If you’re a non-citizen living in the UK with a resident card, you may need to renew it before it expires. A resident card is issued to individuals who have been granted permission to live and work in the UK under certain immigration categories. It’s a key document that proves your right to reside in the country.
Renewing a resident card is an essential process for those who want to maintain their legal status in the UK. However, understanding the renewal process, the associated costs, and the necessary steps can be confusing. In this article, we will walk you through everything you need to know about how much it costs to renew your resident card, as well as the procedures involved, the required documents, and other important details.
What Is a Resident Card?
Before we dive into the renewal process, it’s important to understand what a resident card is and why it is necessary.
A resident card is typically issued to individuals who have been granted permission to live in the UK under specific immigration routes, such as:
European Union (EU) Nationals: EU citizens who had pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme.
Non-EU Nationals: Individuals who have been granted the right to reside in the UK based on a family relationship (e.g., family members of a British citizen or a person with settled status).
Family Members of EU Nationals: Those who are family members of EU nationals who exercised their free movement rights before Brexit.
For EU nationals who had pre-settled status before Brexit, a resident card is proof of their status and their right to remain in the UK. Non-EU nationals also receive resident cards if they are granted family member status or have been approved for long-term residency.
The resident card is typically valid for five years. After this period, it must be renewed to maintain legal residency status in the UK.
How Much Does It Cost to Renew a Resident Card?
The cost of renewing a resident card varies depending on the type of card you hold and your specific situation. As of 2025, the UK Home Office charges the following fees for renewal applications:
1. Fee for Renewing a Family Member Resident Card
If you are a family member of a European Union (EU) or European Economic Area (EEA) national, you may need to apply to renew your resident card when it expires. The standard fee for renewing a family member resident card is £65.
2. Fee for Renewing a Biometric Residence Card
If you hold a biometric residence card (BRC), which is a card issued to non-EU nationals who have been granted leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain (ILR) in the UK, the fee for renewal is typically £246. This fee covers the cost of processing your application and includes biometric data collection (fingerprints and photographs).
3. Fee for Renewing a Permanent Resident Card (EU Settled Status)
For those who hold a permanent resident card under the EU Settlement Scheme, the renewal fee is typically free if you are renewing your status under the scheme. However, if you need to switch to another visa category or seek a different type of status, there may be additional costs involved.
4. Fee for a Residence Card for Family Members of EEA Nationals
For family members of EEA nationals, the application fee for renewing the residence card is generally £65, the same as for the family member resident card.
5. Biometric Enrollment Fee
If you are applying for a new biometric residence card (BRC) as part of your renewal, you will need to pay an additional biometric enrollment fee. This is usually £19.20 for applicants aged 16 or over, which covers the cost of fingerprinting and photographing you for the card.
6. Additional Fees for Priority or Super Priority Services
In some cases, if you need to renew your resident card urgently, you can opt for priority or super priority processing. These services speed up the processing time for your application.
Priority Service: This service costs an additional £500 and can reduce your waiting time to around 5 working days.
Super Priority Service: This service costs £800 and can process your application within 24 hours.
Note that these services are only available in certain circumstances, and you must meet specific eligibility requirements to use them.
How to Renew a Resident Card
Now that you understand the costs involved, let’s walk through the basic steps for renewing your resident card. The renewal process will depend on the type of card you hold, but the general process remains similar for most applicants.
1. Check Your Eligibility
Before applying for a resident card renewal, make sure you are eligible to renew your status in the UK. You will need to meet the following requirements:
You must be in the UK legally and your resident card must be expiring soon.
You must not have any immigration violations or breaches in your immigration status.
You must be able to prove your continued eligibility for the visa or status you hold.
2. Complete the Application Form
You will need to complete an online application form as part of the renewal process. The exact form will depend on the type of card you are renewing. You can find the forms and instructions on the UK Home Office website.
For family members: If you are applying for a family member resident card or a residence card for family members of an EEA national, you will need to complete the form related to that specific type.
For biometric residence cards: The form for renewing a biometric residence card will be available on the Home Office website.
3. Gather Your Supporting Documents
When applying for a resident card renewal, you will need to submit a variety of supporting documents. These may include:
Your current resident card or biometric residence card.
Proof of your ongoing eligibility to remain in the UK (e.g., evidence of employment, student status, or family relationship).
Proof of your identity (e.g., passport or national ID card).
Your biometric information (if required).
Ensure that you provide clear, up-to-date documents that match the requirements outlined in the application guidelines.
4. Pay the Renewal Fee
Once you have completed the application form and gathered your documents, you will need to pay the appropriate renewal fee. As mentioned, the fees for renewing a resident card can range from £65 to £246, depending on the type of card you hold.
If you choose to use the priority or super-priority service, make sure to pay the additional fees.
5. Attend a Biometrics Appointment (If Required)
For most renewals, especially if you are applying for a biometric residence card, you will need to attend a biometrics appointment. At this appointment, your fingerprints and photograph will be taken as part of the renewal process. This step is crucial for processing your renewal application.
6. Wait for a Decision
After submitting your application and attending any required appointments, you will need to wait for a decision. The processing time for a resident card renewal can vary depending on the type of card and the service you selected. Typically, it takes around 8 weeks to receive a decision.
If you opted for the priority or super-priority service, you may receive a decision much faster. Be sure to check the Home Office website for updates on processing times.
7. Receive Your Renewed Resident Card
If your renewal application is approved, you will receive your renewed resident card in the post. The new card will be valid for another period, usually 5 years, depending on your visa status.
What Happens If Your Resident Card Expires?
It’s important to renew your resident card before it expires to avoid any gaps in your legal status in the UK. If your resident card expires, you may risk becoming undocumented, which could affect your ability to work, access public services, and travel freely.
If you miss the renewal deadline, you may still be able to renew your resident card, but you should do so as quickly as possible to avoid complications. In some cases, you may need to explain why your renewal was late, and this could affect the outcome of your application.
If your resident card has already expired, or if you are unable to renew your card for some reason, it’s advisable to seek legal advice or contact the UK Home Office for guidance on your next steps.
Conclusion: The Cost of Renewing Your Resident Card
Renewing your resident card is an important part of maintaining your legal status in the UK. The cost of renewal depends on the type of card you hold, with fees ranging from £65 to £246. It’s essential to submit your application on time, gather all necessary documents, and pay the appropriate fee to ensure that your renewal process goes smoothly.
By understanding the fees, steps, and requirements involved, you can avoid delays and continue to enjoy your stay in the UK without any interruptions to your legal status.
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