Ancestry Visa Cost Calculator 2025
Ancestry visa costs in 2025: mandatory UKVI fees, attorney costs and hidden expenses. Calculate your total.
Applying for a Ancestry visa in 2025? Don't get surprised by hidden fees. This calculator shows every mandatory and optional cost — UKVI filing fees, attorney fees, and extras like biometrics and premium processing — so you know the real total before you apply.
Mandatory UKVI fees for the Ancestry
These are the fees you cannot avoid when filing a Ancestry application in 2025.
| Fee | Amount | Notes | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Application fee | £726 | — | Official ↗ |
| Immigration Health Surcharge | £5,175 | £1,035/yr × 5 years. | Official ↗ |
Source: UKVI Visa Fees Table. Fees change — verify before filing. Last full data review: August 2026. See our methodology.
Optional costs
Attorney fees
£2,000 – £5,000 in Average (UK). Typical cities: London, Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh.
Premium processing
Priority service: £500
Medical exam
£0 – £400 — TB test required only for applicants from listed countries.
Translation services
£50 – £200 — Certified translations of supporting documents.
How to apply for the Ancestry
- 1
Confirm eligibility
Commonwealth/British overseas/BN(O)/Zimbabwean citizen aged 17+ with a grandparent born in the UK, Channel Islands, or Isle of Man.
- 2
Compile the documentary chain
Birth/marriage certificates linking applicant → parent → UK-born grandparent.
- 3
Apply online
Up to 3 months before travel; pay the visa fee (£726) plus Immigration Health Surcharge.
- 4
Verify identity and provide work-intent evidence
Await decision.
Typical processing time: Typically within 3 weeks when applying from outside the UK; priority services available for a fee.
Documents you'll need
- Applicant's birth certificate
- Parent's birth certificate linking to the UK-born grandparent
- Grandparent's birth certificate showing UK/Channel Islands/Isle of Man birth
- Marriage certificates for any name changes along the chain
- Evidence of intention/ability to work in the UK
Common mistakes to avoid
- Missing or incomplete documentary links in the birth-certificate chain
- Grandparent's birth not clearly evidenced as being in a qualifying territory/period
- Insufficient evidence of genuine intention to seek work in the UK
- Financial proof gaps or documentation inconsistencies
Sources: gov.uk — Ancestry visa
Cost breakdown by scenario
| Scenario | Includes | Total estimated cost |
|---|---|---|
| A — Solo, no attorney | Mandatory government fees only | £5,901 |
| B — With attorney | Government fees + attorney, no premium | £7,901 – £10,901 |
| C — Attorney + premium + dependents | Everything included | £9,436 – £13,471 |
How to save money on your Ancestry
- File without an attorney if your case is straightforward — you can cut £2,000–£5,000.
- Skip premium processing unless you genuinely need a fast decision.
- Prepare documents yourself to avoid translation and document-prep fees.
- Double-check every fee on the UKVI website so you never overpay a third party.
Ancestry cost FAQ (2025)
How much does a Ancestry visa cost in 2025?
The total estimated cost of a Ancestry visa in 2025 ranges from about £7,901 to £13,471, depending on whether you use an attorney, pay for premium processing, and include dependents.
What is the Ancestry application fee?
The government application fee varies by visa and year. UKVI publishes the current schedule, and this calculator itemises every mandatory fee with a link to the official source.
How much do immigration lawyers charge for a Ancestry visa?
Attorney fees typically add £2,000–£5,000 depending on the city and case complexity. The calculator lets you toggle attorney costs on or off to compare.
Can I apply for a Ancestry visa without a lawyer?
Yes. Many applicants file without a lawyer and only pay the mandatory government fees. An attorney is optional but can reduce the risk of costly mistakes.
What hidden costs should I budget for?
Beyond the filing fee, budget for biometrics, medical examinations, certified translations, and premium processing if you need a faster decision.
Is premium processing available for a Ancestry visa?
Premium or priority processing is available for many routes for an extra fee, but not all. Check the calculator's options and the UKVI website for eligibility.
Do I have to pay extra for dependents?
Yes — each dependent usually requires an additional application fee and, in some countries, a health surcharge. Toggle the dependents option to include them.
Are visa fees refundable if my application is refused?
In most cases government application fees are not refunded if the application is refused. Always verify current policy with UKVI before paying.
How often do UKVI fees change?
Fee schedules are reviewed periodically and can change each year. This calculator is updated from official sources, but confirm the current fee before you file.
What is the cheapest way to apply for a Ancestry visa?
Applying without an attorney, without premium processing, and without dependents keeps you at the low end of the cost range — usually just the mandatory government fees.
Use the calculator above for your specific case
Get an instant total and download a free PDF report.