Citizenship Guide

The citizenship ceremony, oath and affirmation

In short

In short: If you're 18 or over and your citizenship application succeeds, the Home Office invites you to a citizenship ceremony. GOV.UK says you must attend within 3 months of your invitation. The ceremony is arranged by your local authority.

Last reviewed: . Written and checked against official sources by ChowChow Labs, an independent study website. This is general information, not legal or immigration advice.

Next step

Go to the official source for current rules, fees and forms.

Citizenship ceremonies on GOV.UK (opens in a new tab)

What happens

  • You make an oath of allegiance, or an affirmation if you prefer not to swear by God.
  • You make a pledge to respect the rights, freedoms and laws of the UK.
  • You receive your certificate of British citizenship and a welcome pack.
  • Ceremonies are usually group events; you can usually bring 2 guests. You can ask about a private ceremony, which may cost more.

Common questions

Do I need to bring anything?

Bring your invitation. Your local authority will tell you anything else you need.

Official sources

Links open official UK pages such as GOV.UK.

Life in the UK Test Prep is an independent educational resource made by ChowChow Labs. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by or approved by the UK Government, the Home Office, UK Visas and Immigration or The Stationery Office. Official rules can change: always confirm details on GOV.UK. For questions about your own case, contact the Home Office or a regulated immigration adviser.