Australian Citizenship Guide
A plain-English guide to everything you need to know about becoming an Australian citizen — from eligibility through to the ceremony and beyond.
Always verify information at homeaffairs.gov.au
Overview
Australian citizenship gives you the legal status of being an Australian — with the right to vote, hold an Australian passport, and pass citizenship to your children. It is a significant milestone that marks full membership of the Australian community.
There are several pathways to citizenship: citizenship by conferral (the main pathway for permanent residents), citizenship by birth (for people born in Australia when at least one parent was a citizen or permanent resident), and citizenship by descent (for children born overseas to Australian citizen parents).
Most people apply via citizenship by conferral after living in Australia as a permanent resident. This guide focuses primarily on that pathway.
Eligibility
To apply for citizenship by conferral, you must meet all of the following criteria:
Permanent residency (or SCV 444)
You must hold an Australian permanent resident visa, or a New Zealand citizen Special Category Visa (subclass 444) for the required period.
4-year presence requirement
Have been lawfully present in Australia for at least 4 years immediately before applying, including 12 months as a permanent resident.
Absence limits
Maximum 12 months absent during the 4-year period; maximum 90 days absent in the final 12 months before applying.
Good character
You must be of good character — no serious criminal convictions and a commitment to follow Australian laws.
Citizenship test
Applicants aged 18–59 must pass the citizenship test. Those under 18 or 60+ are generally exempt.
Intentions
Intend to reside in Australia, or to enter or continue Crown service.
Residency Requirements
The 4-year rule
You must have been lawfully present in Australia for at least 4 years in the period immediately before your application date, including at least 12 months as a permanent resident.
Maximum absence (4 years)
12 months total in the 4-year period
Maximum absence (last 12 months)
90 days in the 12 months before applying
What counts: Only days when you were physically present in Australia on a valid visa count. Time overseas — holidays, work, family visits — does not count toward your required days in Australia.
How Home Affairs calculates it: The Department uses your immigration travel history to verify presence. Keep your own records (bank statements, payslips, lease agreements) as backup evidence.
Good Character
Good character is a legal requirement for Australian citizenship. The Department of Home Affairs assesses this by looking at your conduct and history. Key factors include:
Having a minor conviction many years ago does not automatically disqualify you. Home Affairs looks at the full picture. If you have concerns, consider seeking legal advice from a registered migration agent.
The Citizenship Test
The Australian citizenship test is a computer-based test taken at a Department of Home Affairs office. Study using the official “Our Common Bond” booklet — available free from the Department of Home Affairs.
Who must sit the test:
Applicants aged 18–59 applying for citizenship by conferral.
The values section:
The test includes 5 Australian Values questions. You must answer all 5 correctly. You can still pass even if you answer some other questions wrong, as long as your total is 15/20 and all values questions are correct.
Exemptions:
- Under 18 or 60 and over
- Unable to understand the nature of the application (cognitively impaired)
- Permanent or enduring physical or mental incapacity
What the test covers:
- Australian values (Rule of Law, democracy, freedoms, equality)
- Australia and its people (history, Indigenous peoples, symbols)
- Democratic beliefs and rights
- Government and the law
- Citizenship process
Study material:
The official study guide is “Our Common Bond” — a free booklet from the Department of Home Affairs. All test questions are based on this material.
How to Apply
Check your eligibility
Confirm you meet presence, residency, and character requirements. Use the Department of Home Affairs' online eligibility checker at homeaffairs.gov.au.
Gather your documents
Identity documents (passport, birth certificate), presence evidence (travel records, bank statements, payslips), Form 1195 identity declaration, and police certificates if you have lived overseas.
Apply online
Submit your application through the Department of Home Affairs online portal at homeaffairs.gov.au. Pay the application fee (approximately $490 AUD as of 2025).
Sit the citizenship test
If required (aged 18–59), book and sit the citizenship test at a Home Affairs office. You must pass before your application can be approved.
Wait for the decision
Home Affairs will assess your application. They may request additional information. Processing times vary.
Attend the ceremony
If approved, attend a citizenship ceremony where you make the Australian Citizenship Pledge. You receive your citizenship certificate at the ceremony.
Processing Times
Processing times vary significantly
The Department of Home Affairs' processing times can range from a few months to over a year depending on application volumes, complexity, and whether additional checks are required.
After test approval: Once your test is passed and application approved, you will typically be invited to a citizenship ceremony within approximately 6 months.
Current processing times are published on the Home Affairs website. Check homeaffairs.gov.au for up-to-date information.
The Citizenship Ceremony
The citizenship ceremony is the final step in becoming an Australian citizen. It is a formal, celebratory event where you officially join the Australian community.
The Citizenship Pledge
You make the Australian Citizenship Pledge. This is the key legal moment you become a citizen.
“From this time forward, under God, I pledge my loyalty to Australia and its people, whose democratic beliefs I share, whose rights and liberties I respect, and whose laws I will uphold and obey.”
Citizenship Certificate
You receive your Australian citizenship certificate at the ceremony. Keep this document safe — you will need it to apply for a passport.
Welcome to Country & Celebration
Ceremonies typically begin with a Welcome to Country or Acknowledgement of Country, followed by the pledge, presentation of certificates, and singing of “Advance Australia Fair”. Family members are invited to attend.
Dual Citizenship
Australia generally allows dual (multiple) citizenship
Becoming an Australian citizen does not automatically require you to renounce citizenship of another country. You can hold both.
However, your other country's laws may require you to give up that country's citizenship when you become an Australian citizen. This varies greatly by country — check with your original country's embassy or consulate before applying.
Federal parliament note: Under section 44 of the Australian Constitution, members of federal parliament cannot hold dual citizenship. If you plan to run for federal parliament, you must renounce any other citizenship first.
Countries that typically do not allow dual citizenship include India, China, Japan, and some others. Countries that generally do allow it include the UK, New Zealand, Ireland, Canada, and many others.
Children and Family Applications
Children under 16 — included in parent's application
Children under 16 can be included in a parent's citizenship by conferral application. If the parent is granted citizenship, the included children may also become citizens (subject to meeting requirements).
Children born in Australia
A child born in Australia is an Australian citizen if at least one parent is an Australian citizen or permanent resident at the time of birth.
Children born overseas to Australian citizens — Citizenship by descent
A child born overseas to an Australian citizen parent may be eligible for citizenship by descent. The parent must register the child's citizenship with the Department of Home Affairs.
Spouses / partners
There is no special fast-track for spouses of Australian citizens. They must meet all standard requirements — including the 4-year presence requirement — as a permanent resident.
After Citizenship — Your Australian Passport
Once you receive your citizenship certificate, you can immediately apply for an Australian passport. An Australian passport is one of the most powerful in the world, giving you visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 180 countries.
As a citizen you also gain the right to vote in all elections (enrol as soon as possible), the right to stand as a candidate, consular protection overseas, and the ability to pass citizenship to overseas-born children.
Important disclaimer
This guide is provided as general information only. It is not legal advice and may not reflect the most current rules. Citizenship law and fees can change. Always verify information at the Department of Home Affairs website or consider seeking advice from a registered migration agent for your specific situation.