Permanent Residency vs Citizenship in Australia: Key Differences
PR vs citizenship in Australia: the rights, benefits and responsibilities that change when a permanent resident becomes an Australian citizen.
Permanent residents already enjoy many of the same rights as citizens: they can live, work and study in Australia indefinitely and access Medicare. But permanent residency vs citizenship is not the same thing. Citizenship adds the right to vote, an Australian passport, a permanent right to return from overseas and access to some jobs — along with new responsibilities.
This guide compares the two side by side and explains how to move from PR to citizenship.
What Permanent Residents Can Do
- Live, work and study in Australia with no end date on their stay
- Enrol in Medicare
- Access many government services and benefits, subject to waiting periods and eligibility rules
- Sponsor some family members for visas, subject to the rules
Permanent Residency vs Citizenship: What Changes
1. Voting
Citizens aged 18 and over must enrol and vote in federal and state elections and referendums. Permanent residents generally cannot vote in federal elections, apart from a small group of British subjects who were enrolled before 1984.
2. Travel and the Right to Return
A permanent visa includes a travel facility for a set period. After it expires, a permanent resident who wants to leave and come back usually needs a Resident Return Visa. Citizens have an Australian passport and a permanent right to enter Australia.
3. Security of Status
A permanent visa can be cancelled in some circumstances, such as on character grounds. Citizenship is far more secure. It can only be lost in limited circumstances set out in the Australian Citizenship Act 2007.
4. Jobs
Many Australian Public Service roles and most defence force positions require citizenship, as do some jobs that need a security clearance.
5. Standing for Parliament
Only citizens can be elected to Parliament. Dual citizens must first take all reasonable steps to renounce their other citizenship before standing for federal election.
6. Children Born Overseas
Citizens can usually register children born overseas as Australian citizens by descent. Permanent residents cannot.
7. Consular Help
As an Australian citizen, you can seek consular assistance from Australian embassies and consulates overseas, within the limits the government sets.
New Responsibilities as a Citizen
Citizenship also brings duties. Citizens are expected to obey the law, vote in elections, serve on a jury if called, and defend Australia should the need arise. Our guide to rights and freedoms covers these in detail.
Moving From PR to Citizenship
- Meet the residence requirement, including time as a permanent resident.
- Apply for citizenship by conferral.
- Pass the citizenship test if you are 18 to 59.
- Make the pledge at a ceremony.
Permanent Residency vs Citizenship at a Glance
- Live and work in Australia: PR yes; citizen yes
- Medicare: PR generally yes; citizen yes
- Vote in federal elections: PR generally no; citizen yes (compulsory)
- Australian passport: PR no; citizen yes
- Automatic right to re-enter Australia: PR only with a valid travel facility; citizen yes
- Stand for Parliament: PR no; citizen yes, subject to eligibility rules
- Citizenship by descent for children born overseas: PR no; citizen yes
Is Citizenship Right for You?
For most permanent residents who plan to stay, citizenship makes sense. One thing to check first is whether your other country allows dual citizenship; Australia does, but some countries do not. If keeping your original citizenship matters, check that country's rules before you apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do permanent residents pay the same tax as citizens?
Tax generally depends on residency for tax purposes, not on citizenship. Permanent residents and citizens living in Australia are usually taxed in the same way.
Can I lose permanent residency if I live overseas?
You may not be able to return without a valid travel facility or a Resident Return Visa, and long absences can affect eligibility for one. Check the rules before long trips.
Is citizenship required for Medicare?
No. Permanent residents can generally enrol in Medicare.
How long after PR can I apply for citizenship?
Under the general residence requirement, you need to have been living in Australia for a period that includes time as a permanent resident. Use the Department's residence calculator.
Take the Last Step
The citizenship test is the final hurdle for most permanent residents. CitiZen AU helps you prepare with practice by category, full mock tests and progress tracking in English and Vietnamese.