Citizenship ceremony

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

If your application is successful, it is a legal requirement that you take a citizenship pledge and an oath or allegiance at a citizenship ceremony, within 90 days of receiving your invitation.

If you don't attend a citizenship ceremony within this time, you might have to make a new application.

Ceremonies during COVID-19

Updated 2 December  2020

Citizenship ceremonies are now taking place in very small groups.

You would normally expect to book your ceremony within 3 months of being sent an official invitation from the Home Office.

Due to COVID-19 this has been delayed till 6 months.

If you are successful in your application, the Home Office will send you a confirmation letter. The letter states that you must wait until you receive a formal invitation before book your ceremony.

If you live in:

• Kent - email citizen@kent.gov.uk or call 03000 41 40 04
• Bexley - email BexleyRegistrationCitizenship@kent.gov.uk or call 03000 41 11 03.

If you have not yet received the official ceremony invitation please wait and do not contact us. Once we have received the notification from the Home Office, we will be able to book your ceremony.

Types of ceremony

• In Kent, standard group citizenship ceremonies are held at The Archbishop's Palace, Mill Street, Maidstone ME15 6YE.
• In Bexley, they are held at Danson House, Danson Road, Bexleyheath DA6 8HL.
• Group sizes are kept to approximately 10 people. Currently, no guests are allowed to attend.
• We ask all attendees to observe our COVID safety measures, including wearing a face covering, social distancing and using hand sanitiser upon arrival (this is provided).

Before your ceremony

If you are ready to return your details and choices to us, please complete the ceremony details form.

If you have any problems completing the form, please call 03000 41 40 04.

What to bring with you

When you attend your ceremony you will need to bring:

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

You have the option of swearing an oath in front of God or pledging an allegiance. If you would prefer to swear an oath you can bring your own holy book. You will receive a copy of the pledge and oath from the Home Office before the ceremony.