African migrants seeking British citizenship face higher costs after new analysis showed the UK charges £1,839 to become citizens, more than three times the US charge, despite many migrants already spending thousands of pounds on visas, health surcharges and other immigration costs before reaching citizenship.
The UK charges £1,709 for naturalisation as a British citizen, compared with an estimated administrative cost of £324, according to Home Office data analysed by the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR).
The UK’s application fee is more than three times higher than the next most expensive citizenship fee among G7 countries, with the United States charging £562.
Successful applicants must also pay £130 for a mandatory citizenship ceremony, bringing the total cost of becoming a British citizen to £1,839.
The findings come as Britain reviews immigration rules affecting the path from temporary residence to settlement and citizenship, with implications for Africa, where the UK remains a major destination for migrants, students and skilled workers.
