Australian citizenship requirements: the full list in plain English
Last updated 23 October 2026
The rules at a glance
To become an Australian citizen by conferral, the main rules are these. You must be a permanent resident, meet the residence rule, be of good character, know enough English and about Australia, and plan to live in Australia. You must also agree to Australian values. The steps to meet them are on our application page.
Permanent residence
You must be a permanent resident when you apply and when Home Affairs decides. Everyone on the application must be one too. In most cases you must also be in Australia when the decision is made.
Residence rule
The general residence rule has four parts.
- You have lived in Australia on a valid visa for 4 years immediately before the day you apply.
- You were not in Australia unlawfully at any time in those four years.
- You have held a permanent visa for the last 12 months before you apply.
- You were away for no more than 12 months in total in the past four years, and no more than 90 days in total in the 12 months before you apply.
Some people do not need to meet the residence rule. Examples are children under 16 and some Defence Force members. The Home Affairs page for permanent residents lists them all.
Age
The Act sets the age at 18 or over. Home Affairs and form 1300t cover applicants aged 18 to 59 in the main path. People aged 60 and over have their own page and rule. A child under 18 can apply with a parent's permission.
Good character
You must be of good character if you are aged 18 or over. Home Affairs looks at whether you will uphold and obey Australian laws and keep the commitments in the pledge.
The citizenship test
Most applicants aged 18 to 59 on the day they apply must sit the test. It has 20 multiple choice questions and takes 45 minutes. You need 75 percent, which is 15 right. You must also get all 5 values questions right. Questions come only from the booklet Our Common Bond.
Home Affairs says a score of 75 percent or more with all values questions right meets the knowledge rule. Those who are 17 or under, 60 or over, or in some special cases do not sit the test. They may be asked to an interview.
Test yourself with the free 20-question mock.
English
You need a basic knowledge of English. The test is in English only, and you can choose to listen to the questions. Passing the test meets the language rule.
Likely to live in Australia
Home Affairs must be satisfied that you are likely to live, or keep living, in Australia. A close and continuing link with Australia while you are overseas can also meet this rule.
Values
When you sign your application you declare that you understand Australian values and will live by them. See the Australian values statement.
When Home Affairs cannot approve
Home Affairs must not approve an application if:
- it is not satisfied of your identity
- you have certain pending charges or recent jail terms
- you are a security risk
- you stopped being a citizen in the past 12 months
There are limits on when you can be outside Australia at the time of the decision.
Independent practice
We are independent. We are not Home Affairs. Check current rules on the Home Affairs website before you apply.
Questions people ask
- How long must I live in Australia before I apply?
- You must have lived in Australia on a valid visa for four years immediately before you apply. For the last 12 months of that time you must have held a permanent visa.
- How much time can I spend overseas?
- No more than 12 months in total in the past four years. Inside that, no more than 90 days in total in the 12 months before you apply.
- Who does not need to sit the citizenship test?
- People aged 17 or under and people aged 60 or over generally do not sit it. Some other special cases do not sit it either.
- Do I need to speak English?
- You need a basic knowledge of English. Passing the citizenship test meets this rule.