Becoming a British Citizen
Congratulations on your British citizenship.
If you have been granted British citizenship, you must attend a citizenship ceremony.
Once you have received confirmation from the Home Office of your approval, you have 3 months to attend a citizenship ceremony.
Attending a group citizenship ceremony
Your Home Office confirmation will include the name of the register office you should contact to arrange your ceremony.
If Ealing register office is your named office, you will receive an email from us.
The email will include:
- our unique reference number
- instructions on how to book your ceremony
- details of what you need to complete your booking
Contact us using the enquiry form if you have not received an email from Ealing register office within 2 weeks of receiving confirmation from the Home Office.
Group citizenship ceremonies usually take place every Thursday morning.
The ceremony will last 60 minutes. You can bring 1 guest to your ceremony.
There is no additional fee to attend a group citizenship ceremony
During the ceremony
During the ceremony, you will:
- swear an oath or make an affirmation
- make a pledge
The oath involves swearing to 'Almighty God'. This refers to whichever God you may believe in.
The affirmation is non-religious and makes no mention of God.
It is up to you which of these to choose.
You will also pledge loyalty to the King and be presented with your Certificate of Naturalisation. You can use this to apply for a British Passport.
How to book
Book your citizenship ceremony
Documents to bring:
- Home Office invitation letter
- photo ID (passport or driving licence)
If you do not have photo ID, bring your birth certificate or another type of ID. You cannot attend without these documents.
New citizens under 18 do not have to attend a ceremony. Their parent can collect on their behalf.
If collecting for a child under 18, bring ID for each child receiving citizenship. This can be a passport or birth certificate.
The ceremony is not suitable for children under 10, unless they are receiving their citizenship.
Private ceremonies
You can request a private ceremony if you want it sooner or prefer privacy.
These can usually be arranged within a week on weekdays or Saturdays.
To book a private ceremony contact us using the enquiry form and include:
- our unique reference number
- your full name
- Home Office reference
- your availability
A deposit is required when booking a private citizenship appointment. This deposit goes towards payment if you attend. If you cancel or change your appointment, fees may apply.