Under the Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002, all applicants aged 18 years or over who are accepted for naturalisation or registration as a British Citizen will be required to swear an oath of allegiance to the Crown and make a pledge to uphold the laws and values of the UK.
There is no legal requirement for applicants under the age of 18 to attend a ceremony and take the oath and pledge. However if children wish to attend their parents' ceremony and take the oath and pledge then they may do so. If your children would like to attend the ceremony and/or take the oath and pledge please inform the Citizenship Office when you arrange your ceremony.
Arranging a ceremony
When you contact us, you will be asked several questions including the following:
- Would you like a group or an individual ceremony? There is no charge for the group ceremonies but there is a charge for the individual ceremonies
- Would you like to swear the oath or declare the affirmation? Details of each are given in the Home Office invitation letter. Please read this letter carefully and decide which you would prefer to do before telephoning the Citizenship Officer.
- Are you happy to shake hands when you receive your certificate?
- How many guests would you like to bring with you? (limited to two per celebrant).
You will be sent a letter 10 days before the ceremony is due to take place.
Where will the ceremony take place?
Group ceremonies take place in the Council Chamber at the Civic Centre, Stockwell Close, Bromley. Please arrive at the appropriate time and follow the signs to the Council Chamber.
Individual ceremonies take place in the Rose Room at the Civic Centre, Stockwell Close, Bromley. Please arrive at the Civic Centre 15 minutes before your ceremony is due to begin and make your way to the Rose Room.
The group ceremony
On arrival at the group ceremony venue you will be asked to show your Home Office letter and will be given an information pack on being a British Citizen.
Light refreshments will be served and you will be asked to return to the Council Chamber approximately 10 minutes before the ceremony is due to begin.
The celebrants will be asked to sit at the front of the chamber, while their guests will be asked to sit behind.
The Superintendent Registrar will host the ceremony. After a welcome speech, the Superintendent Registrar will invite each applicant to swear the oath or declare the affirmation.
Once the oaths and affirmations have been sworn and declared, a dignitary will then present you with your citizenship certificate.
An official photographer will be in attendance and will take ceremonial photographs and passport-size photographs as required.
The individual ceremony
On arrival at the individual ceremony venue you will be asked to show your Home Office letter and will be asked to pay for the ceremony.
The celebrant/s will be asked to sit at the front of the Rose Room while their guests will be asked to sit behind.
The Superintendent Registrar will host the ceremony. After a welcome speech the Superintendent Registrar will invite each applicant to swear the oath or declare the affirmation. You will then be presented with your citizenship certificate.
After the ceremony is finished you are welcome to take photographs in the Rose Room.
Cost
There is no charge for the group ceremony. The individual ceremony on a weekday costs £75 per adult taking part in the ceremony. With effect from 1 April 2008 this fee will be £95. The fee must be paid in cash on the day at arrival at the ceremony. If you would like a ceremony on a Saturday or Sunday please contact the Citizenship Officer for availability and costs.
Next Steps
Once you have received your Home Office invitation letter, please contact the Citizenhsip Officer at Bromley Register Office.
Please have your letter with you when you contact us as you will be asked for your Home Office reference number.
Contacts
Telephone: 020 8313 4666
e-mail: registrars@bromley.gov.uk
Address: Civic Centre, Stockwell Close, Bromley BR1 3UH