How to apply for Australian citizenship

How to apply for Australian citizenship in 2026

To apply for Australian citizenship, gather all necessary supporting documents, including proof of identity, residency, and good character. Then, create an ImmiAccount, complete the application, and pay any applicable fees. You'll need an email address and a mobile phone to set up multi-factor authentication. 

The application process can be lengthy, spanning up to 34 pages. However, you can save progress and return to it later. You can apply outside Australia or inside if you have moved overseas to the country permanently. If you prefer, you can also apply on paper; however, online applications are preferred and are generally processed more quickly. 

The Australian Department of Home Affairs (DHA) will review your application and may request an in-person interview or further documents. You can track your application's process within your Immi account. If applicable, the DHA will invite you to complete the citizenship test. Once approved, you will be asked to attend a citizenship ceremony, where you'll take the pledge of commitment. 

Australian citizenship eligibility

Australian citizenship eligibility depends on which of the two main ways you choose to apply: by conferral or by descent. 

By conferral is for Australian permanent residents and New Zealand Special Category visa holders aged 18-59. You and everyone on your application, including dependents, must be permanent residents. Eligibility criteria include English language proficiency, character requirements, passing a citizenship test, demonstrating continuing close ties to Australia, and being in the country when you receive your citizenship decision. 

By descent applies to children born overseas to at least one Australian citizen parent on or after 26th January 1949. The child does not need to meet residency, English language, or citizenship test requirements. However, if they are over 18, they must be of good character. A parent's signature on the application is mandatory if the child is 15 years or younger. 

Here are some more citizenship pathways and their eligibility: 

• By conferral for 60 years or over: permanent residency and character checks still apply; however, there is no requirement to sit the citizenship test or demonstrate English language proficiency. 
• Children 15 years or younger applying on their own: they must be permanent residents, live with a responsible parent, and meet character requirements. However, they are not required to sit the citizenship test or demonstrate English language proficiency. 
• Born to a former Australian citizen: the child must be born outside Australia to at least one parent who was a former Australian citizen. The child must meet identity and documentation requirements and be of good character; however, there are generally no residency, English proficiency, or citizenship test requirements. 
• Becoming an Australian again: applicants must provide evidence of how they lost their citizenship (e.g., becoming a citizen of another country or escaping significant hardship) and demonstrate good character. Eligibility depends on the reason why you ceased being an Australian citizen. 

2026 Australian citizenship requirements 

The DHA sets citizenship requirements for applicants aged 18 to 59 around three main pillars: residency, good character, and knowledge of Australia. 

Residency: applicants must have been an Australian permanent resident or a New Zealand citizen with a Special Category Visa (SCV) for 12 months prior to applying and at the time of the citizenship decision. They must have been lawfully residing in Australia for at least four years immediately preceding the application, including at least the last 12 months as a permanent resident.

Total absences from Australia must not exceed 12 months in the four-year period, or more than 90 days in the previous 12 months before applying. You can use the DHA's Immigration and Citizenship Residency Calculator to estimate how many days you have lived in Australia. 

Good character: the DHA considers the "enduring moral qualities" of applicants aged 18 and over. The Department assesses any criminal convictions in Australia and overseas, honesty in dealings with the Australian government, and the likelihood of engaging in criminal conduct. The applicant may need to provide a penal clearance certificate if they have spent a significant amount of time abroad. 

Knowledge of Australia and the Citizenship Test: applicants must demonstrate a basic knowledge of the English language, the meaning and privileges of becoming a citizen, and an adequate understanding of Australian values. There are 20 multiple-choice questions. To pass, applicants must correctly answer all five Australian values questions and achieve an overall score of 75% or better. Applicants aged 17 and under, or those aged 60 and above, are exempt from taking the test. 

When can I apply for Australian citizenship?

You can apply for Australian citizenship once you meet the residency requirement. For most adults aged 18–59 applying via conferral, this means having held permanent residency for at least one year and having lived in Australia for at least the last four years. Time spent outside Australia may affect eligibility.

Children born overseas to an Australian citizen parent can have their citizenship applied for immediately. Applicants under 18 can often apply earlier, depending on their parents' citizenship and residency status. Those over 59 may have different residency requirements or exemptions based on their age and circumstances.

How long does it take to get Australian citizenship after permanent residency?

The time it takes to get Australian citizenship after permanent residency depends on the application type and the completeness of your submission. For citizenship by conferral, the DHA currently processes 90% of decisions within 10 months, with 90% of approved applicants offered the chance to attend a ceremony within 4 months of their approval date. For citizenship by descent, 50% of decisions are currently processed within 4 months, rising to 90% within 6 months. 

If your application is incomplete or if you fail to provide certified documents correctly, it can lead to delays. The most common factor for delay is character and security checks, especially if you have lived in several countries. For a comprehensive and up-to-date breakdown of citizenship processing times, please visit the official DHA website.