Dual Citizenship and Australia: What New Citizens Should Know
Can you keep your original citizenship when you become Australian? A general guide to dual citizenship, travel and responsibilities.
One of the most common questions from people preparing for Australian citizenship is: "Will I have to give up my current citizenship?" The answer depends partly on Australian law and partly on the law of your other country. Here is a general overview.
Does Australia Allow Dual Citizenship?
Yes. Australia allows its citizens to hold another citizenship. When you become an Australian citizen by conferral, Australian law does not require you to renounce your existing citizenship.
Before 4 April 2002, Australians who voluntarily became citizens of another country could lose their Australian citizenship. That rule was removed, and since then Australians who take up another citizenship generally keep their Australian citizenship.
What About Your Other Country?
This is the important part: whether you can keep your original citizenship depends on the laws of that country, not on Australia. Some countries allow dual citizenship freely. Others do not allow it, or only allow it in certain circumstances, or require you to register or apply to keep your citizenship.
For example, people from Vietnam, China, India and many other countries should check the current rules of their country of origin carefully. Contact that country's embassy or consulate in Australia, or seek independent legal advice, before you become an Australian citizen if keeping your original citizenship matters to you.
Travelling as a Dual Citizen
- Use your Australian passport to leave and enter Australia. Australian citizens are expected to travel in and out of Australia on an Australian passport.
- When you visit your other country of citizenship, that country may require you to enter using its passport or identity documents.
- Australia's ability to provide consular help may be limited when you are in the country of your other citizenship, because that country may treat you only as its own citizen.
- Some countries have military service or other obligations for their citizens. Check before travelling.
The Smartraveller website, run by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, has more information for dual nationals.
Dual Citizenship and Parliament
There is one notable restriction in Australia. Under section 44 of the Australian Constitution, a person who is a citizen of a foreign country is not eligible to be elected to the Commonwealth Parliament. People who want to become federal members of Parliament must take all reasonable steps to renounce any other citizenship before nominating. This rule does not affect voting — all Australian citizens aged 18 and over must vote, whether or not they hold another citizenship.
Your Responsibilities Do Not Change
Holding two citizenships does not reduce your commitments as an Australian. When you make the Australian Citizenship Pledge, you pledge your loyalty to Australia and its people. As an Australian citizen you must obey Australian law, vote in elections and referendums, serve on a jury if called, and defend Australia should the need arise — just like every other citizen.
Children and Dual Citizenship
Children may hold dual citizenship too — for example, a child born overseas to an Australian parent, or a child born in Australia whose parents are citizens of another country. Each country's rules decide whether the child holds its citizenship.
Check the Official Sources
Citizenship laws change. For Australian rules, visit the Department of Home Affairs website at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au. For the rules of your other country, contact its embassy or consulate.
Focus on the Test First
Whatever you decide about your other citizenship, the first step is passing the Australian citizenship test. CitiZen AU helps you prepare with practice questions in English and Vietnamese, full mock tests and progress tracking, so you can move forward with confidence.