The citizenship ceremony in the UK

What the citizenship ceremony is

The citizenship ceremony is the last step to British citizenship. You make a promise to the UK, and you receive your certificate. You are not a British citizen until you have attended.

You have already passed the Life in the UK test by this point. The ceremony comes after the Home Office accepts your application.

Who must attend

You must attend a ceremony if you are 18 or over and your application to become a British citizen succeeded. Under the Windrush scheme, attending is your choice and there is no fee.

Some people do not attend. If you register as a British overseas territories citizen, a British overseas citizen or a British subject, you do not need a ceremony. You still make an oath or affirmation, and you are sent the details.

The invitation and how to book

The Home Office sends you an invitation. You must attend within 3 months of getting it.

Your local council organises the ceremony, and you book with the council. In England and Wales, you use the council booking page on gov.uk. In Scotland and Northern Ireland, contact your council.

Call as soon as you can. Do not wait more than 14 days from the day you get the invitation. The council may need up to 2 working days to receive your papers.

What it costs

The cost of the ceremony is part of the application fee. The ceremony part is £130. For an adult, £1,709 to apply plus £130 makes £1,839. If your child turns 18 during the application, you pay £130 more for their ceremony.

A private ceremony is possible. You can ask the council for one. It may cost extra, and the council sets the price.

What happens on the day

Most ceremonies are in groups. Take your invitation. If you forget it, the ceremony is postponed.

You are usually allowed 2 guests. If you want more, ask the council. Children under 18 on a parent's application may come to collect their certificate. They do not have to take the oath, affirmation or pledge, but they may.

You say your words with the group. The cards with the words are handed out, and the leader reads a few words at a time for you to repeat. It is not a memory test. Some councils sell photos or videos of the event.

At the end you receive your certificate of British citizenship and a welcome pack.

The oath of allegiance

You say the oath if you are happy to swear by God. You may bring a holy book if you want to.

I, (name), swear by Almighty God that, on becoming a British citizen, I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles III, his Heirs and Successors, according to law.

The affirmation of allegiance

You say the affirmation if you prefer not to swear by God.

I (name) do solemnly, sincerely and truly declare and affirm that on becoming a British Citizen, I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles III, his Heirs and Successors, according to law.

The pledge

Everyone says the pledge, whether they take the oath or the affirmation.

I will give my loyalty to the United Kingdom and respect its rights and freedoms. I will uphold its democratic values. I will observe its laws faithfully and fulfil my duties and obligations as a British citizen.

Before the ceremony

If you still need to pass the test, start with our free 24-question mock and check the test centres. Once you have passed and applied, read what to do after you pass.

We are independent. We are not the Home Office, and we do not organise ceremonies. Your council does that.

The list of council pages follows below.