Australian Citizenship by Descent: Who Is Eligible & How to Apply

Australian citizenship by descent is for people born outside Australia who had at least one parent who was an Australian citizen at the time of their birth. It is an application — citizenship is not automatic — but there is no citizenship test, and you do not have to meet the residence requirement that applies to conferral.

If you were born overseas to an Australian parent, or you are an Australian whose child was born overseas, this guide explains who is eligible, what you need and how to apply.

Who Is Eligible for Citizenship by Descent?

In general, you may be eligible if:

• You were born outside Australia, and
• At least one of your parents was an Australian citizen when you were born, and
• If you are 18 or over, you are of good character.

Timing matters: the parent must have been a citizen at the time of your birth. If your parent became a citizen after you were born, descent is not usually available, and you may need to look at other pathways such as citizenship by conferral.

If Your Parent Was Also a Citizen by Descent

Extra requirements can apply when the Australian parent was not born an Australian citizen — for example, if they themselves became a citizen by descent or conferral. In some of these cases the parent must have spent time lawfully in Australia before the application. Check the current rules on the Department of Home Affairs website (immi.homeaffairs.gov.au) if this applies to your family.

How Citizenship by Descent Differs From Conferral

• No citizenship test — you do not need to study for or sit the test.
• No residence requirement — you can apply while living overseas.
• No pledge requirement — citizenship usually takes effect when the application is approved, and you do not need to attend a ceremony.
• A parent-based test of eligibility — everything depends on your parent's status when you were born.

How to Apply for Citizenship by Descent

1. Confirm your parent's status at your birth, using their citizenship certificate or Australian passport details.
2. Gather documents, including your full birth certificate showing your parents' names, your identity documents, and your parent's evidence of citizenship.
3. Prepare translations of documents not in English, by an accredited translator where required.
4. Apply online through ImmiAccount where available, or with the paper form listed on the Department's website, and pay the fee.
5. Respond to requests — the Department may ask for more information, and in some cases for DNA evidence of parentage.

Once approved, you receive evidence of citizenship. You can then apply for an Australian passport. Our citizenship certificate guide explains why you should keep this document safe.

Descent for Children of Migrant Families

Many migrant families have children born overseas both before and after a parent became a citizen. Children born before the parent's citizenship are not eligible by descent and are often included in the parent's conferral application instead. Children born overseas after the parent became a citizen may be eligible by descent. Our guide for children in Vietnamese-Australian families covers this in more detail.

Dual Citizenship and Descent

Australia allows dual citizenship, so becoming a citizen by descent generally does not affect Australia's view of your other citizenship. The other country's laws still apply. See our dual citizenship guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to sit the citizenship test if I apply by descent?

No. The test applies to most adults applying by conferral, not to applicants by descent.

Can I apply for citizenship by descent as an adult?

Yes. There is no general upper age limit, but applicants aged 18 and over must be of good character.

Can grandchildren of Australians apply by descent?

Descent is based on a parent, not a grandparent. A grandchild may be eligible if their own parent was an Australian citizen at the time of their birth.

Do I have to live in Australia?

No. You can apply from overseas, and you can keep living overseas after you become a citizen.

Helping Family Members Who Need the Test

If other family members are applying by conferral, they will usually need to pass the citizenship test. CitiZen AU helps them prepare with bilingual English and Vietnamese practice, full mock tests and progress tracking.