Having the citizenship of a particular country generally means you are recognised officially as a 'member' of that country, with certain responsibilities and privileges.  Australian citizens may hold the citizenship of another country (dual citizenship) or more than two countries (plural citizenship).

Usually people born in Australia of Australian parents become Australian citizens by birth.  People who migrate to Australia, including refugees, can acquire citizenship by grant.

Around 95 per cent of people who reside in Australia hold Australian citizenship.  Approximately 1 million others would be entitled to take out citizenship if they wished.

Responsibilities and privileges

Australian citizenship confers privileges and responsibilities, including the right to:

• stand for public office or nominate for election to Parliament;
• apply for an Australian passport and leave and re-enter the country without a resident return visa;

• seek consular assistance from Australia's diplomatic representatives while overseas;
• apply to enlist in the armed forces and for government jobs; and
• register children (under 25 years of age born overseas) as Australian citizens by descent.
  

In return, Australian citizens are required to:

• obey the laws and fulfil their duties as an Australian citizen;
• enrol on the Electoral Register and vote at Federal and State/Territory elections and referenda;
• serve on a jury, if called on; and
• defend Australia, should the need arise (subject to the same rights and exemptions as Australian-born citizens).

Citizenship by birth or descent

Since 20 August 1986, citizenship is acquired if, at the time of the person's birth in Australia, at least one parent is either an Australian citizen or a permanent resident of Australia.

People born overseas to a parent who is an Australian citizen may apply for registration as an Australian citizen by descent, if they meet certain criteria.

Applying for grant of citizenship

Generally, people are eligible for Australian citizenship when they have been present in Australia as a permanent resident for two years.  While there are some exceptions, people seeking citizenship must:

• be a permanent resident and at least 18 years of age;
• be capable of understanding the nature of their citizenship application;
• have a basic knowledge of the English language;
• understand the responsibilities and privileges of Australian citizenship;
• be of good character; and
• be likely to live permanently in Australia or maintain a close and continuing association with Australia.

The process of applying for citizenship

Potential new citizens are provided with a copy of the booklet What it means to be an Australian citizen, produced by the Department of Immigration.  The booklet includes brief summaries of Australian history, heritage, symbols, institutions and laws, and was designed to assist new citizens gain a better understanding of their new country.

Citizenship ceremonies are generally organised by local Councils. During the citizenship ceremony, each applicant must make a Pledge of Commitment.  The current Pledge of Commitment as a Citizen of the Commonwealth of Australia reads:

From this time forward, under God, *
I pledge my loyalty to Australia and its people,
whose democratic beliefs I share,
whose rights and liberties I respect, and
whose laws I will uphold and obey.

* All new citizens have the choice of making the pledge with or without the words 'under God'.

More information

More information on citizenship, application forms and charges, including concession fees and exemptions, are available from the Citizenship website at www.citizenship.gov.au or the Citizenship Information Line on 131 880.