Once your application for British citizenship is approved by the Home Office you will be invited to attend a ceremony.
This is the final step on your journey to becoming a British citizen.
The aim of the citizenship ceremony is to enable applicants to gain a full understanding of the rights and responsibilities that come with British citizenship and also to ensure that they are properly welcomed into the community.
New citizens will receive a letter from the Home Office informing them that their application has been completed, at the same time the Home Office will send us your certificate.
Please note: we are unable to book you in for a ceremony until we have received your certificate from the Home Office.
Arranging and attending a ceremony
When you receive your letter of approval from the Home Office, please contact us to book your ceremony date.
Email: citizenship@cardiff.gov.uk
Or phone: 029 2087 1680
Once approved, we will send you written confirmation of the date and time of your ceremony.
You must attend the ceremony if you are over 18 years old and living in the UK. Children under 18 years old are not required to attend a ceremony, but are welcome to attend should you wish to bring them.
Please note: you are required to attend a ceremony within 90 days of the approval being given, otherwise you may have to make a new application
At the ceremony
Outside Mansion House
When and where Cardiff ceremonies are held
In Cardiff we hold public group ceremonies on designated Wednesday mornings at the Mansion House in Cardiff.
If these are unsuitable you may also arrange a private ceremony for a fee. These are held at City Hall and can take place Monday to Friday during office hours.
For more information, please email citizenship@cardiff.gov.uk or phone us on 029 2087 1680.
What you should bring to the ceremony
When you attend your citizenship ceremony, please make sure you bring:
- your original invitation letter from the Home Office.
- your Biometric Residence Permit if you have one or alternatively your passport or photo ID.
If you did not return your Biometric Residence Permit when you applied to become a British citizen, please remember to return your BRP within five days following your citizenship ceremony.
You can return this document by recorded delivery to the following address:
Freepost RRYX-GLYU-GXHZ
Returns Unit
PO Box 163
Bristol
BS20 1AB
If you do not return the BRP, or notify the department of the reason you were unable to return it, the Secretary of State may impose a fine of up to £1,000.
During the ceremony
The ceremony will be held in the presence of the Lord Mayor and Lord Lieutenant of Cardiff (or their deputies) and begins with a welcome speech.
All applicants will swear or affirm an oath of allegiance to Her Majesty the Queen and give a pledge of loyalty to the United Kingdom to uphold its values and laws, before being presented with a certificate of British citizenship and a welcome pack.
The presentation of the certificate marks the point at which your British citizenship is granted.
After the ceremony there will be an opportunity to have professional photographs taken with the Lord Mayor and the Lord Lieutenant and these will be sent to you at a later date free of charge.
