Citizenship Ceremonies

Once your application for British citizenship is approved by the Home Office you will be invited to attend a ceremony.

Congratulations! Once your application for British citizenship is approved by the Home Office, you’ll be invited to attend a citizenship ceremony — the final step in your journey to becoming a British citizen.

The ceremony is designed to:

• Welcome you into the British community
• Help you understand the rights and responsibilities of citizenship
• Officially grant your certificate of British citizenship

Once your application is approved:

• You’ll receive a letter of approval from the Home Office.
• At the same time, the Home Office will send your citizenship certificate to us (Cardiff Council).

Important: We cannot book your ceremony until we have received your certificate.

As soon as you receive your approval letter, please contact us to arrange your ceremony:

• Email: citizenship@cardiff.gov.uk
• Phone: 029 2087 1680

Once your ceremony is booked, we’ll send you written confirmation with the date and time.

You must attend your ceremony within 90 days of receiving your approval. If you don’t, you may need to reapply for citizenship.

• Adults (18+) living in the UK must attend the ceremony.
• Children under 18 are not required to attend but are welcome to join if you wish.

Please bring the following to your ceremony:

• Your original invitation letter from the Home Office
• Your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)
  or your passport or photo ID

If you still have your BRP, you must return it within 5 days after your ceremony.

• Cut your BRP into 4 pieces and put it in a windowless envelope.
• Include a note saying you’re returning your permit because you’ve become a citizen. Include your name, date of birth and the document number (found on the front of the card) in the note.

Return it by recorded delivery to:

Naturalisation BRP Returns
PO Box 195
Bristol
BS20 1BT

Failure to return your BRP may result in a fine of up to £1,000.

At the ceremony, you will:

• Swear or affirm an oath of allegiance to His Majesty the King
• Pledge loyalty to the United Kingdom and its laws
• Receive your certificate of British citizenship and a welcome pack

This marks the official moment you become a British citizen.