Shropshire Council

Citizenship ceremonies

What is a citizenship ceremony?

The aim of the citizenship ceremony is to enable applicants to gain a full understanding of the rights and responsibilities that come with the acquisition of British citizenship and also to ensure that they're properly welcomed into the community. It's intended to ensure that the acquisition of citizenship isn't a purely bureaucratic process.

Who are they for?

Anyone over the age of 18 who successfully applies to become a British citizen must take part in a citizenship ceremony.

Who organises citizenship ceremonies?

We're responsible for organising ceremonies for successful applicants living in the county. Pre-covid, we were holding one group ceremony per month. At present we are holding individual ceremonies via Zoom. 

What's the process for a ceremony?

Following a successful application for British citizenship, we'll make contact with the applicant to establish further details including:

  • Whether the applicant wishes to swear or affirm the oath at the citizenship ceremony

Once these details have been received, invitations will be sent to the applicant approximately one week prior to the chosen ceremony date.

The ceremony begins with a welcoming speech, and the applicants then swear or affirm an oath of allegiance to His Majesty the King and give a pledge of loyalty to the UK. If you are having a zoom ceremony, naturalisation certifications will be posted out to the home address of the new citizen. For those people having an in-person ceremony, the certificate will be presented to you.

If you'd like any further information about citizenship ceremonies, take a look at the information attached to this page, or call us on 0345 678 9016.

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