Citizenship ceremonies
Naturalising new citizens
We have naturalised over 35,000 new citizens and we have great pleasure in welcoming people officially into our British Family.
All our ceremonies take place in St Georges Town Hall, Shadwell, where we look forward to celebrating this grand occasion with you.
The law does not allow for virtual ceremonies. All ceremonies must be attended in person.
The process
We are aware that it can be confusing so please note the process which applies to most applications:
- The Home Office, a number of weeks later, sends your certificate to The Register Office. We then process this onto our database and you can then book a ceremony online.
- The Home Office, within a week of sending us the certificates, notifies you that you are to attend a citizenship ceremony. This is the Home Office invitation email. It will ask you to contact us. Before doing so, please note the following:
- You do not need to contact us regarding you ceremony- you can book directly online
- The date on the email is often two weeks before you receive it. Do not worry.
- You have 3 months to attend a ceremony. We actively encourage all our new citizens to book a ceremony as soon as they receive their official invitation from the Home Office.
- You will receive your certificate on completion of a ceremony from our office in Shadwell.
Group ceremonies
Group ceremonies take place with up to 35 people at St Georges Town Hall, Shadwell. You can bring two guests to most of our group ceremonies.
No children under the age of 8 will be permitted into the ceremony. Please arrange childcare or schooling, for your ceremony as we cannot allow children into the ceremony room whilst the ceremony is taking place. If you are expecting a certificate for a child under 18, this will be presented to you during your ceremony.
Book a Group Ceremony
Private ceremonies
We offer private ceremonies for a fee which allows for a quicker ceremony much sooner. These ceremonies also allow you to bring up to 20 guests and last no more than 15 minutes. They take place in the Tower Suite in St Georges Town Hall, Shadwell.
The fee is for each adult citizen. Therefore a family must pay a fee for each new adult citizen that is being naturalised. When making a booking you should book a separate ceremony for each adult. If you do not pay the correct fee when booking, you will have to pay the excess when you arrive.
Book a Private Ceremony
Further information
Our ceremonies, including payment of fees, are covered by our terms and conditions.
If you are unable to attend a ceremony in Tower Hamlets, please contact the Home Office to arrange for a certificate extension or transfer.
If you have a query not answered here, please email us nationalityandcitizenship@towerhamlets.gov.uk