British Nationality Law - British Citizenship Ceremonies

British Citizenship Ceremonies

From 1 January 2004, all new applicants for British citizenship by naturalisation or registration aged 18 or over if their application is successful must attend a citizenship ceremony and either make an affirmation or take an oath of allegiance to the monarch, and also make a pledge to the United Kingdom.

Citizenship ceremonies are normally organised by:

• local councils in England, Scotland, and Wales
• the Northern Ireland Office
• the governments of the Isle of Man, Jersey and Guernsey
• the Governors of British Overseas Territories
• British consular offices outside the United Kingdom and territories.

Persons from the Republic of Ireland (born before 1949) reclaiming British subject status under section 31 of the 1981 Act do not need to attend a citizenship ceremony. However, should such a person subsequently apply for British citizenship by registration or naturalisation, attendance at a ceremony is required.

For those who applied for British citizenship before 2004:

• the oath of allegiance was administered privately through signing a witnessed form in front of a solicitor or other accredited person
• those who already held British nationality (other than British protected persons) were exempt, as were those citizens of countries with the Queen as Head of State (such as Australia or Canada).