Updated 27 May 2026

How long does bankruptcy take?

Find out how long the bankruptcy process takes, from applying to discharge.

How long does the application process take?

To apply for bankruptcy, you’ll need to:

Fill out the bankruptcy form and pay the fee

Applications are made online on the government website.
You can save your progress and come back later.
The application fee is £680.
If you’re paying in cash, you’ll need to pay in full. But online, you can pay in instalments.

You can’t submit your application until the full fee has been paid.

Submit your bankruptcy form

Once you’ve completed the form, double-check everything before sending it off.

You’ll need to:

agree to a credit check
confirm all the information is correct
confirm you’re the person applying for bankruptcy

Giving false information can have serious consequences, including extended bankruptcy restrictions or even prison.

When will I hear back about my bankruptcy application?

Your application will be sent to an adjudicator who has 28 days to grant or reject it.

The adjudicator will be in touch if they need more information, and then they’ll have an extra 14 days to decide.

How long does it take to set up a bankruptcy order?

A bankruptcy order will be set up as soon as your application is approved.

Once this happens, your bank accounts may be frozen while the official receiver reviews your finances.

Before you submit your bankruptcy application, take out enough money to cover your costs for a few weeks.

When will the official receiver contact me?

The official receiver will ring you within two weeks.

They manage the bankruptcy process and deal with creditors on your behalf.

It’s important to cooperate with the official receiver. They may want more information or proof to back up the details in your application.

How long does it take to be discharged from bankruptcy?

If you cooperate with the official receiver and stick to the terms of your bankruptcy, you’ll be discharged after 12 months and all the debts covered by your bankruptcy will be written off.

If the official receiver believes that your bankruptcy was caused by dishonest or reckless behaviour, your bankruptcy restrictions may be extended.

They will do this with a bankruptcy restrictions order or a bankruptcy restrictions undertaking.

This won’t end when you’re discharged and can last anywhere between two and 15 years.

Other FAQS

Your bankruptcy will be removed from the insolvency register three months after you’ve been discharged.

Your bankruptcy will drop off your credit file after six years. Any debts that were included in your bankruptcy should also disappear – check your records with all three credit reference agencies (Experian, Equifax, TransUnion) to make sure everything is accurate.

Find out how to rebuild your credit score after bankruptcy.

If you have an income payment arrangement (IPA), you may need to make monthly contributions towards your debt for up to three years (although missed payments can be chased after this time).

An IPA can be set up at any point during the 12 months of your bankruptcy, but only if you have at least £20 in disposable income each month.