Citizenship by Descent Through Parent

Australian citizenship by descent through a parent is a pathway for individuals born outside Australia to acquire Australian citizenship if at least one parent was an Australian citizen at the exact moment of the applicant's birth. This is a registration of citizenship rights inherited at birth, not an application to become a new citizen. The pathway does not require the applicant to have ever lived in Australia, does not require a citizenship test or ceremony, and can be completed entirely online from anywhere in the world.

The legal foundation for this pathway is the Nationality and Citizenship Act 1948 (Cth), which came into effect on 26 January 1949. This date is the critical threshold: applicants must have been born outside Australia on or after 26 January 1949 to be eligible under this pathway.

Upon approval of your citizenship by descent application, you gain the following rights and benefits:

• Full Australian citizenship — You become an Australian citizen on the day the Department approves your application.

• Australian citizenship certificate — You receive an official proof of citizenship sent by registered post.

• Right to apply for an Australian passport — You cannot apply for a passport until your citizenship is approved.

• Right to vote — If 18 years or older, you must enrol to vote. The Department provides information to help you enrol online.

• Unrestricted work and study rights — You can live, work, and study in Australia without restriction.

• Access to consular support — You are entitled to consular assistance and protection from Australian diplomatic missions worldwide.

• Access to government benefits — You are eligible for government benefits and services available to Australian citizens.

• Right to pass citizenship to your children — After spending two years in Australia, you can register children born overseas as Australian citizens by descent.

• Dual citizenship permitted — Australia permits dual citizenship, allowing you to keep your original citizenship while becoming an Australian citizen.

• No requirement to live in Australia — There is no requirement for you to live in Australia after being granted citizenship by descent.