How to get Australian citizenship by descent
Australian citizenship by descent is the pathway for people who were born outside Australia but have a parent who was an Australian citizen when they were born. It's a separate process from the standard citizenship by conferral pathway and doesn't require you to have lived in Australia.
Official by descent information: immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/citizenship/become-a-citizen/by-descent
If you're still deciding whether descent or conferral applies, start with Australian citizenship by conferral vs descent.
For child-specific scenarios, including babies born overseas and children included in a parent's application, see Australian citizenship for children.
Who is eligible?
To qualify for citizenship by descent, you need to:
- Have been born outside Australia
- Have at least one parent who was an Australian citizen at the time of your birth
- Be of good character if you're 18 or over
Which parent scenario applies to you?
The eligibility conditions depend on how your Australian parent holds citizenship.
| Parent's citizenship status | Condition for child's eligibility |
|---|---|
| Parent born in Australia | Child born overseas is eligible — no additional condition |
| Parent naturalised (became a citizen) | Child born overseas after the parent's naturalisation is eligible |
| Parent is also a citizen by descent | That parent must have lived in Australia for at least 2 years before the child's birth |
The two-year residence condition for parents who are citizens by descent exists to prevent citizenship from passing down through multiple generations with no real connection to Australia.
No age limit
There's no age limit for this pathway. You can apply as an infant, a teenager, or later in life. Applications for children are lodged by a parent or legal guardian.
Required documents — checklist
For an adult applicant:
- Your birth certificate (showing both parents' names)
- Evidence of your parent's Australian citizenship at the time of your birth — an Australian passport or citizenship certificate
- Your own identity documents (passport or equivalent)
- Evidence of good character if required by the Department
- Certified English translations of any non-English documents (use a NAATI-accredited translator: naati.com.au)
For a child applicant (application lodged by parent/guardian):
- Child's birth certificate (showing both parents' names)
- Evidence of the Australian parent's citizenship at the time of the child's birth
- Identity documents for the applying parent/guardian
- If the Australian parent was themselves a citizen by descent: evidence that they lived in Australia for at least 2 years before the child's birth
- Certified English translations of any non-English documents
How to apply
Applications are lodged online through ImmiAccount at online.immi.gov.au/lusc/login.
Steps:
- Create or log into your ImmiAccount
- Select the citizenship by descent application (associated with Form 118)
- Upload all required supporting documents
- Pay the application fee (check current fees at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-support/departmental-forms/online-forms/citizenship-fees)
Once submitted, you'll receive a reference number to track your application through ImmiAccount.
For current processing times, check: immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/citizenship/citizenship-processing-times
What happens next
The Department assesses your application and verifies your documents. If everything checks out, you'll receive a citizenship by descent certificate — the official proof of your Australian citizenship.
Unlike citizenship by conferral, you don't need to sit the citizenship test or attend a citizenship ceremony.
After approval: applying for an Australian passport
With your citizenship certificate, the next step for most people is applying for an Australian passport through the Australian Passport Office.
If you're applying on behalf of a child, you'll need the child's citizenship certificate, birth certificate, and your own identity documents as the parent. Check the Australian Passport Office website for child passport requirements.
Having an Australian passport is particularly important if the child will travel to or from Australia — don't assume entry is straightforward until you have the right travel documentation in place.
If you're applying from overseas
If you're overseas and need assistance, you can contact the nearest Australian embassy, high commission, or consulate for guidance. Applications are lodged online through ImmiAccount; the embassy can advise on process but does not lodge applications on your behalf.
Related guides
- How to obtain Australian citizenship for babies born overseas
- Australian citizenship forms 118 and 119 explained
- How to get an Australian citizenship certificate
- Citizenship by conferral vs by descent: which pathway applies?
Always verify eligibility and current fees with the Department of Home Affairs before applying.
Frequently asked questions
Who is eligible?
To qualify for citizenship by descent, you need to:
Which parent scenario applies to you?
The eligibility conditions depend on how your Australian parent holds citizenship. | Parent's citizenship status | Condition for child's eligibility | |---|---| | Parent born in Australia | Child born overseas is eligible — no additional condition | | Parent naturalised (became a citizen) | Child born overseas after the parent's naturalisation is eligible |