Australian citizenship by descent
The following information is intended for New Zealand citizens applying for Australian citizenship by descent.
Before applying
Read the citizenship by descent eligibility criteria on the Department of Home Affairs website.
Applying for citizenship by descent
You can only inherit Australian citizenship through a parent, not a grandparent. To be eligible for Australian citizenship by descent:
- you must have been born outside Australia; and
- at least one of your parents must have been an Australian citizen when you were born.
If you were born outside Australia or New Guinea before 26 January 1949 you might be eligible if:
- at least one of your parents became an Australian citizen on 26 January 1949; and
- that parent was born in Australia or New Guinea, or was naturalised in Australia before you were born.
You will need to include certified copies of your identity documents such as birth certificates and passports with your application. Do not post original documents.
Dual citizenship
New Zealand citizens who are granted Australian citizenship automatically become dual citizens. Australian citizens must depart and enter Australia on an Australian passport. Once overseas you can travel on your New Zealand passport.
Apply online
ImmiAccount to apply for Australian citizenship by descent online. Paper applications attract an additional $80 non-internet application fee.
Attach copies of your supporting documents to your application. Refer to the Home Affairs website for document specifications.
Processing times
The Department of Home Affairs reports processing times for Australian citizenship by descent applications on its website.
Fees
The application fee for citizenship by descent at July 2023 is $345. Applications for second and subsequent siblings applying at the same time are currently $145.
Related
For more information refer to the citizenship by descent information on the Department of Home Affairs website.
Technical help
If you cannot resolve an issue with your application, refer to Common issues and error messages and ImmiAccount Technical Support on the Home Affairs website.
Have a question?
Click the Ask a Question box at the bottom of the Home Affairs website to use the digital assistant. It may not work with Mozilla Firefox in private browsing mode.
Alternatively, phone the Department of Home Affairs on 13 18 81.
Disclaimer:
The above “Australian citizenship by descent” information should not be relied on as an alternative to advice from the Department of Home Affairs, or a professional immigration services provider.
If you have any specific questions about an immigration matter, you should consult the Department of Home Affairs or a professional immigration services provider.