Citizenship by Descent Through Parent

Core Eligibility

To qualify for Australian citizenship by descent through a parent, you must meet all of the following:

Born outside Australia on or after 26 January 1949 — You must have been born outside Australia. The date 26 January 1949 is the legal threshold; anyone born before this date is not eligible under this pathway.

Parent's citizenship at your birth — At least one parent must have been an Australian citizen at the exact time you were born. This timing is critical and non-negotiable. If a parent became an Australian citizen after you were born—even by one day—you do not qualify for this pathway. Your parent could have acquired Australian citizenship by birth in Australia, by descent from their own parent, or by grant (naturalisation).

Good character (if 18 or older) — If you are 18 years of age or older at the time of application, you must be of "good character," defined as the enduring moral qualities of a person and your likelihood to uphold and obey Australian law. The Department assesses this based on:

• Any recorded criminal convictions in Australia or overseas
• Outstanding obligations to courts in Australia or overseas
• Associations with people of concern
• Incidents of reported domestic violence
• Honesty in dealings with the Australian community, including whether you provided false or misleading information in relation to visa or citizenship applications

If you are under 18, no character assessment is required.

The 2-Year Residency Rule for Parents

If your Australian parent acquired their citizenship by descent (from their own parent) or through adoption outside Australia under the Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption or a bilateral agreement, that parent must have lawfully resided in Australia for a total of at least two years at some point in their life. This residency requirement:

• Does not need to have been met at the time of your birth
• Must be fulfilled before you lodge your citizenship application
• Can be satisfied through any period of lawful residence in Australia, not necessarily continuous

If your parent acquired citizenship by birth in Australia or by naturalisation, this 2-year rule does not apply.

Age and Guardianship

There is no age limit to apply for citizenship by descent. However, if you are 15 years of age or younger, a responsible parent or legal guardian must sign the application on your behalf.

Special Circumstances: International Surrogacy

If you were born outside Australia through an international surrogacy arrangement, you may also be eligible under this pathway. The Department provides separate guidance on international surrogacy arrangements.

What Does NOT Disqualify You

• Your parent's subsequent renunciation of Australian citizenship
• Your parent's death
• You having never lived in Australia
• You holding another nationality (Australia permits dual citizenship)