Your citizenship ceremony

If you are 18 or over and your application is approved, the Home Office sends you an invitation, which may arrive by email. It names the local authority to contact. You must arrange and attend your ceremony within 90 days (3 months) of receiving the invitation. If you do not attend without good reason, your application can be refused and you would have to apply again.

Ceremonies are usually held in groups. A private ceremony is possible but may cost extra. You can usually bring 2 guests. Take your invitation with you.

You become a British citizen when you make the oath or affirmation of allegiance and the pledge. Choose the affirmation if you prefer not to swear by God.

The oath, from the British Nationality Act 1981, Schedule 5, with the name of the current monarch: '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 the Third, His Heirs and Successors, according to law.'

The affirmation starts: 'I (name) do solemnly, sincerely and truly declare and affirm that...'

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.'

The £130 ceremony fee is included in the £1,839 naturalisation fee. Some councils sell photographs or videos of the event.

You receive your certificate of British citizenship and a welcome pack. You cannot travel on the certificate, so apply for a British passport, or for a certificate of entitlement if you do not want a passport.

On your old BRP, the July 2026 Guide AN says to destroy it after the ceremony. Some older GOV.UK pages still describe returning it, so follow the instructions you receive with your invitation.

You must keep valid permission to stay in the UK right up to the ceremony.