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Citizenship ceremony

Citizenship ceremonies are for adults whose application to become a British citizen has been accepted.

Once accepted, you must take a citizenship pledge and an oath of allegiance at a citizenship ceremony within 90 days.

If you do not, you might have to make a new application.

When your ceremony will take place

Once your application is successful, the Home Office will send you a letter telling you to book a ceremony.

However, the Home Office will give us your contact details and we will write to you with a ceremony date soon after you receive your letter from the Home Office.

You do not need to contact us to book your ceremony.

If it has been more than 2 weeks since your acceptance letter and we have not contacted you, then contact your ceremonies team.

Types of ceremony

There are two types of citizenship ceremonies:

  • group ceremonies
  • private ceremonies.

Group ceremonies

In Kent, standard group citizenship ceremonies are held at Oakwood House, Oakwood Park, Maidstone, ME16 8AE, in Bexley, they are held at Danson House, Danson Road, Bexleyheath DA6 8HL.

The ceremonies are free, and in Kent and Bexley you are allowed to bring one guest with you.

Private ceremonies

Private ceremonies cost £190.

To ask about a private ceremony, contact your ceremonies team.

What happens at the ceremony

The ceremony can last up to 90 minutes, and will you make one of the following declarations:

  • Affirmation of allegiance to the monarch of the United Kingdom.
  • Oath of allegiance by God to be faithful to the monarch of the United Kingdom.

See the full text of each declaration on the Home Office's website.

What to bring with you

When you attend your group or private ceremony you will need to bring:

  • your approval letter from the Home Office
  • your invitation letter from Kent County Council or Bexley Borough Council
  • a form of ID (a passport, travel document, driving licence, a current utility bill, medical card, bankcard or benefits book).

You may also bring your own holy book if you wish.

Contact us

To ask questions about private ceremonies, or if it has been more than 2 weeks since your acceptance letter and we have not contacted you, then contact us:

If you live in: