Children born in Australia to at least one Australian citizen or permanent resident are automatically Australian citizens at birth. Children under 18 are exempt from the Australian Citizenship Test and the citizenship ceremony. Children born overseas to Australian parents can apply by descent.
Australian citizenship rules for children differ significantly from the rules for adults. Children under 18 do not sit the Australian Citizenship Test — they are automatically included in a parent's application or can apply through a separate, simplified process. Understanding these rules is important both for parents navigating the citizenship process and for citizenship test candidates who may be asked about citizenship by birth and descent.
Children Born in Australia
Since 20 August 1986, a child born in Australia is not automatically an Australian citizen simply by being born on Australian soil (jus soli no longer applies unconditionally). Instead, a child born in Australia becomes a citizen at birth only if at least one parent is an Australian citizen or permanent resident at the time of the child's birth.
However, there is an important exception: a child born in Australia who is not a citizen at birth but lives continuously in Australia for the first 10 years of their life automatically becomes an Australian citizen on their 10th birthday, regardless of the parents' visa status.
Citizenship by Descent — Children Born Overseas
Children born outside Australia to at least one Australian citizen parent can apply for citizenship by descent. This is not automatic — an application must be lodged with the Department of Home Affairs. Key rules include:
- At least one parent must have been an Australian citizen at the time of the child's birth
- The application must generally be lodged before the child turns 25
- If neither parent was born in Australia or registered as an Australian citizen, additional requirements may apply
- The child does not need to sit the citizenship test
- Children by descent do not need to attend a citizenship ceremony
According to the Department of Home Affairs, citizenship by descent is a way for Australian families living abroad to ensure their children maintain a connection to Australia.
Children Applying for Citizenship by Conferral
When a parent is applying for Australian citizenship by conferral (the standard naturalisation process), they can include their dependent children under 16 in the same application at no extra charge. Children aged 16 to 17 can also apply but must do so separately.
Children included in a parent's application:
- Are exempt from the citizenship test
- Do not need to attend a citizenship ceremony (though they may attend with their parents)
- Must still meet the general residence requirements
- Must be lawful non-citizens at the time of application
Preparing for Your Own Citizenship Test?
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Start Free Practice TestsAdopted Children and Citizenship
Children adopted by Australian citizens may be eligible for citizenship, but the rules depend on how the adoption was processed:
- Intercountry adoption via Australian state/territory processes: The child generally becomes an Australian citizen automatically when the adoption is finalised
- Adoption via Australian migration law: The child may need to apply for citizenship separately after migrating to Australia
Parents should seek advice from a registered migration agent or the Department of Home Affairs to confirm the correct pathway, as intercountry adoption rules vary by country of origin.
Residence Requirements for Children
Unlike adults, children do not need to meet the standard 4-year lawful residence requirement (including 1 year as a permanent resident). The residence requirements for children are assessed more flexibly, taking into account the child's best interests.
| Child Type | Citizenship Test Required? | Ceremony Required? |
|---|---|---|
| Born in Australia (citizen parent) | No — automatic citizen | No |
| Born overseas (by descent) | No | No |
| Under 16 (included in parent's application) | No | No (optional) |
| Aged 16 to 17 (separate application) | No | No (optional) |
When Children Do Need to Attend the Citizenship Ceremony
While children are not legally required to attend the citizenship ceremony, many families choose to bring their children along as a meaningful family milestone. Children who are included in a parent's conferral application receive their citizenship at the same time as their parent, so the ceremony can be a celebration for the whole family.
For information about what happens at the ceremony itself, see our guide on the Australian citizenship ceremony.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do children have to sit the Australian Citizenship Test?
No. Children under 18 are exempt from the Australian Citizenship Test. They are either included in their parent's citizenship application or apply through a separate process without a test requirement.
Is a child born in Australia automatically a citizen?
Only if at least one parent is an Australian citizen or permanent resident at the time of birth. Otherwise, the child becomes a citizen automatically only after living continuously in Australia for 10 years from birth.
Can my child get citizenship if they were born overseas?
Yes, through citizenship by descent. At least one parent must have been an Australian citizen at the time of the child's birth, and the application must generally be lodged before the child turns 25.
Do children need to attend the citizenship ceremony?
Children are not required to attend the ceremony, but they are welcome to attend with their parents. It is a meaningful event many families choose to share together.
What is the residence requirement for children applying for citizenship?
Children do not have to meet the standard 4-year residence requirement that applies to adults. Their residence is assessed more flexibly based on their individual circumstances and best interests.