Register Office

Information on Citizenship Ceremonies in Hartlepool.

Under the Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002, all applicants aged 18 years or over who are accepted for naturalisation or registration as a British Citizen must take a citizenship oath and pledge at a citizenship ceremony.

The heart of the citizenship ceremony will involve prospective citizens making an oath/affirmation to Her Majesty the Queen and a pledge of loyalty to the United Kingdom after which a certificate will be presented.

In Hartlepool citizenship ceremonies are provided by The Register Office on behalf of Hartlepool Borough Council.

When an applicant receives a letter of approval from the Home Office he/she should contact the Ceremonies Co-ordinator at the Register Office either by telephone - (01429) 236369, fax - (01429) 236373 or email - civil.ceremonies@hartlepool.gov.uk to obtain details of which ceremony she/he may attend. Applicants are required to attend a ceremony within three months of the approval being given otherwise they may have to make a new application.

Group Ceremonies

Group Ceremonies take place every 2 - 3 months;  there is no charge to attend these ceremonies and you may bring up to two guests.

Individual Ceremonies

However personal ceremonies are available, and these can be arranged at very short notice, often with a couple of days.   A fee is payable which will vary depending on the day and venue you choose for your ceremony. A midweek ceremony in The Willows, at the Register Office for example costs an additional £55.00.   You may bring up to 25 guests to an individual ceremony in the The Willows.  

Please note that Citizenship Ceremonies cannot be held at private homes but may be arranged at any of the Approved Premises in Hartlepool.   See the link below.

Children

There are no legal requirement for applicants under the age of 18 to attend a ceremony and take the oath and pledge. However, if children (under 18 years of age) wish to attend their parents' ceremony and take the oath and pledge then they may do so. Please let the Ceremonies Co-ordinator know as soon as possible if any children will be attending your ceremony.

Non Residents

If you live outside Hartlepool but would still like to hold your ceremony here that is very straightforward.   Simply complete the appropriate section of the citizenship application form with the name Borough of Hartlepool as the place for your ceremony.