence should not be dependent on becoming a British citizen. It recognises that some people may choose not to pursue citizenship, including those whose countries of nationality do not permit dual citizenship.
Instead, the IPPR says the government should provide a clearer and more accessible pathway for those who do want to become British citizens.
What the Proposals Could Mean
The recommendations would represent significant changes to how the UK approaches settlement and citizenship if adopted.
They include:
- Lower fees for British citizenship applications
- Potential fee waivers for people experiencing financial hardship
- Clearer routes from long-term residence to settlement
- A five-year principle for settlement eligibility
- A maximum proposed 10-year waiting period
- Changes to citizenship eligibility for children born in the UK
- Reform of the Life in the UK Test
- Greater emphasis on English-language learning and citizenship education
- More opportunities for community participation and volunteering
However, these are recommendations from the IPPR rather than changes to UK immigration law. Any changes to the current citizenship or settlement rules would require action by the UK government.
The wider debate is therefore focused on how the UK can balance accessible routes to citizenship with integration, civic participation and clear expectations for people seeking to become British citizens.
Join Naija UK Connect
Stay updated with the latest UK visa sponsorship jobs, relocation opportunities, and career guides tailored for Nigerians through Naija UK Connect.
Join here: Naija UK Channel
Also, follow us on our social media channels for the latest updates and discussions:
Twitter: @NaijaUKConnect
Facebook: Naija UK Connect
Instagram: @naijaukconnect
