Citizenship ceremonies

The process starts when you apply to the Home Office for British citizenship.

If your application is successful, the Home Office will contact you and invite you to contact your local register office to book to attend a citizenship ceremony.

At the same time, the Home Office contact us and send your ‘certificate of British citizenship’. We will then write to you, giving details of our next ceremony and alternative arrangements should you require them.

Our ceremonies are held in groups, usually between 5 and 10 people, but numbers depend on the demand. You are very welcome to bring guests with you to the ceremony.

You must attend a citizenship ceremony if you are living in the UK at the time.

During the ceremony

The Superintendent Registrar (or deputy) will host the ceremony, and where possible a local dignitary will attend to welcome you to the county borough.

After welcome speeches, you’ll have to make an ‘oath of allegiance’ and a pledge. This means you’ll promise to respect the rights, freedoms and laws of the UK.

The dignitary will then present you with your ‘certificate of British citizenship’.

For further information about citizenship ceremonies, contact the Register Office

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