Australian Citizenship: Requirements & How-to Guide

Australian citizenship can offer long-term stability and formal recognition as a member of the Australian community. For many permanent residents, it represents the next step after settling into life in Australia. Citizenship may provide additional rights such as voting, applying for an Australian passport, and participating fully in Australia’s democratic system¹.

While permanent residency allows you to live and work in Australia indefinitely, citizenship can offer broader civic participation and fewer travel restrictions. Understanding how the citizenship process works can help you plan ahead, avoid common mistakes, and make informed decisions.

Most migrants apply through citizenship by conferral, which is available to eligible permanent residents. The process generally involves meeting residency requirements, completing a citizenship test or interview, and attending a citizenship ceremony².

This guide explains Australian citizenship requirements, eligibility criteria, application steps, costs, timelines, and common reasons applications may be refused—so you can better understand how and when to apply, and what to expect along the way.

What Is Australian Citizenship and Why Should You Get It?

Australian citizenship is a legal status that makes you a full member of the Australian community. It reflects a shared commitment to Australian values, democratic principles, and the rule of law³.

There are three main pathways to Australian citizenship:

• Citizenship by birth
• Citizenship by descent
• Citizenship by conferral (the most common pathway for migrants)

Citizenship is voluntary, meaning permanent residents are not required to apply. However, some people choose citizenship to gain additional rights, reduce visa-related administration, and improve certainty for long-term planning.

Citizenship vs Permanent Residency

Permanent residents can:

• Live and work in Australia indefinitely
• Access Medicare and certain social services
• Sponsor eligible relatives for visas
• Apply for Australian citizenship once eligibility criteria are met

Permanent residents cannot:

• Vote in Australian elections
• Hold an Australian passport
• Work in most Australian Public Service roles
• Travel overseas indefinitely without maintaining a valid resident return visa

Australian citizens can:

• Vote in federal, state, and local elections (voting is compulsory)
• Apply for and hold an Australian passport
• Work in government and defence roles
• Access consular assistance overseas
• Register eligible children born overseas as citizens by descent
• Travel internationally without visa restrictions

Understanding these differences can help you decide whether citizenship aligns with your long-term personal, professional, and financial goals.

Australian Citizenship Eligibility: Main Requirements

To be eligible for Australian citizenship, applicants must meet several core requirements set by the Department of Home Affairs.

Residency Requirements

One of the most important criteria is the four-year residency rule⁴:

• You must have lived in Australia lawfully for at least 4 years before applying
• You must hold permanent residency for at least 12 months immediately before applying
• You must not have been absent from Australia for more than:

  • 12 months in total over the 4-year period, and
  • 90 days in the 12 months before applying

Some time spent on eligible temporary visas may count toward the four-year requirement. The Department of Home Affairs provides an official residence calculator to help applicants check eligibility⁵.

Age Requirements

• There is no minimum or maximum age to apply
• Applicants aged 18–59 usually need to sit the citizenship test
• Applicants under 18 or aged 60 and over generally attend an interview instead

Good Character Requirement

Applicants aged 18 and over must demonstrate good character⁶. This may involve assessing:

• Criminal history in Australia and overseas
• Compliance with Australian laws
• Whether false or misleading information has been provided in the past

Police checks may be required, including from countries where you have lived previously.

English Language Requirement

Applicants are expected to demonstrate basic English, not fluency. English ability is assessed through:

• The citizenship test, or
• The interview process for applicants who are exempt from the test

Knowledge of Australia

Applicants are required to show an understanding of:

• Australian values and democratic beliefs
• Rights and responsibilities of citizenship
• Basic aspects of Australia’s history and system of government

This knowledge is assessed through the citizenship test or interview⁷.

Intention to Reside or Maintain Ties

Applicants must show that they:

• Intend to live in Australia, or
• Maintain a close and continuing association with Australia

Evidence may include employment, study, property, Australian bank accounts, family connections, or community involvement.

How to Apply for Australian Citizenship

Step 1: Check Eligibility

Before applying, confirm that:

• You meet residency requirements
• You hold permanent residency
• You meet character and English language expectations

The Department of Home Affairs provides online tools to help applicants assess eligibility⁵.

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

Commonly requested documents may include:

• Passport and travel documents
• Permanent visa grant notice
• Birth certificate
• Proof of residence and travel history
• Police certificates (if required)
• Marriage or name-change documents (if applicable)

Ensuring documents are accurate and complete may help reduce delays.

Step 3: Lodge Your Application

Applications are submitted online through ImmiAccount⁸. Different forms apply depending on age:

• Form 1300t (ages 18–59)
• Form 1290 (ages 60 and over)
• Separate applications for children

Online applications are generally encouraged by the Department.

Step 4: Pay the Application Fee

As of 2025⁹:

• Standard adult application: AUD $285
• Child under 16: AUD $40

In limited circumstances, concessions may apply. Fees are set by the government and may change over time.

Step 5: Citizenship Test or Interview

Citizenship test (ages 18–59):

• 20 multiple-choice questions
• Pass mark: 75% overall, including all values-based questions
• Based on the official Australian citizenship study guide⁷

Interview (under 18 and over 60):

• Covers similar topics in a conversational format

Step 6: Application Decision

Processing times can vary depending on individual circumstances:

• Average processing time is around 7 months
• Some applications may take between 4 and 16 months¹⁰

Step 7: Citizenship Ceremony

If your application is approved:

• You will be invited to attend a citizenship ceremony
• You make the Australian Citizenship Pledge
• You receive your citizenship certificate

Citizenship becomes official only after the ceremony¹¹.

How Much Does Australian Citizenship Cost?

Common costs associated with applying for citizenship may include⁹:

• Application fee (adults): AUD $285
• Police certificates: cost varies by country
• Document translations: often around $50–$200 per document
• Australian passport (after approval): AUD $346

Understanding these costs upfront can help with budgeting and financial planning.

Processing Times for Australian Citizenship

• Approximately 75% of applications are processed within 7 months¹⁰
• Delays may occur due to incomplete applications, additional character checks, or complex travel histories

Dual Citizenship in Australia

Australia allows dual or multiple citizenship¹². However, rules differ between countries. Some countries may restrict or not recognise dual nationality, so it’s important to check the laws of your country of origin before applying.

Common Reasons Citizenship Applications Are Refused

Applications may be refused for reasons such as:

• Not meeting residency requirements
• Spending excessive time outside Australia
• Failing character checks
• Providing incorrect or misleading information
• Repeatedly failing the citizenship test
• Inability to demonstrate ongoing ties to Australia

Understanding these factors can help applicants prepare more effectively.

Need Financial Support During Your Citizenship Journey? Meet Credit24

Applying for citizenship may involve various expenses, such as document preparation, translations, or travel-related costs. Some people choose to explore financial options to help manage these expenses.

Credit24 offers:

• Personal loans from $500 to $10,000
• Options available to eligible permanent residents
• Online applications
• Flexible repayment options
• Transparent fee information

Repayments may be made using common Australian payment methods, including OSKO, depending on your bank.

Important: Credit is subject to eligibility criteria, fees, terms, and conditions. This information is general in nature and does not consider your personal financial situation.

CTA: Learn more or explore your options

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I need to be a permanent resident before applying?
You must hold permanent residency for at least 12 months and have lived lawfully in Australia for a total of 4 years before applying⁴.

Can I apply for Australian citizenship while overseas?
You can submit an application while overseas, but you must meet residency requirements and usually need to return to Australia for the test and ceremony.

What happens if I fail the citizenship test?
You can sit the test again. There is no set limit on the number of attempts⁷.

Do my children automatically become citizens?
Children generally need to apply separately unless they were born in Australia and meet specific legal criteria.

What happens at a citizenship ceremony?
You make the Australian Citizenship Pledge and receive your official citizenship certificate¹¹.

Sources

¹ Becoming an Australian citizen — Department of Home Affairs
https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/citizenship/become-a-citizen

² Citizenship by conferral — Department of Home Affairs
https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/citizenship/become-a-citizen/permanent-resident

³ Australian values statement — Australian Government
https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au

⁴ Residence requirement for citizenship — Department of Home Affairs
https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/citizenship/eligibility

⁵ Residence calculator — Department of Home Affairs
https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/citizenship/residence-calculator

⁶ Character requirements — Department of Home Affairs
https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-support/meeting-our-requirements/character

⁷ Australian Citizenship Test — Department of Home Affairs
https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/citizenship/test-and-interview

⁸ ImmiAccount — Australian Government
https://online.immi.gov.au

⁹ Citizenship application fees — Department of Home Affairs
https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-support/applying-online/fees

¹⁰ Citizenship processing times — Department of Home Affairs
https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/citizenship/citizenship-processing-times

¹¹ Citizenship ceremonies — Department of Home Affairs
https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/citizenship/ceremony

¹² Dual citizenship — Department of Home Affairs
https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/citizenship/dual-citizenship

Disclaimer
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The information in this article is general in nature and does not consider your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Lending criteria, fees, and charges apply. For product details, eligibility requirements, and full terms and conditions, visit www.credit24.com.au.