Citizenship ceremonies

Becoming a British citizen is a significant event, celebrated with a citizenship ceremony. New citizens swear an oath or an affirmation to His Majesty the King, followed by The Pledge of Commitment to the United Kingdom.

New citizens are invited in a letter from the Home Office to contact the Portsmouth register office to confirm which ceremony they wish to attend. When you contact the register office, have your Home Office reference number and poll number (if applicable) ready. The register office will send you a booking confirmation and more information about the ceremony.

Please telephone our ceremonies office on 023 9282 9041 (option 1) to check availability and arrange a date for your ceremony.

You’ll be welcomed by the registrar. You’re required to make the oath or affirmation and the pledge. The exact wording of the vows is on the Home Office website and on your Home Office invitation letter. You’ll be presented with your citizenship certificate and a Home Office welcome pack. You’ll also be invited to sign our Citizenship Register. The ceremony will close with the playing of the national anthem.

If the next group citizenship ceremony is not convenient, you can book a private citizenship ceremony. A private citizenship ceremony means that you can bring more guests with you and can often be arranged much quicker for you.

The cost for a private citizenship ceremony is £140.00 Monday – Friday, or £150.00 for a Saturday (subject to availability).

Please contact the ceremonies team on 023 9282 9041 (option 1) for availability.

You can request a commemorative certificate – it’s a unique keepsake to celebrate the ceremony and help preserve your family’s history.

Contact us

For more information on citizenship ceremonies, email ceremonies@portsmouthcc.gov.uk or phone 023 9282 9041.

Find the register office address and opening hours.