Most people become Australian citizens by conferral: you apply, usually sit a test, attend a ceremony and make the pledge. Citizenship is decided only by the Department of Home Affairs.
Can you apply?
For citizenship by conferral (general eligibility), you generally need to:
- be a permanent resident;
- meet the residence requirement: 4 years of lawful residence in Australia, including 12 months as a permanent resident, with limits on time spent overseas;
- be of good character;
- intend to live in, or keep a close connection to, Australia;
- pass the citizenship test (most applicants aged 18 to 59).
Other pathways exist — for example, citizenship by descent for people born overseas to an Australian-citizen parent, and specific rules for children.
How to apply
- Check your eligibility and the date you meet the residence requirement.
- Prepare identity documents, evidence of residence and, if needed, police certificates and translations.
- Lodge your application online with Home Affairs and pay the government fee.
- Attend your appointment to verify identity and sit the test (if required).
- If approved, attend a citizenship ceremony and make the pledge.
How much does it cost?
The government fee for an adult applying by conferral is set by Home Affairs and indexed every year — from 1 July 2026 it is around AUD 595, with concessions for some applicants. Check the current amount on the official fee list before applying.
How long does it take?
Usually many months. Conferral applications commonly take around a year or more to be decided, plus extra time before the ceremony. Home Affairs publishes current processing times.
Children born in Australia
A child born in Australia is generally an Australian citizen by birth if at least one parent is an Australian citizen or permanent resident at the time of birth. Other children may qualify later, for example after living in Australia until they turn 10.
Dual citizenship
Australia allows dual citizenship, but your other country may not — check its rules.
TaxGov helps with TFNs and ABNs only. For help preparing a citizenship application, our sister service e-DocsHub (also operated by Norgenic SL) offers paid support. You can always apply directly with Home Affairs.