Citizenship ceremonies

We have moved!

The registration service has moved from Royal Oak House to the Council House. Wedding, naming and vow renewal ceremonies will continue to be held at Royal Oak house but all other services will now be at the Council House. 

British Citizenship Ceremonies – a short history

The final step on the journey to becoming a British Citizen, for most people, is to swear or affirm an Oath of Allegiance to her Majesty the Queen at a citizenship ceremony.

In 2003 Her Majesty’s Government introduced the requirement that all persons over 18 years of age applying for naturalisation or registration as a British Citizen must take a citizenship oath and pledge at a citizenship ceremony.

The ceremonies are a time for celebration and provide an opportunity to officially welcome new citizens.

Applying for British Citizenship

If you wish to apply for citizenship, you will have to know about life in the UK and be able to speak English.

Further details are available on the UK Visas & Immigration website.

How to apply for a Citizenship Ceremony in Derby

Upon receiving a letter of approval from the Home Office, please contact us.

You are required to attend a ceremony within three months of the approval being granted. We can make an appointment for you to attend a ceremony in Derby. Ceremonies are held every two to three weeks in the Council Chamber, The Council House, Corporation Street, Derby. The ceremony is hosted by the Superintendent Registrar and the Mayor of the City of Derby. New British citizens and a guest are invited to take tea with the Mayor of Derby after each ceremony has finished.

Our Citizenship Ceremony

We ask you to arrive at least half an hour before the Citizenship Ceremony begins. You will be welcomed and booked in by our Citizenship Ceremony team. After you have been booked in and your documentation is checked, you will be escorted to the Council Chamber where the ceremony will take place. Applicants are required to swear or affirm an oath of allegiance to the Queen and make a pledge of loyalty to the United Kingdom. The ceremony takes about 25 minutes. After which you will be presented with your certificate of naturalisation.

How much does it cost?

Communal ceremonies are free of charge. 

Private citizenship ceremonies for individuals or family groups are available at £175 per ceremony.

Useful forms

• Citizenship ceremonies