Registration Service
Citizenship Ceremonies
The Citizenship Ceremony is the final step in the process of becoming a British citizen. The ceremony celebrates the significance of becoming a British citizen, and welcomes new citizens into the community.
If your application to become a British Citizen is successful, and you are 18 or over, you are required by law to attend a Citizenship Ceremony. If you are applying for citizenship for children, please note that there is no legal requirement for applicants under the age of eighteen to attend a Citizenship Ceremony.
In Pembrokeshire, Citizenship Ceremonies are held approximately once every 6-8 weeks usually on a Thursday morning - the number of ceremonies depends on the number of citizens processed by the Home Office. Ceremonies are held in the Council Chamber at County Hall in Haverfordwest.
At the ceremony, each citizen will make an oath or affirmation of allegiance to Her Majesty the Queen, and a pledge of loyalty to the United Kingdom.
The Superintendent Registrar conducts the ceremony and the Chairman of Pembrokeshire County Council, or their representative, gives a welcome speech and presents you with your citizenship certificate. Both the Welsh and British National anthems are played and we often invite a local school to lead the anthems and share in the celebration.
The Ceremony lasts about an hour, during which each citizen will receive their naturalisation certificate, which proves you are a British citizen with the right to have a British passport and to vote. You will be asked to sign the civic record of your ceremony and will be presented with a welcome pack from UK Visas and Immigration and a commemorative gift.
After the ceremony refreshments will be provided and an opportunity for photos to be taken.
Arranging your ceremony
New citizens will receive a letter from UK Visas and Immigration informing them that their application has been completed. If you live in Pembrokeshire, or stated in your application form that you wish to have your Citizenship Ceremony in Pembrokeshire, UK Visas and Immigration will send us your naturalisation certificate.
Once you have received this letter you can contact us to arrange your ceremony. You may invite guests to accompany you.
What documents do I need to bring to my Citizenship Ceremony?
You will need to bring your UK Visas and Immigration citizenship invitation letter.
Are there any costs for attending a group Citizenship Ceremony?
There is no chargefor attending a group ceremony. However, if you would like a private ceremony, where you can invite more guests, a fee will apply (please see below).
Private Citizenship Ceremony
If you want to celebrate obtaining British Citizenship in a more personal way, or cannot attend a group ceremony, we can arrange a private ceremony for you. Ceremonies can be held at the Register Office, where you can invite up to 55 guests. Private ceremonies can also be held at Approved Premises (see list of premises approved for Civil Ceremonies).
How much does a Private Ceremony Cost?
- Ceremony Room, Pembrokeshire Archives, Haverfordwest: £80.00 / £120.00 per adult (up to 6 guests)
- Approved Premises: £385.00 - £435.00
Contact us
Tel 01437 775176
Email ceremonies@pembrokeshire.gov.uk
Opening hours - Monday to Friday 9.00am - 5.00pm