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.