British Passport & UK Citizenship Guide 2025/2026
From first-time British passport applications after naturalisation, to renewal fees and dual citizenship rules — this guide covers everything issued by HM Passport Office (HMPO) and the Home Office Nationality Group for 2025/2026.
ILR 5-Year Settlement Guide →HM Passport Office Fee Schedule (From 8 April 2026)
HM Passport Office (HMPO) increased fees on 8 April 2026. These fees cover all new passport applications, first British passports after naturalisation, and renewals. Online applications are cheaper than postal.
| Application Type | Adult 16+ (Online) | Adult 16+ (Postal) | Child Under 16 (Online) | Child Under 16 (Postal) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard — From UK | £102.00 | £115.50 | £66.50 | £80.00 |
| Standard — From Overseas | £116.50 | £130.00 | £75.50 | £89.00 |
| Premium (1-Day Service) | £239.50 (Adults only) | Not available for children | ||
Path to First British Passport — After Naturalisation
British citizenship by naturalisation is governed by the British Nationality Act 1981 and administered by the Home Office. Below is the full pathway from ILR to your first British passport:
Apply for British Citizenship by Naturalisation (Form AN)
Submit Form AN online at GOV.UK. You must have held ILR (or a qualifying exempt status) for at least 12 months (or be a spouse/civil partner of a British citizen). Cost: £1,839 per adult (includes £130 ceremony fee). Application processing time: typically 6 months but can vary.
Receive Approval Letter from Home Office
If approved, the Home Office sends a letter to your local council (not directly to you). Your council then contacts you to book your ceremony. Do NOT make any international travel or visa applications between receiving approval and attending your ceremony.
Attend Citizenship Ceremony Within 90 Days
You must arrange and attend your citizenship ceremony within 90 days of receiving the invitation from your council. At the ceremony, you take an Oath of Allegiance (or Affirmation for those with religious objections) and receive your Certificate of Naturalisation (BN3). Wait times for ceremony slots vary by council — typically 4–8 weeks.
Apply for British Passport
Immediately after the ceremony, you can apply for your first British passport. Apply online at GOV.UK using your Certificate of Naturalisation as proof of citizenship. Standard processing takes approximately 3 weeks. You can also apply at a premium same-day service appointment if urgent (£239.50 for adult).
Dual Citizenship & Nationality Rules
The UK has no general prohibition on dual nationality — you can hold a British passport alongside most other nationalities. However, your original country's law determines whether dual citizenship is permitted from their side:
| Original Country | Dual Citizenship Allowed? | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|
| United States (USA) | ✅ Yes — Permitted | US does not require renouncing citizenship upon naturalising elsewhere. UK dual citizens remain US taxpayers (file annually with IRS/FBAR). |
| Australia | ✅ Yes — Permitted | Australia permits dual citizenship. Australian-British dual nationals can use both passports. |
| Canada | ✅ Yes — Permitted | Canada allows dual and multiple citizenship without any restrictions. |
| India | ❌ No — Not Permitted | India's Citizenship Act prohibits dual citizenship. Indian nationals who naturalise as British must surrender their Indian passport immediately. They can apply for an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card — which gives visa-free travel and most resident rights in India. |
| Pakistan | ✅ Yes — Permitted | Pakistan allows dual British-Pakistani nationality. Pakistani nationals can hold both passports. |
| Germany | ✅ Yes — Now Permitted | Following the German Nationality Reform Act (effective 26 June 2024), Germany now allows dual citizenship without restriction, including for those naturalising as British. |
| China | ❌ No — Not Permitted | China does not recognise dual citizenship. Mainland Chinese nationals who become British must formally renounce Chinese citizenship (though enforcement varies significantly in practice). |
| Japan | ❌ Limited | Japan generally requires renunciation of foreign nationality by age 22. Japanese nationals who naturalise abroad after 22 may lose Japanese citizenship. |
| New Zealand | ✅ Yes — Permitted | New Zealand allows dual citizenship without restriction. |
- • GOV.UK Passport Applications & Fees: gov.uk/apply-renew-passport
- • GOV.UK British Citizenship — Naturalisation (Form AN): gov.uk/british-citizenship
- • British Nationality Act 1981: legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1981/61
- • Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) Card: India Ministry of External Affairs — OCI Scheme
- • GOV.UK Citizenship Ceremony: gov.uk/citizenship-ceremonies
⚠️ Always check the dual nationality rules of your original country's embassy before naturalising as British — foreign law changes and your personal circumstances may affect your rights.