Citizenship ceremony FAQs I received my invitation letter from the Home Office last week and I still haven’t heard from the council. How long does it take?
You will usually hear from us within four to six weeks. We are legally obliged to ensure you have your ceremony within three months of the Home Office sending you your invitation letter.
Can I have a private ceremony?
Yes. A private ceremony will cost you £140 for a single individual or family, £85 each for 2-3 individuals or families and £65 each for 4-5 individuals or families. Group ceremonies are free.
Do I have to bring guests?
No, but generally people do. It is nice to have someone present to share the moment, you are allowed to bring a maximum of two guests.
What happens at the ceremony?
You will register, hear a speech by a local dignitary and then be asked to either swear or affirm an oath of allegiance. You will then be presented with your citizenship certificate.
What does it mean to ‘swear’ or ‘affirm’ the oath?
To ‘swear’ the oath, means you ’swear by almighty God’. To ‘affirm’ the oath, is suitable for those who are not religious or who don’t want to swear by 'almighty God'.
How long does the ceremony take?
The ceremony lasts for approximately 45 minutes. The invitation letter that we send to citizens states the time the ceremony starts and the time they are expected to arrive for registration. Those that arrive later than the time stated will not be admitted.
I’ve lost/misplaced my letter from the Home Office, can I still attend?
No. The Home Office states we cannot go ahead with the ceremony if the citizen does not bring the letter sent to them when they attend the ceremony. Please  contact the Home Office, which may at their discretion issue another letter.
I’m going on holiday in a few weeks time - can I be in your next ceremony?
All efforts are made to accommodate genuine requests but the lists of citizens for each ceremony are made two to three weeks in advance and our invitations are sent out two weeks before each ceremony. However, we do try and accommodate where necessary.
I’ve received your letter notifying me of the date for my ceremony, but I can’t make that day!
You have three months from the date on your invitation letter, to reschedule your ceremony.
 Can I have my ceremony in another borough other than Southwark?
Yes. You will need to contact the Home Office which will instruct us to return the certificate so they can forward it to the borough concerned.
My children are receiving citizenship, do they have to attend?
Children receiving citizenship do not have to attend, but are encouraged to do so. If they are not present, their parents or guardians will receive the certificate on their behalf. Children who do attend are not required to swear or affirm.
Contact us
Tel: 020 7525 7651 (office), 020 7525 5000 (out of hours emergencies)
Fax: 020 7525 7652
registrars@southwark.gov.uk
Southwark Register Office
34 Peckham Road
London
SE5 8QA
Opening hours: 9.30am to 4pm, Monday to Friday |