Citizenship by descent is for people born outside Australia to a parent who was an Australian citizen at the time of their birth. There is no residence requirement and no citizenship test. The application turns on proof of the parent's Australian citizenship at the time the applicant was born, and on identity and relationship evidence.
Who is eligible
- Born outside Australia on or after 26 January 1949
- One parent was an Australian citizen at the time of your birth
- Good character requirements apply if you are 18 or over
How to apply
- Confirm your parent's Australian citizenship. Locate evidence that your parent was an Australian citizen at the time of your birth (citizenship certificate, passport, birth certificate showing Australian citizenship).
- Gather identity and relationship evidence. Your birth certificate, any name-change documents, parent's identity and citizenship documents.
- Lodge the application. Apply with the documentation. Character requirements apply if you are 18 or over.
- Receive the citizenship certificate. On approval, you receive a citizenship certificate. There is no residence requirement and no citizenship test.
Frequently asked questions
Who can apply for citizenship by descent?
People born outside Australia on or after 26 January 1949 to a parent who was an Australian citizen at the time of the person's birth. Different rules can apply to those born before 1949.
Is there a residence requirement?
No. Citizenship by descent does not require you to have lived in Australia.
Do I need to pass a citizenship test?
No. There is no citizenship test or English requirement for citizenship by descent.
Can my children also apply by descent?
Generally, a person can become an Australian citizen by descent through their Australian-citizen parent. If you became a citizen by descent and your child is born overseas, additional conditions can apply for your child's eligibility — these are worth reviewing case by case.
Can I be a dual citizen?
Australia allows dual citizenship. Whether your other country accepts dual citizenship is a separate question for that country's laws.
How long does it take?
Straightforward applications with clear evidence are often processed promptly. Cases involving older Australian-citizen records, adoption or complex family circumstances can take longer.