United Kingdom Increases Visa and Immigration Fees

The UK Home Office is implementing a broad increase in immigration and visa fees effective April 8. Most application costs for work, study, and settlement are rising by 6% to 9% to cover increasing operational expenses. This shift follows a pattern of rising costs for non-residents, making the UK one of the more expensive destinations for long-term stays in Europe.

Who is affected

Digital nomads and remote workers will feel the impact differently depending on their length of stay. Those entering on a standard Visitor Visa (up to six months) will see the fee rise from £127 to £135. Travelers utilizing the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) face the steepest percentage hike, with the cost doubling from £10 to £20.

Expats on the Skilled Worker route or those seeking Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) face the most significant financial hurdles. A standard Skilled Worker application from outside the UK is jumping to £943, while permanent residency (ILR) now costs £3,226 per person.

What to do

If you are planning a move or a long-term stay, check the updated fee schedule on the official government portal. Keep these practical points in mind for your visa updates and planning:

• Applications submitted before April 8 will be processed at the current, lower rates.
• The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) and priority service fees remain unchanged in this specific update, though they remain substantial additions to the base visa cost.
• Fees must be paid upfront in GBP or the local currency equivalent at the time of online submission.
• The transition to eVisas continues, so ensure your digital records are updated as physical Biometric Residence Permits are phased out.

For those managing a budget, a three-year worker assignment can now exceed £7,600 in total government fees when including all surcharges. If you are a digital nomad relying on short-term entry, the ETA remains the most cost-effective option despite the price hike.

Read our full United Kingdom guide for the complete picture.