Citizenship ceremonies

Changing nationality is a major turning point in someone’s life. To acknowledge this, people who are granted UK citizenship are required to attend a formal citizenship ceremony.

Becoming a UK citizen

Applications for UK citizenship are handled by the Home Office. The final part of the process is the citizenship ceremony.

The ceremony

Ceremonies are held for all successful applicants aged 18 and over who applied for UK citizenship after 31 December 2003. The ceremonies are organised by the Registration Service and take place in the applicant’s local registration district, at the registration office, town hall or other appropriate venue.

Please note: entry to citizenship ceremonies is by invitation only.

• The Home Office invites successful applicants.
• Successful applicants can invite guests. The registration office will advise how many.

Applicants will be awarded UK citizenship after swearing the Oath of Allegiance to the Queen and promising to be a loyal citizen. Each applicant is presented with a citizenship certificate. Refreshments are served after the ceremony.

For an additional fee of £65, it is possible to arrange a private ceremony to which you can invite more guests. More details are available from the registration offices.

Booking your citizenship ceremony

You must attend a citizenship ceremony within 11 weeks of receiving your ceremony invitation letter from the Home Office. Guidance on how to book your ceremony will be included with this letter.

Please do not contact the registration office until you have received your citizenship invitation. Full details about the process of applying for UK citizenship are available on the Home Office website.