Citizenship ceremonies are for people who have had their application for British nationality accepted by the Home Office.
Before they can receive their naturalisation certificate, new citizens must swear or affirm an oath of allegiance to His Majesty King Charles III and pledge their loyalty to the UK.
If the Home Office approves your application for British citizenship, they will send you a letter or email inviting you to a citizenship ceremony. You can arrange your ceremony as soon as you receive your Home Office invitation letter. The Home Office asks that you book your ceremony within 21 days of receiving the letter. However, you will have up to 3 months to attend a ceremony.
This section contains important information. Please read carefully.
If you’re 18 or over, you must attend a citizenship ceremony. Children under 18 do not have to attend the ceremony, as parents can collect their certificate for them.
Booking your ceremony
You can now book your ceremony online. You will need your Home Office reference number (starting with 2, 3 or 1212- ) including all dashes if applicable, and your surname. If you have a double surname, you may need to log on using the last one only.
For security reasons, you will only be able to log on once.
Book a British citizenship ceremony
If you have difficulties logging onto the system and have only just received your Home Office letter, please try again in a few days. If after 5 days you are still experiencing technical issues, please contact us.
If you have any disabilities, such as difficulty with stairs, are a wheelchair user or walk with an aid, have a hearing, visual or mental impairment, or have any other special requirements, it’s really important that you tell us before you attend the ceremony. Contact us in advance and we will do our best to accommodate your needs.
When you book your ceremony, you can:
- choose from a selection of dates available
- book in anyone else in your family attaining citizenship with you (remember children do not need to attend if you do not want them to)
- add the number of guests you want to bring to your ceremony. There is a maximum of 2 guests allowed. Guests under 6 years will not be admitted.
- select the type of allegiance you want to take
What to bring to the ceremony
You must bring these items to your ceremony:
- Photographic identification, such as a passport, travel document or driving licence
- Your original invitation letter from the Home Office. This is either the email or letter you received from the Home Office. The email can be presented on your smartphone device or bring a printed copy. If you received a letter, please bring the original letter.
If you forget any of these documents, your ceremony will not happen. You will need to arrange a new ceremony for another date.
What happens at the ceremony
- The superintendent registrar will give a speech of welcome
- You will take a new citizenship oath and pledge - this is a legal requirement and is the moment at which citizenship is granted
- You will receive your certificate and information pack
- There will be an official photographer who will tell you how to order and pay for your commemorative photograph
- The national anthem will be played
Your certificate of naturalisation can be used to support passport applications and to prove British citizenship.
For more information about applying for British citizenship, visit GOV.UK.