What do I need to say at a citizenship ceremony

The short answer

The main thing you say at a citizenship ceremony is the citizenship oath, which is led on the day, so you follow along rather than reciting it from memory. You are not expected to give a speech or answer questions; the ceremony is a formal, guided occasion.

So there is very little to prepare in terms of words. The key moment is taking the Oath of Renunciation, Allegiance and Loyalty, and you will be guided through it. The sections below explain what that involves and what else you might say or sign.

The oath is the central moment

The heart of the ceremony is the oath. Becoming a citizen involves taking the Oath of Renunciation, Allegiance and Loyalty, which expresses your commitment as a new citizen and, in keeping with Singapore’s single-citizenship position, your renunciation of a previous nationality.

This is the moment the whole occasion builds around. It is a formal declaration rather than a casual one, and it is what turns approval into the act of becoming a citizen. Everything else on the day supports this central step.

You do not have to memorise it

A common worry is having to memorise the oath, but you do not. The words are led on the day, typically by repeating them after whoever is conducting the ceremony or by reading them, so you simply follow along. There is no test of recall.

So you can put aside any fear of forgetting lines. The ceremony is designed so that everyone can take the oath together, guided through it clearly, which means the words will be provided and led rather than expected from memory.

How the oath is led on the day

Typically, the person conducting the ceremony leads the oath, and participants say the words together, either repeating them phrase by phrase or reading them aloud. Doing it collectively makes it straightforward, since you are following a clear lead rather than performing alone.

So on the day you simply listen, follow, and speak the words along with everyone else. This shared, guided format is why there is nothing to rehearse; the structure carries you through the moment.

What the oath expresses

The oath expresses allegiance and loyalty as a citizen, and the renunciation of a previous citizenship in line with Singapore’s rule against dual citizenship for adults. In saying it, you are formally committing to your new citizenship and giving up your former nationality.

Understanding what the words mean, rather than memorising them, is the useful preparation. Because renunciation is part of it, it is worth being clear in your own mind about that significant, largely irreversible step before the day.

Anything else you might say or sign

Beyond the oath, ceremonies can involve formalities such as signing to complete your registration as a citizen. These are administrative steps rather than things you need to prepare words for, and they are explained on the day.

So if there is anything to sign or confirm, you will be guided through it. There is generally no requirement to speak beyond the oath, and certainly no expectation that you deliver anything you have written yourself.

You will not be put on the spot

You can relax about being asked to speak unexpectedly. A citizenship ceremony is a formal, structured event, not an interview or a test, so you will not be put on the spot to answer questions or explain anything. The oath is the speaking part, and it is led.

So there is no need to prepare answers or worry about being questioned. The ceremony celebrates and formalises your citizenship; it is not a further assessment, and the format is supportive rather than testing.

How to prepare

Preparation is light. Read any instructions you receive, arrive on time, and take a moment beforehand to understand what the oath means, including the renunciation it involves. Beyond that, there is little to do except turn up ready to take part.

If it helps your confidence, you can familiarise yourself with the general nature of the oath in advance, but you do not need to learn it. Knowing that the words will be led is usually enough to put any nerves to rest.

At a glance

The oath is the main thing you say, and it is led. Confirm the specifics with your official instructions.

A simple checklist

With this, you can arrive confident that there is very little you need to say beyond the guided oath.

Saying the oath with meaning

Although the oath is led, it is worth saying it with genuine meaning rather than reciting it mechanically. It marks a real commitment, so taking a moment to understand and feel the words as you say them makes the occasion more significant for you.

So while there is nothing to memorise, there is something to reflect on. Approaching the oath sincerely, as the meaningful step it is, is the best preparation of all, and it is entirely within your control.

What happens right after the oath

After the oath and any signing, the ceremony typically moves to completing your status as a citizen, which can include receiving relevant documentation in due course. The exact arrangements are set out in your official instructions, and you will be guided through them.

So the oath is the central act, and what follows is largely administrative and guided. Knowing this helps you see the shape of the day: prepare for the oath’s meaning, follow the lead for the formalities, and let the rest unfold as directed.

If you have a concern about the wording

If you have a genuine personal concern about the oath or its wording, the right approach is to raise it in advance through official channels rather than on the day. The authorities can advise on how the oath is administered and address any specific question you have.

So do not sit silently with a worry about the words. Because the oath is a formal, important part of becoming a citizen, any genuine concern is best clarified beforehand with ICA, so you can take part on the day with a clear mind.

Take the moment in

Because you do not have to worry about words, you can focus on what the ceremony actually is: a meaningful milestone. Many people find it a moving occasion, often shared with family, so allow yourself to be present for it rather than preoccupied with preparation.

So beyond following the oath and any formalities, the best thing you can do is simply take the moment in. It marks the completion of a long journey, and it is worth experiencing fully.

Common misconceptions

Clearing these up removes the worry and lets you enjoy the occasion.

Confirm with your instructions and ICA

For exactly how your ceremony runs, what you will say and sign, and any specific requirements, follow your official ceremony instructions, and confirm anything unclear with ICA. Because arrangements can vary and be updated, your official instructions are the most reliable guide for your event.

Using your instructions and ICA for the specifics, and this guide for the general shape, means you will know what to expect and can take part with confidence.

The bottom line

To sum up: the main thing you say at a citizenship ceremony is the Oath of Renunciation, Allegiance and Loyalty, and it is led on the day, so you follow along rather than memorising it. You may also sign to complete your registration, but you are not expected to make a speech or answer questions.

So there is very little to prepare in terms of words. Understand what the oath means, including the renunciation it involves, follow your official instructions, and arrive ready to take part. Then you can relax and take in a meaningful milestone.

For more detail, see our guide to Singapore Citizenship eligibility.

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