Naturalisation by residence in Australia (2026)

Last reviewed: 13 October 2026

In short: Australian citizenship by conferral generally needs four years of lawful presence in Australia, including 12 months as a permanent resident, and a successfully completed citizenship test. Applicants are not required by the Act to give up another citizenship.

RuleWhat applies
Years of residence requiredOrdinary naturalisation by residence4 years [1]
Shortened residence periodsOrdinary naturalisation by residenceA special residence requirement replaces the 4-year general requirement for applicants who need citizenship for a specified activity of benefit to Australia (s 22A) or who do regular work overseas of a specified kind (s 22B, with at least 480 days in Australia in the 4 years and 120 days in the last 12 months), and a defence service requirement applies under s 23. [1]
Language level requiredOrdinary naturalisation by residence⚠ Not yet verified
Integration or civic knowledge testOrdinary naturalisation by residenceYes [1]
Giving up previous nationalityOrdinary naturalisation by residenceNot required [1]

Notes

  • Also required: lawful presence throughout the 4 years, and at least 12 months as a permanent resident immediately before applying. Absences of up to 12 months in the 4 years, and up to 90 days in the last 12 months, are counted as presence (s 22(1A), (1B)).
  • The Act requires a 'basic knowledge of the English language' (s 21(2)(e)) and does not state a CEFR level, so no level is stated.
  • Read from the eligibility criteria in the Act; the Department of Home Affairs pages on dual citizenship could not be read.

Sources

  1. Federal Register of Legislation (Office of Parliamentary Counsel): Australian Citizenship Act 2007 (Compilation No. 37, 4 June 2026) (consulted 13 October 2026) · all sources

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General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.