Australian Citizenship
Australian citizenship is the final step in the migration journey for most permanent residents. It is not automatic. It requires an application, satisfaction of residence and character requirements, and in most cases a citizenship test and ceremony. The pathway that applies depends on how the applicant came to be in Australia and their connection to an Australian citizen parent.
Australian citizenship carries rights and obligations not available to permanent residents. Citizens may vote in federal, state, and territory elections, apply for an Australian passport, access consular assistance overseas, and sponsor a broader range of family members for migration. Citizens also have an unconditional right to enter and remain in Australia without a visa.
Australia permits dual citizenship. There is no requirement to renounce an existing nationality when becoming an Australian citizen, though some foreign countries restrict or cancel their own citizenship when a person acquires another. This must be confirmed independently before lodging a citizenship application.
Citizens also have obligations: to enrol and vote in elections, to uphold Australian law, and in limited circumstances to serve on a jury. Citizenship obtained by fraud may be cancelled. Citizenship may also be lost in specific circumstances involving terrorism offences under the Australian Citizenship Act 2007.
The four-year residence requirement involves precise calculation of lawful days in Australia, time on permanent residence, and absence limits. Miscounting the qualifying period is one of the most common causes of premature applications and refusals.
The character requirement covers criminal convictions in Australia and overseas, honesty in dealings with the Department, and any associations that raise concern. Full disclosure is required regardless of the seriousness of any prior offence.
For most applicants, citizenship is not formally conferred until the Australian Citizenship Pledge is made at a ceremony. Approval of the application does not confer citizenship. Ceremonies are typically conducted by local councils and must be attended within 12 months of approval.
4 years
Lawful residence required
12 months
As permanent resident
Dual
Citizenship permitted
Ceremony
Required before conferral
Select the pathway that applies to your circumstances.
The standard pathway for permanent residents. Requires 4 years of lawful residence including 12 months as a permanent resident, a citizenship test, and a ceremony. The application charge is $595 (as at 1 July 2026).
Read more
For people born overseas to at least one Australian citizen parent. Does not require residence in Australia. Registration is required before an Australian passport can be issued.
Read more
For people who are already Australian citizens and need a Certificate of Australian Citizenship as formal evidence of their status. The application charge is $290 (as at 1 July 2026).
Read more
New Zealand citizens holding a Special Category Visa (subclass 444) have a direct pathway to citizenship following reforms in 2023.
Read more
For people born in Australia who were not automatically citizens at birth but have been ordinarily resident in Australia for their first 10 years of life.
Read more
Australian citizens are entitled to an Australian passport. For citizenship by descent, citizenship must be registered before a passport can be issued.
Read more
Australian citizens who hold or will acquire another citizenship may apply to renounce their Australian citizenship. Renunciation will not be approved if it would result in statelessness.
Read more
The four-year residence calculation is not as straightforward as counting days in Australia. Temporary visa periods, bridging visa periods, and absences are all treated differently. We confirm eligibility before any application is lodged.
The good character requirement is assessed broadly. We advise on what must be disclosed and how prior conduct is likely to be assessed before the application is submitted, so there are no surprises.
Extended absences, name inconsistencies, prior visa refusals, and offshore circumstances all complicate citizenship applications. We manage the full application and any additional evidence the Department requires.
5.0 from 250+ client reviews on Google.
★★★★★
"Visa Plan Migration Lawyers helped me get my Australian citizenship as a New Zealand citizen. They were very clear with the process along the way, always kept me up to date, and were also very responsive every time I had questions or concerns."
★★★★★
"So appreciative of Andrew and James of their care, and professionalism. They have turned the impossible to absolute possible of patiently guiding my wife and I to attain our Australian Citizenship."
★★★★★
"Highly highly highly recommend Lawyer Andrew and his team they are the best of the best. They are very informative. Extremely helpful throughout all my citizenship application I can't thank you enough."
Citizenship information is sourced from the Department of Home Affairs and the Australian Citizenship Act 2007 and is current as at 8 September 2026. Eligibility criteria, residence requirements, and program settings are subject to change. This page provides general information only and does not constitute legal advice.
All enquiries are handled directly by our immigration lawyers. Complete the form and we will be in touch within one business day.
Prefer to call?
(03) 9958 5854enquiry@visaplan.au
Visa Plan Lawyers