Citizenship and Citizenship Ceremonies

The Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002 states that:

• all applicants aged 18 years or over
  
• who are accepted for naturalisation or registration by the Home Office as a British Citizen
  
• must take a citizenship oath and pledge at a Citizenship Ceremony.

The Citizenship Ceremony will focus on future citizens making:

• an oath/affirmation to Her Majesty the Queen;
• a pledge of loyalty to the United Kingdom;
• awarded with a Certificate of Naturalisation;
• Ceremonies are held at the Register Office in Bedford or can be specially arranged at any of the approved venues in Bedfordshire.;

Every adult applying for citizenship after 1st January 2004 is now required to attend a citizenship ceremony as the final step to becoming a British Citizen.

For more information about applying for citizenship:

Nationality contact centre - The nationality contact centre can provide advice on British citizenship and right of abode.

Before calling them, you should read the British citizenship section. This section aims to answer all frequently asked questions on British nationality law and contains full details of:

• what British citizenship is;
• the different types of British nationality;
• the requirements you need to meet to become a British citizen;
• how to make an application;
• the cost of making an application;
• the nationality checking service;
• where completed application forms should be sent;
• the current waiting times for nationality applications; and
• citizenship ceremonies.

Phone:  0845 010 5200

Email:  nationalityenquiries@ind.homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk

Opening Hours:  Monday to Friday 0900 to 2100.

Website: UK Border Agency - British Citizenship

Updated 08 April 2008