The British citizenship ceremony

Last reviewed 13 August 2026 · Reviewed by the BritainTest editorial team

The citizenship ceremony is the final step in becoming a British citizen. Once your application is approved, you are invited to a ceremony where you make an oath and a pledge and receive your certificate. This guide explains what to expect. It is general information, not immigration advice. For the whole journey, see our how to become a British citizen guide.

When and where it happens

After your citizenship application is approved, you receive an invitation to a ceremony. You normally have to attend within 3 months, or your application can lapse. Ceremonies are arranged by your local council, often as group events, though a private ceremony may be available for a fee.

What happens at the ceremony

The ceremony is short and formal. A council official welcomes everyone, and you make the oath (or affirmation) and the pledge, usually as a group. You then receive your certificate of British citizenship. The National Anthem is often played, and there may be a short speech. Many people bring family to watch and take photos afterwards.

The oath and the pledge

You make two promises. The oath of allegiance is a promise to be faithful and bear true allegiance to the King, his heirs and successors. If you prefer not to swear a religious oath, you can make an affirmation, which has the same meaning without reference to God.

You 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.

These promises also appear in the values chapter of the handbook, which we cover in our values and principles study notes.

After the ceremony

Once you have made the oath and pledge and received your certificate, you are a British citizen. You can then apply for a British passport. Keep your certificate safe, as you may need it for future applications.

This page explains the British citizenship ceremony and is for study and preparation only. It is general information, not immigration advice, and does not determine your eligibility for settlement or citizenship. For official rules and any updates, rely on GOV.UK; GOV.UK guidance controls if anything here differs.