British Citizenship
How do I become a British Citizen?
There are different way to apply for British citizenship based on your circumstances. Any person wishing to become a British citizen should check their eligibility at www.gov.uk/british-citizenship or telephone Home Office on 0300 123 2253
From 1st January 2004, anyone over the age of 18 who successfully applies to become a British Citizen must take part in a citizenship ceremony.
The aim of the citizenship ceremony is to enable applicants to gain a full understanding of the rights and responsibilities that come with the acquisition of British citizenship and also to ensure that they are properly welcomed into the community. It is intended to ensure that the acquisition of citizenship is not a purely bureaucratic process.
Citizenship ceremonies
If your application for British Citizenship is successful you will receive a letter from the Home Office inviting you to attend a citizenship ceremony. Ceremonies are conducted normally held in the Municipal Chambers, Buccleuch Street, Dumfries around every 6 weeks. Ceremonies can also be held in Stranraer.
In conjunction with Home Office guidelines you will normally be expected to attend your ceremony within 3 months of receiving Citizenship.
Citizenship ceremonies are private and not open to the public.
Documents
When you attend for your ceremony you must provide your letter of invitation from the Home Office.
What to do now
Contact us to arrange your ceremony. You can reach us by email or telephone.
Email: DumfriesRegistrar@dumgal.gov.uk
Tel: 030 33 33 3004
You can also invite two guests to come along with you. If you wish to bring additional guests please advise us at the time of booking your ceremony. You will be asked if you wish to make the Oath or the Affirmation of allegiance at the ceremony.
Venue for your citizenship ceremony
Your citizenship ceremony will normally be held at:
Municipal Chambers
Buccleuch Street
Dumfries
DG1 2AD
Ceremonies can also be held in Stranraer.
On the day
Please arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the start of the ceremony. Your invite from the Home Office will be checked by a member of staff and they will explain the procedure of the ceremony. You will be shown into the ceremony room along with the other new citizens. During the ceremony each new citizen will swear or affirm an Oath of Allegiance to the Crown and to uphold the values and laws of the UK.
Your certificate will be presented to you and a photograph taken at the time should you agree.
The ceremony is concluded by the playing of the National Anthem of the UK.
We hope you enjoy your ceremony and welcome to British Citizenship.
We can also conduct an individual or private ceremony however, this will incur an extra cost of £96.
