Dual citizenship in Australia: can you keep your old passport?

Short answer

Australia allows dual citizenship. When you become an Australian citizen, Australia does not ask you to give up another citizenship.

The other country makes its own rule. Some countries let you keep your citizenship. Some do not. Australia cannot tell you what your other country will do.

Check your other country first

Do this before you lodge your application, not after the ceremony.

1. Find the nationality law of your other country.
2. Look for words about taking another citizenship, losing citizenship, or giving up a passport.
3. Ask that country's embassy or consulate if the law is not clear.

If you are not sure, find out first. Becoming a citizen is a legal step, and you may not be able to undo it.

We cannot give legal advice. We do not list countries here, because rules change and each country decides for itself.

What Home Affairs says

Australia lets its citizens hold one or more other citizenships. The other country has the final say: its own laws decide whether you keep its citizenship. Having two is called dual citizenship, and having more is called multiple citizenship.

The government also points dual nationals to the Smartraveller advice for dual nationals. Read it if you plan to travel on both passports.

Australian law still applies

A dual citizen in Australia is bound by every Australian law, the same as any other citizen. Some Australian laws also reach citizens while they are abroad.

The pledge

At the ceremony you make the Australian Citizenship Pledge. You promise loyalty to Australia and its people. You become a citizen when you make it. Read the words and the two versions on our citizenship ceremony page.

The pledge is a commitment to Australia. The other country decides what it means for your first citizenship.

Who this matters for

You can only apply by conferral if you are a permanent resident who is willing to make the pledge. See citizenship by conferral and the full requirements. A New Zealand citizen on a Special Category (subclass 444) visa counts as a permanent resident.

Before you apply

• Check your other country's law.
• Think about which passport you will use for travel.
• Keep your documents ready for the application.
• Prepare for the test. It has 20 questions, you need 15 right, and all 5 values questions must be right.

You can try the free 20-question mock any time.

What changes after you become a citizen

You have the same rights and responsibilities as any other citizen. These include voting, which is compulsory from age 18, and jury service if you are called. Read about them in voting in Australia. Check your other country's rules on what it expects of you.

The test is the same for everyone

Dual citizenship does not change the test. Most applicants aged 18 to 59 sit it, and the questions come from the booklet Our Common Bond. It is in English only.

We are independent

We are not Home Affairs. We do not give migration or legal advice. For decisions about your citizenship status, use the Home Affairs website and the law of your other country.