Citizenship ceremonies
Application for British citizenship
Working in partnership with the Home Office, we offer a nationality checking service for those wishing to apply for British citizenship.
- Useful information: applying and advice about nationality (external link to the Home Office - Border and Immigration Agency).
How do I apply?
Step one
- Please open and print off an application form and guidance information (external link to the Home Office - Border and Immigration Agency),
- alternatively, contact them for a form:
- Tel: 0845 010 5200, or if you prefer,
- email us your request (using our contact details).
Step two
- Please make an appointment (see our contact details opposite).
Step three
- When you visit us we will check your application form and ensure that you have the correct supporting documents.
Step four
- We will then photocopy your original documents (e.g. passports) and post, by special delivery, your completed form and the certified photocopies of your supporting documents to the Home Office.
- You are then free to retain your original supporting documents enabling you to continue to travel etc. while your application is being processed.
The nationality checking service is not a fast-track service. However, successful applicants have told us that applications submitted through the service tend to be dealt with more efficiently reducing the overall processing time.
For information or an appointment please use the contact details opposite. Alternatively, email: christine.phillips@barnet.gov.uk or sam.markey@barnet.gov.uk.
All nationality checking service officers are registered advisers with the Office of Immigration Services Commissioner and Home Office.
Citizenship ceremonies
We are the UK's fourth busiest local authority delivering citizenship ceremonies for those who have successfully applied for British citizenship.
We hold group ceremonies two or three times a week at the town hall, Hendon. Private ceremonies are also available on request.
What happens in the ceremony?
- New British citizens give their oath of allegiance to the sovereign and take their citizenship pledge of loyalty to the United Kingdom.
- Each citizen is then presented with their Naturalisation certificate by the Mayor of Barnet or other civic dignitary.
- Each citizen may invite guests and are invited to take refreshments as part of their welcome by the borough of Barnet.
Our ceremonies are not restricted to those who live in Barnet. At the time of application you can choose where to receive your certificate.
