The British citizenship ceremony, explained

When does the ceremony happen?

After your naturalisation application is approved, the Home Office sends you an invitation letter and forwards your case to your local council. You then have 3 months to attend a ceremony (extendable to 6 months with a good reason).

You book directly with your local council — usually online or by phone. Larger councils (Manchester, Birmingham, Glasgow) run weekly ceremonies and you may get a slot within 2-3 weeks. Smaller councils may run monthly and slots can be 6-8 weeks out.

What actually happens at the ceremony

Ceremonies are short — typically 30-45 minutes total. The format varies slightly by council but usually:

1. Arrive 15-20 minutes early with your invitation letter and ID. You'll check in and be seated.
2. The Registrar gives a short speech welcoming you and explaining what's about to happen.
3. You take the Oath or Affirmation of Allegiance. This is the legal moment — once you say the words, you're a British citizen.
4. You take the Pledge. A commitment to respect UK rights, laws, and freedoms.
5. The National Anthem (God Save the King) is played. You're expected to stand respectfully but don't have to sing.
6. You're handed your Certificate of Naturalisation. This is THE document — keep it safe forever.
7. Photos! Most councils take a group photo and you can take your own with family afterwards.

What to wear

Smart-casual is the convention. Suits and dresses are common; jeans are usually fine. Some people wear cultural attire from their country of origin — this is celebrated, not discouraged. Photos will be taken, so wear something you're happy to be in.

Guests

Most councils allow up to 2 adult guests plus children. Some allow more (Manchester reportedly allows up to 4 adults). Confirm with your council when booking. Guests don't pay any fee.

The Oath of Allegiance — what you'll actually say

You'll be given a card to read from. The standard wording is:

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

If you don't want to swear by God, you can give an Affirmation instead, which removes the religious reference. Both are legally identical.

You'll then make the Pledge:

"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."

After the ceremony: applying for your British passport

The day of your ceremony, you officially become a British citizen — but the passport isn't automatic. You apply separately via HM Passport Office, attaching:

• Your Certificate of Naturalisation (the document you got at the ceremony)
• Two recent photos (digital is fine)
• The standard adult passport fee (£88.50 online, £100 paper application as of 2025)

Standard processing is 3 weeks; the urgent service can be 1 week for an extra fee. Many new citizens apply within days of their ceremony to get the passport in hand.

Dual citizenship

The UK allows dual (and multiple) citizenship. Becoming British doesn't require you to renounce your existing citizenship. However, your country of origin may have its own rules — some countries (e.g. China, India, Singapore) don't allow dual citizenship, so check with your home country before your ceremony.

What you can do as a new British citizen

• Apply for a British passport (and travel visa-free to 190+ countries)
• Vote in all UK elections, including general elections and referenda
• Stand for elected office
• Live anywhere in the UK indefinitely with no further visas, BRPs, or applications
• Pass British citizenship to your children (usually — see our descent guide)