Citizenship ceremonies

Citizenship ceremonies are the final step in the process for people who have been successful in gaining British citizenship.

Successful applicants aged 18 or over have to take part in a ceremony where they swear or affirm an Oath of Allegiance to Her Majesty the Queen and pledge loyalty to the United Kingdom. It is a way of formally welcoming new citizens into our community.  There is no legal requirement for those under 18 to attend, however they are welcome to attend to receive their certificate.

Once the Home Office has granted your citizenship and sent you a letter confirming this, you will need to attend a citizenship ceremony.  The Citizenship Administrator will write to you, confirming when your ceremony is booked for.  Your ceremony will be held either at the Aylesbury or the Beaconsfield Old Town Registration Office, depending which one is closest to your home.  The ceremony will be offered within 90 days of you receiving your citizenship invitation letter from the Home Office.

Ceremonies last 40 minutes and take place in our registration offices:

• 1.30pm for a 2pm start - every other Tuesday in Aylesbury
  
• 9.30am for 10am start  - every other Wednesday or Friday in Beaconsfield.

You will need some time before the ceremony starts to check paperwork and sign the register.  You may bring two guests with you. 

We can also arrange private ceremonies outside these times.  Costs are detailed below.

The ceremony

The ceremony is conducted by a Registrar. This is what happens:

• At 2.30pm the Registrar welcomes everyone
• A local dignitary makes a speech on behalf of the local community and the Queen
• You take the Oath and Pledge of Allegiance.  You swear or affirm the oath depending on your personal wishes or religious belief 
• You are presented with a Certificate of Naturalisation and welcome pack that includes your passport application form
• There are photographic opportunities
• Everyone stands for the National Anthem
• Refreshments are provided

Cost

Information on costs and fees 

If you choose to have a private ceremony, we will endeavour to arrange your ceremony at a date and time to suit you.  Please call us to arrange and confirm the fee payable for this.

Documents

You need to bring the letter sent to you by the Home Office and one item of photo ID e.g. a passport or driving licence, Home Office document or other form of official identity.