How do I apply for bankruptcy?

For people in England or Wales who cannot pay their debts and are thinking about applying to become bankrupt.

Applies to: England, Wales Last checked against official sources: 30 September 2026

Apply online; it costs £680. Check other debt options first, as bankruptcy has more restrictions.

An adjudicator decides, usually within 28 days.
Your details become public; apply for protection if that puts you at risk of violence.
An official receiver then handles your case.
Scotland and Northern Ireland have different processes.

Different in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland

Rules may be different in:

Scotland: Check mygov.scot for Scotland
Northern Ireland: Check nidirect for Northern Ireland

Key facts

£680 fee
Online only
Decision in about 28 days

Before you apply

Bankruptcy is a legal way to deal with debts you cannot pay. It puts more limits on your life than other debt options. GOV.UK says to look at other options first. Free debt advice is available from services such as Citizens Advice.

If having your address made public could put you at risk of violence, apply for a "person at risk of violence" order before you apply for bankruptcy.

What it costs

The fee is £680. You can only apply online.

Steps

Check other ways of dealing with your debts.
If needed, apply for a person at risk of violence order.
Apply online and pay the £680 fee.
An adjudicator (an official who decides applications) checks whether you meet the rules. They also check if other money, such as a pension or savings, could pay your debts instead.
You get an email or letter within 28 days saying whether you have been made bankrupt. It can take longer if the adjudicator has questions.

After you are made bankrupt

An official receiver takes over your case. They may interview you and ask about your bank accounts, vehicles and other money. You must give them the information they ask for.
Your details go in the Gazette and on the Individual Insolvency Register, which are public.
If you own your home on your own, legal ownership and any equity pass to the trustee, and a bankruptcy restriction is added to the property's entry in the land register. If you own it jointly, your share of the equity passes to the trustee and a "Form J restriction" is added.
Your bank will usually freeze your accounts. If you need money urgently, for example for food, the trustee can ask the bank to give it to you.

Paying from your income

The trustee works out how much you need for essentials such as rent or mortgage, bills, food and clothing. If you have spare income, they may ask you to sign an income payments agreement to pay a monthly amount for up to 3 years. If you refuse, they can ask the court for an income payments order.

Restrictions while bankrupt

You cannot	Unless
Borrow more than £500	You tell the lender you are bankrupt
Be a company director, or set up or run a limited company	The court gives permission
Run a business under a different name	You tell people the name you were made bankrupt in

Breaking these rules can lead to prosecution. If the official receiver thinks you acted carelessly or dishonestly, restrictions can be extended for longer.

When it ends

You are usually released ("discharged") automatically after 12 months. You are then usually released from your bankruptcy debts, but you still pay any debts not included in the bankruptcy, and any income payments agreement continues. The bankruptcy can stay on your credit file for 6 years.

If you live in Scotland or Northern Ireland

The process is different. In Scotland, bankruptcy is handled by the Accountant in Bankruptcy (AiB), and mygov.scot explains how to apply. In Northern Ireland, see nidirect.

Related guides

Where this comes from

Get it done

This takes you to the official service, which is free to use.

Apply for bankruptcy

Common questions

How long does bankruptcy last?

You're usually released (discharged) automatically after 12 months, but you must still pay any debts that were not included in your bankruptcy.

How long does bankruptcy stay on your credit file?

It can stay on your credit reference file for 6 years from the date of your bankruptcy.

Will I lose my house if I go bankrupt?

The trustee might sell your home, depending on how much equity is left after secured debts like a mortgage are paid. If they have not started to deal with it within 3 years, it will usually be transferred back to you.

Can I borrow money while bankrupt?

You cannot borrow more than £500 without telling the lender you're bankrupt.

Official sources

1.Applying to become bankruptwww.gov.uk/bankruptcy
2.When bankruptcy endswww.gov.uk/becoming-bankrupt/when-bankruptcy-ends
3.Bankruptcy restrictionswww.gov.uk/becoming-bankrupt/restrictions
4.Bankruptcy: your homewww.gov.uk/becoming-bankrupt/your-home

Checked against GOV.UK on 30 September 2026

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