Citizenship ceremonies

Attending a citizenship ceremony is the final step in the process of becoming a British citizen. Usually, you must attend a citizenship ceremony within three months of receiving confirmation from the Home Office that your application for citizenship has been successful.

Why the ceremony is part of British citizenship

Becoming a British citizen is a public celebration. Everyone who applies for British citizenship must take an oath or affirmation of allegiance to the Crown and pledge loyalty to the United Kingdom.

In 2004 the government decided to incorporate the oath and pledge into a public ceremony involving civic and municipal dignitaries. In Oxfordshire, the superintendent registrar conducts the ceremony in the presence of the Lord Lieutenant for Oxfordshire, a deputy Lord Lieutenant, or another local dignitary.

The government places great importance on ensuring those who settle here understand the rights and responsibilities of British citizenship. In addition, they believe that all new citizens should be encouraged to feel a sense of belonging to the wider community. A ceremony of a public and celebratory nature helps to foster this.

Types of ceremony

Because of the ceremony's civic and patriotic nature, the government has stated that citizenship ceremonies should take place in a building with suitable civic or municipal links.

You may book either a group ceremony or an individual, private ceremony. 

Group ceremonies: For these ceremonies, we welcome 30 new citizens together. These ceremonies take place once a week, usually in the Council Chamber in County Hall and there are no additional charges to attend this ceremony. 

You should arrive in good time before the ceremony starts so we can check your identification, and you can have a light refreshment whilst you are waiting. The ceremony opens with a short welcome and is followed by a speech from the local dignitary who speaks on behalf of the local community. 

You then take the Oath and Pledge of Allegiance Citizenship ceremonies: guidance notes (English and Welsh) - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)]. You can swear or affirm the oath depending on your personal wishes and religious beliefs.

The civic dignitary will present you with your Certificate of Naturalisation and a welcome pack. In addition, photographs of the presentation may be taken by your guest to provide a memento of the occasion. The whole assembly is then invited to stand and sing the National Anthem. There is no official photographer for these ceremonies but there will be an opportunity to take your own photos.

Private ceremonies: A private ceremony is a more personal way to obtain your British Citizenship. These ceremonies usually take place on Tuesday afternoons or Wednesday mornings at the Oxford Register Office. 

Although there will not be any dignitaries at a private ceremony, you will still take your oath and pledge in front of the superintendent registrar and be presented with your naturalisation certificate. There is no official photographer for these ceremonies but there will be an opportunity to take your own photos.

You can book a private ceremony at an additional cost starting from £123.50 per adult citizen. The full list of fees can be found on our fees page.

There are a limited number of private ceremony slots available, and we do not to hold or reserve bookings. It is a first-come, first-served service. 

How to book your citizenship ceremony

Once we have received your naturalisation certificate from the Home Office, we will send you an email confirming that you are able to book a ceremony with us. 

You will then be able to book your ceremony online using the button below. 

When booking your citizenship online, you will need: 

• Your full Home Office reference number as it appears on your Home Office application
• Your full legal name as it appears on your Home Office application 

Please note that there can sometimes be a slight delay between the Home Office sending out successful application confirmations to citizens and us receiving your naturalisation certificate. 

What you need to bring to your ceremony

You need to bring: 

• Your letter or email from Home Office confirming that your application has been successful.
• You will also need to bring a form of current photo ID with your date of birth, e.g. driving licence or passport.

Who can come to your ceremony

Guests

If you book a group ceremony, you may bring up to two guests.

If you book a private ceremony, you may bring up to six guests.

Children under 18 years old

If the citizen is under 18, they are not required to attend a ceremony, but are welcome to take part if they wish and to be presented with their naturalisation certificate alongside their families. 

Children who are not receiving citizenship are also welcome to attend your ceremony as a guest, but they must be closely supervised at all times. 

How to apply for British citizenship and a British passport

After you have attended the ceremony, you can apply for a British passport from the HM Passport Office.

The Home Office administers all applications for British citizenship

Replacement Certificate of Naturalisation

If you need to replace your Certificate of Naturalisation, you can download the Replacement citizenship certificate application form from GOV.UK. These are processed directly through the Home Office.