United Kingdom Increases Visa and Immigration Fees
Expats and prospective workers face significantly higher immigration fees across multiple categories, increasing the cost of legal residency in the UK.
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.