Australian citizenship
Citizenship by Descent
Born outside Australia to an Australian parent? You may already have a claim to citizenship, without a visa, a test or a ceremony.
Eligibility
What descent asks of you.
Everything turns on your parent's citizenship status at the time of your birth. That is the fact we document first.
Born on or after 26 January 1949
You were born outside Australia and at least one parent was an Australian citizen when you were born. If that parent was themselves a citizen by descent, they must have spent at least two years in Australia during their life.
Born before 26 January 1949
You were born outside Australia or New Guinea, and a parent became an Australian citizen on 26 January 1949, having been born in Australia or New Guinea, or naturalised in Australia, before your birth.
Good character
Applicants aged 18 or over must be of good character. There is no residence requirement, no citizenship test and no ceremony.
Proving your parent's citizenship
The application stands on evidence of your parent's citizenship status at the time of your birth, and on 26 January 1949 for the earlier pathway: birth records, citizenship certificates and the documents that connect them to you. Once approved you are an Australian citizen with the same rights and responsibilities as any other, and can apply for an Australian passport.
The pathway
How we run your citizenship by descent.
Pathway check
We confirm which pathway fits and what your parent's citizenship status was at your birth.
Evidence
Birth, citizenship and identity records gathered across generations, with translations where needed.
Lodgement
The application is lodged decision-ready with the evidence attached.
Approval
On approval you are an Australian citizen by descent, ready to apply for an Australian passport.
General information only, not immigration advice. Your circumstances matter. Visa requirements, fees and processing times change regularly. Facts on this page last reviewed 15 July 2026. Check current details with the Department of Home Affairs , or speak with us for advice on your situation. Website terms.
Begin with a conversation.
Speak with a MARA-registered migration agent in Melbourne about your pathway. Book a time that suits you.