Citizenship ceremonies

A citizenship ceremony is a formal occasion that marks an individual's commitment to upholding the rights and responsibilities of being a British citizen, celebrates the diversity and inclusiveness of the United Kingdom and formally welcomes the new British citizens.

This is a formal occasion. You are very welcome to dress in your native traditional wear or formal military uniform if you have one, however, this is not a requirement.

During the ceremony, each applicant will swear or affirm an Oath of Allegiance to the King and a Pledge of Loyalty to the United Kingdom.

You will be issued with details of the Oath and Pledge before the ceremony. 

The National Anthem will be played during the ceremony.

You are welcome to bring a maximum of two guests with you.

Please arrive 30 minutes before the Ceremony is scheduled to start to ensure we can complete the registration procedures prior to the commencement of the Ceremony.

Following the ceremony, light refreshments will be available, please feel free to stay.

If you are intending to travel to your ceremony by car, please be advised that there is no public parking at the Register Offices, please allow sufficient time.

If you wish to swear the allegiance on a holy book, please remember to bring the book with you to the ceremony. The Council does not provide copies of holy books.

We are committed to ensuring a welcoming experience for all. If you or your guests require wheelchair access or will be bringing a baby pushchair, please let us know in advance by contacting the office on 0345 6072060 or emailing in to citizenship@suffolk.gov.uk so we can ensure everything is prepared for your ceremony.

Our Register Offices

Please ensure you bring

• Your Home Office invitation letter
• Photographic ID

Private Citizenship Ceremonies can be arranged at a time and date convenient for you.

From 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026 the weekday ceremony fee is £190 (£215 for Bury St Edmunds). The fee for a Saturday ceremony is £395 / £420 / £560, depending on the time and location.

To book please call 0345 607 2050.

Please arrive 15 minutes before the Ceremony is scheduled to start to ensure we can complete the registration procedures prior to the commencement of the Ceremony.

If you are intending to travel to your ceremony by car, please be advised that there is no public parking at the Register Offices so please allow sufficient time.

If you wish to swear the allegiance on a holy book, please remember to bring the book with you to the ceremony. The Council will not provide copies of holy books.

We are committed to ensuring a welcoming experience for all. If you or your guests require wheelchair access or will be bringing a baby pushchair, please let us know in advance by contacting the office on 0345 6072060 or emailing in to citizenship@suffolk.gov.uk so we can ensure everything is prepared for your ceremony.

You can find out more about British citizenship, eligibility and how you apply for it, on GOV.UK.

Applications have to be made through the Home Office, the Register Offices can not assist with applications.