This page provides details on whether people registering as British overseas territories citizens, British overseas citizens and British subjects are required to make an oath of allegiance or a pledge before their registration is complete.

If you are registering as a British citizen you will need to take the oath of allegiance and make the pledge at a citizenship ceremony. You should read the page on ceremonies for more information.

British overseas territories citizens

If you are becoming a British overseas territories citizen you will need to take an oath of allegiance and make a pledge before you receive your registration certificate. You will not need to attend a citizenship ceremony to take the oath or make the pledge.

Details of what you need to do to take the oath or make the pledge will be sent to you with your decision letter. If you have any questions you should contact the British diplomatic post in the country where you live.

British overseas citizens and British subjects

If you are becoming a British overseas citizen or British subject you will need to take an oath of allegiance before you receive your registration certificate. You will not need to attend a citizenship ceremony to take the oath.

Details of what you need to do to take the oath will be sent to you with your decision letter. If you have any questions you should contact the British diplomatic post in the country where you live.

Oath

I (name) swear by Almighty God that on becoming a British citizen, I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second, her Heirs and Successors, according to law.

Affirmation of allegiance

I (name) do solemnly, sincerely and truly declare and affirm that on becoming a British citizen, I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second, her Heirs and Successors, according to law.

Pledge

I will give my loyalty to the United Kingdom and respect its rights and freedoms. I will uphold its democratic values. I will observe its laws faithfully and fulfil my duties and obligations as a British citizen.

Ceremonies in Wales

If you are attending a ceremony in Wales you may, if you wish, make the oath or affirmation, and the pledge, in Welsh. The Welsh version of the oath, affirmation and pledge are below.

Llw teyrngarwch

Yr wyf i, (enw), yn tyngu i Dduw Hollalluog y byddaf i, ar ôl dod yn ddinesydd Prydeinig, yn ffyddlon ac yn wir deyrngar i'w Mawrhydi y Frenhines Elisabeth yr Ail, ei Hetifeddion a'i Holynwyr, yn unol âr gyfraith.

Cadarnhau teyrngarwch

Yr wyf i, (enw), yn datgan ac yn cadarnhau yn ddifrifol, yn ddiffuant ac yn gywir y byddaf i, ar ôl dod yn ddinesydd Prydeinig, yn ffyddlon ac yn wir deyrngar i'w Mawrhydi y Frenhines Elisabeth yr Ail, ei Hetifeddion a'i Holynwyr, yn Unol âr gyfraith.

Adduned

Rhoddaf fy nheyrngarwch i'r Deyrnas Unedig ac fe barchaf ei hawliau a'i rhyddidau. Arddelaf ei gwerthoedd democrataidd. Glynaf yn ffyddlon wrth ei chyfreithiau a chyflawnaf fy nyletswyddau a'm rhwymedigaethau fel dinesydd Prydeinig.

Attending the ceremony

When you arrive at the ceremony, the local authority staff will check your identity and confirm that the personal details entered on your certificate are correct.

During the ceremony, speeches will be made, often by local or national dignitaries. These may include welcoming the new citizens on behalf of the local area and encouraging them to play an active role within their communities.

You will be presented with your certificate of British citizenship and a welcome pack. A commemorative gift, often with a local flavour, may also be given. All new citizens are invited to stand while the national anthem is played. Some local authorities arrange for photographs or videos of the event to be available for you to buy.