Nationality of Australia: all obtaining pathways
Australia requires four years of legal residence — including one as a permanent resident — for citizenship by conferral, the most common route. The country combines automatic ius sanguinis with a restricted ius soli that operates when the child turns ten years of continuous residence in the territory.
1Naturalization by residence (conferral)
Naturalization by residence (conferral)
Requirements
- Presence in Australia for the 4 YEARS immediately before the application (Australian Citizenship Act 2007, s. 22(1)(a); Dec-2025 compilation)
- 12 MONTHS present as a PERMANENT resident immediately before the application (s. 22(1)(c))
- Never present as an unlawful non-citizen during that period (s. 22(1)(b))
- Total absences ≤12 months within the 4 years allowed (s. 22(1A)); per-year limits apply
- SPOUSE/de facto partner of an Australian citizen: the Minister MAY treat overseas periods with the spouse as permanent-residence presence (s. 22(9) — discretionary)
- S. 21: application to the Minister + eligibility: 18+, PR status, citizenship test, basic English, good character
- Regular-travelling workers (resources/fishing etc.): special 480-days-in-4-years rule (s. 22B)
- Australia permits dual nationality: Australian citizens may acquire another country’s citizenship without losing their Australian one (Citizenship Act 2007)
Documentation
- Valid passport or travel document
- Proof of permanent residence (resident visa)
- Criminal record certificate from each country lived in for 90 days or more since the age of 18
- Evidence of English knowledge (academic certificate, an IELTS/Pearson/TOEFL result)
- Photo identification
- Application form 1300t (adults) or 1290 (minors under 18 or people with a disability)
2Citizenship by descent (ius sanguinis)
Citizenship by descent (ius sanguinis)
Requirements
- At least one of the parents was an Australian citizen at the time of birth
- If born outside Australia, they must register as a citizen by descent before turning 25 if born after 1 January 2006
- If the parent acquired citizenship by descent, they must have lived in Australia for at least 2 years
Documentation
- Applicant's birth certificate
- Proof of the parent's Australian citizenship (citizenship certificate, Australian passport or birth certificate if born in Australia)
- If the parent is a citizen by descent: evidence of 2 years' residence in Australia
3Citizenship by birth (ius soli)
Citizenship by birth (ius soli)
Requirements
- Being born in Australia where at least one of the parents is an Australian citizen or a permanent resident at the time of birth
- Being born in Australia and habitually residing in Australia from birth until the age of 10 (automatic citizenship at age 10)
Documentation
- Australian birth certificate
- Proof of the parents' citizenship or permanent residence at the time of birth
4Citizenship through international adoption
Citizenship through international adoption
Requirements
- A child adopted under the Hague Convention or a bilateral adoption agreement
- The adoption process completed in line with Australian law and the law of the country of origin
- The child must hold an adoption visa (subclass 102) or be a permanent resident
Documentation
- Adoption certificate conforming to the Hague Adoption Convention
- Adoption visa or proof of permanent residence
- Child's birth certificate
5Resumption of citizenship (resumption)
Resumption of citizenship (resumption)
Requirements
- Having been an Australian citizen who lost citizenship on acquiring another before 4 April 2002
- Demonstrating good character
- The intention to reside in Australia within the following 3 years
Documentation
- Proof of previous Australian citizenship
- Criminal record certificate
- Application form 1328
Frequently asked questions about the nationality of Australia
How many years of residence does Australia require to naturalize?
According to the main pathway of Australia (Naturalization by residence (conferral)), the term is 4 years (including 1 year as a permanent resident). The complete details of requirements and exceptions appear in the fact sheet.
Does Australia allow dual nationality?
Australia permits dual nationality: Australian citizens may acquire another country’s citizenship without losing their Australian one (Citizenship Act 2007)
What documentation does naturalization in Australia require?
The Naturalization by residence pathway requires: Valid passport or travel document; Proof of permanent residence (resident visa); Criminal record certificate from each country lived in for 90 days or more since the age of 18; Evidence of English knowledge (academic certificate, an IELTS/Pearson/TOEFL result); Photo identification; among 1 more documents.
What pathways exist to obtain the nationality of Australia?
Australia provides 5 pathways: Naturalization by residence, Citizenship by descent, Citizenship by birth, Citizenship through international adoption, Resumption of citizenship.
Residence and nationality updates
Subscribe to know when a country changes its residence or nationality routes. One email, only when there is news.
Anything to correct or add about Australia?
If you have spotted incorrect or outdated information, or want to suggest additional details about nationality pathways in Australia, leave us your comment. We review every one personally.