How to obtain Australian citizenship for babies born overseas
If your baby was born outside Australia and at least one parent is an Australian citizen, your child may be eligible for Australian citizenship by descent. Here's how the process works — and what parents need to know before assuming their child can travel to Australia.
Official by descent information: immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/citizenship/become-a-citizen/by-descent
For the broader pathway comparison, see Australian citizenship by conferral vs descent.
If your question is about an older child, a child born in Australia, or including a child in a parent's citizenship application, see Australian citizenship for children.
Babies don't get citizenship automatically
Being born to an Australian parent overseas does not automatically make a child an Australian citizen. The parents need to apply and have the citizenship formally registered. Until that application is approved and a citizenship certificate is issued, the child is not legally a citizen.
This is a critical point. Don't assume entry to Australia is straightforward for the baby until the citizenship or appropriate travel documentation is sorted.
The pathway: citizenship by descent
The main route for overseas-born babies is citizenship by descent. The child is eligible if:
- They were born outside Australia
- At least one parent was an Australian citizen at the time of the birth
There's an extra condition if the Australian parent was also a citizen by descent: that parent must have spent at least two years living in Australia before the child's birth.
What if the Australian parent is also a citizen by descent?
If the Australian parent was not born in Australia and did not naturalise — meaning they are also a citizen by descent — check one additional condition:
Did that parent spend at least two years living in Australia at any point before the child's birth?
If yes, the child is eligible. If no, the child may not be eligible for citizenship by descent through that parent alone. In this situation, contact the Department of Home Affairs directly or seek advice from a registered migration agent for your specific circumstances.
Parent-focused checklist
Before you start the application, gather these documents:
- Baby's birth certificate showing both parents' names
- Proof of the Australian parent's citizenship at the time of the birth — an Australian passport or citizenship certificate
- Identity documents for the applying parent
- If the Australian parent is also a citizen by descent: evidence they lived in Australia for at least 2 years before the baby's birth
- Certified English translations of any non-English documents (use a NAATI-accredited translator: naati.com.au)
How to apply
Parents apply on behalf of the baby. Applications are lodged online through ImmiAccount at online.immi.gov.au/lusc/login. The application is associated with Form 118 (citizenship by descent).
Steps:
- Log into or create your ImmiAccount
- Start the citizenship by descent application
- Upload all required documents
- Pay the application fee (check current fees at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-support/departmental-forms/online-forms/citizenship-fees)
If you're overseas and need guidance, contact the nearest Australian embassy or consulate — they can advise on the process.
Travel warning: don't assume automatic entry
If you need to travel to Australia with your baby before the citizenship application is finalised, the baby will need appropriate travel documents for entry. Citizenship is only confirmed once the citizenship certificate is issued — not when you apply, not when you pay the fee.
Until you have the citizenship certificate, you may need to apply for a visa for the baby to enter Australia. Check with the Department of Home Affairs or an immigration professional before you book travel.
After approval
Once the application is approved, the baby receives a citizenship by descent certificate — the official confirmation of their Australian citizenship. With this certificate, you can apply for an Australian passport for the child.
An Australian passport is important for international travel. Apply through the Australian Passport Office. For child passport applications, you'll need the citizenship certificate, birth certificate, and your own identity documents as the parent.
Processing times
Processing times vary. Apply early — particularly if you'll need an Australian passport for the baby to travel. Check current processing times at: immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/citizenship/citizenship-processing-times
Special circumstances
Children born overseas through surrogacy arrangements or international adoption may also be eligible for citizenship in some situations. These cases are more complex, and requirements vary. Contact the Department of Home Affairs directly or seek advice from a registered migration agent for your specific circumstances.
Related guides
- How to get Australian citizenship by descent
- Australian citizenship forms 118 and 119 explained
- How to get an Australian citizenship certificate
- Australian citizenship for children
Always verify eligibility and current fees with the Department of Home Affairs before applying.
Frequently asked questions
What if the Australian parent is also a citizen by descent?
If the Australian parent was not born in Australia and did not naturalise — meaning they are also a citizen by descent — check one additional condition: Did that parent spend at least **two years living in Australia** at any point before the child's birth? If yes, the child is eligible. If no, the child may not be eligible for citizenship by descent through that parent alone. In this situation, contact the Department of Home Affairs directly or seek advice from a registered migration agent for your specific circumstances.