Citizenship ceremonies

 

Attending a citizenship ceremony is the final stage in the process of becoming a British citizen.

When ceremonies take place

If you are over the age of 18, and your application for citizenship is approved by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), then you will be contacted to book a citizenship ceremony.

You must attend a citizenship ceremony within the borough stated in the letter. This will usually be the borough where you live, unless you stated a different one when you made your application for naturalisation.

Requesting a transfer

If you wish to change the location of your citizenship ceremony to a different local authority contact the Home Office directly for your request to be processed.

Invitation letters

You will receive an invitation letter from UKVI with details about booking your citizenship ceremony.

A ceremony cannot be booked until the you have received this letter.

Types of ceremonies

The options are to have a group ceremony or an individual ceremony.

Group ceremonies

Regular group citizenship ceremonies are held with the Mayor or Deputy Mayor in attendance to welcome new citizens. These ceremonies are usually held at York House in Twickenham.

There are a limited number of spaces for each ceremony, and they are booked on a strictly first come, first served basis.

As this is a group ceremony note that there will be no admittance once the ceremony has started. Ceremony start times may vary depending on the volume of new citizens processed with the UKVI.

The ceremony itself will last for approximately 45 to 60 minutes.

Whenever possible there is an official photographer attending the ceremony. If a photo is not required, inform us on your arrival.

Individual ceremonies

Individual ceremonies can be arranged, on payment of a fee. The ceremony itself will only last for approximately 10 to 15 minutes. 

The Mayor or Deputy Mayor will not be in attendance and there will not be an official photographer present, but you are welcome to bring a camera.

Citizens can bring up to a maximum of 40 guests for a private in-person ceremony.

Cost

The group ceremony fee is included in your application to UK Visas and Immigration.

Individual ceremony costs:

• Monday to Friday - £158
• Saturday - £235

The fee is non-refundable if you do not attend the ceremony or cancel without sufficient notice.

What to bring to the ceremony

Remember to bring the following documents:

• Your letter from UK Visas and Immigration
• Your passport or photo ID
• Proof of your home address (bank statement, driving licence or Council Tax bill dated within the last three months)

It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure that a ceremony is attended within 3 months of receiving the UK Visas and Immigration letter.

During the ceremony

Each citizen will be required to repeat the words of the Oath or Affirmation of Allegiance to His Majesty the King, and the Pledge of Loyalty to the United Kingdom.

How to book

Complete our online form and the Registration Services team will contact you within five working days to book your ceremony.

Request a callback

Naturalisation certificates

If you need a replacement of your naturalisation certificate you need to contact UK Visas and Immigration. This is the certificate given to you at your Citizenship Ceremony.

British citizenship information

Further information about applications for British citizenship can be found on the GOV.UK website.

For all enquiries regarding the Life in the UK Test, ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) and citizenship classes, visit the Life in the UK Test website, or call them on 0800 0154 245.