Becoming a British Citizen

For details of how you can apply for British Citizenship you should read the relevant part of the eligibility section on the Home Office website before making your application.

Please visit the Government website for more information about British Citizenship (naturalisation) applications, or telephone 0845 010 5200. Contact details for all enquiries/applications:

Home Office
Immigration and Nationality Branch
Third Floor
India Buildings
Water Street
Liverpool L2 0QN

A Citizenship Ceremony is the final part of becoming a British citizen and every successful applicant for British citizenship over 18 years of age is required to attend a ceremony to receive a Certificate of Naturalisation or a Certificate of Registration. Children under 18 years of age who have applied with their parents may attend a ceremony to collect their Certificate of Registration.

Becoming a British citizen is a significant event and should be celebrated in a meaningful way. At the ceremony, you will be welcomed into your local community and meet other new British citizen’s.

The ceremony is carried out by a registrar on behalf of the local authority at a local venue within the Council's area.  At the ceremony, applicants are required to swear an Oath or Affirmation of Allegiance to His Majesty the King and to say a pledge of loyalty to the United Kingdom.

When you receive your letter from the Home Office, you have 90 days to attend a citizenship ceremony. Your invitation to attend a ceremony will be sent by the registrar for East Dunbartonshire Council and will include contact details. Ceremonies are usually held at Kilmardinny House, Bearsden.

The Council arranges group ceremonies for everyone in the local area who is becoming a British citizen at that time. You will be able to take up to three guests with you to the ceremony. Attendance at the ceremony is by invitation only.

Ceremonies are attended by the Provost for East Dunbartonshire and a Deputy Lord Lieutenant to His Majesty the King.