Citizenship Ceremonies

Anyone over the age of 18 who successfully applies to become a British Citizen must take part in a citizenship ceremony. If you have not yet applied for citizenship but would like to, please follow the links on this page to find out how. Shropshire Registration Service can also provide a nationality checking service to assist you with your application.

The aim of the citizenship ceremony is to enable applicants to gain a full understanding of the rights and responsibilities that come with the acquisition of British citizenship and also to ensure that they are properly welcomed into the community.

It is intended to ensure that the acquisition of citizenship is not a purely bureaucratic process.

Shropshire Council is responsible for organising ceremonies for successful applicants living in the County. There is usually one group ceremony per month held at the Shirehall. If the date is inconvenient, it is possible to arrange an individual ceremony for an extra charge. Please see the attached document for further information.

What is the fee for arranging a citizenship ceremony?

• for a private ceremony at The Shropshire Register Office, Shrewsbury - £115
• for a private ceremony at an approved venue taking place on a Monday to Saturday - £230
• for a private ceremony at an approved venue taking place on a Sunday or Bank holiday (excluding Christmas day and Good Friday) - £290

Please note if you are participating in a group ceremony organised by the local authority, there is no fee payable.

Following a successful application for British Citizenship, Shropshire Council contacts the applicant by letter to establish further details including:

• whether the applicant wishes to swear or affirm the oath at the citizenship ceremony
• whether any guests will be attending the ceremony
• the applicants will be offered a range of dates, on which they may attend a ceremony

Once these details have been received, approximately one week prior to the chosen ceremony date invitations will be sent to the applicant.

The ceremony begins with a welcoming speech, and the applicants then swear or affirm an oath of allegiance to Her Majesty the Queen and give a pledge of loyalty to the United Kingdom before being presented with their citizenship certificates. The presentation of the certificate marks the point at which British citizenship is conferred. There is an informal reception following the ceremony by way of sealing the occasion.

If you would like any further information about citizenship ceremonies, please see the attached document or follow the links to some useful web pages.

Applicants can speak to a member of staff on 0345 678 9016 (9.00am to 4.45pm, Monday to Friday) if they have any questions.

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