To be eligible for Australian citizenship, you generally need to be a permanent resident, have lived in Australia for at least 4 years (including 1 year as a PR), be of good character, have basic English, and pass the Australian Citizenship Test.
To become an Australian citizen, you must meet several eligibility requirements set by the Department of Home Affairs, including permanent residency status, a 4-year residency requirement (with at least 12 months as a permanent resident), good character, and basic English language ability. You must also pass the Australian Citizenship Test.
This guide breaks down each requirement so you can assess your eligibility before applying.
General Eligibility Requirements
According to the Department of Home Affairs, the general requirements for Australian citizenship by conferral are:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Permanent residency | Must be a permanent resident at time of application and decision |
| Residency period | 4 years lawful residence, including 12 months as a permanent resident |
| Absence limit | No more than 12 months total absence in the 4-year period (no more than 90 days in the final 12 months) |
| Good character | No significant criminal record; honest dealings with the Australian government |
| Basic English | Ability to understand and communicate in basic English |
| Intention to reside | Intend to live in Australia or maintain a close and continuing association |
| Citizenship test | Must pass the Australian Citizenship Test (ages 18-59) |
Requirement 1: Permanent Residency
You must hold a permanent visa at the time you apply and at the time a decision is made on your application. This includes all permanent visa subclasses (skilled, family, business, etc.).
You cannot apply for citizenship while on a temporary visa, bridging visa, or student visa. If your permanent residency application is still being processed, you must wait until it is granted.
Requirement 2: Residency Period
The residency requirement has two parts:
- 4 years of lawful residence in Australia — This includes time on any lawful visa (temporary or permanent). The 4-year period is calculated backwards from the date of your citizenship application.
- 12 months as a permanent resident — Within the 4-year period, you must have held permanent residency for at least the final 12 months.
Absence Limits
During the 4-year qualifying period, you must not have been absent from Australia for more than 12 months in total. In the final 12 months before applying, you must not have been absent for more than 90 days.
Requirement 3: Good Character
You must be of good character to become an Australian citizen. The Department of Home Affairs assesses this by checking:
- Criminal records in Australia and overseas
- Whether you have been subject to immigration fraud or deception
- Whether you have been involved in activities of concern (e.g., people smuggling)
- Your general conduct and behaviour
Having a minor traffic offence typically won't affect your application, but serious criminal convictions — especially those resulting in imprisonment — may lead to refusal.
Requirement 4: Basic English
You must demonstrate a basic knowledge of English. This is assessed during the citizenship interview, not through a formal English test. The interviewer will assess whether you can:
- Understand basic English questions
- Respond in basic English
- Understand the rights and responsibilities of citizenship
This is not an advanced English test. Basic conversational ability is sufficient.
Requirement 5: The Citizenship Test
Applicants aged 18 to 59 must pass the Australian Citizenship Test. The test has 20 multiple-choice questions, a 75% pass mark, and a mandatory requirement to answer all 5 values questions correctly. You have 45 minutes to complete it.
Prepare for the test using the official "Our Common Bond" booklet and practice tests. See our study guide for a structured preparation plan.
Special Categories
Applicants Aged 60 and Over
If you are 60 years or older, you may be eligible for a modified test or exemption from the standard test. The Department of Home Affairs assesses this on a case-by-case basis.
Applicants Under 18
Children under 16 can be included in a parent's citizenship application and do not need to take the test. Children aged 16-17 who apply independently must meet the standard requirements.
New Zealand Citizens
New Zealand citizens who hold a Special Category Visa (subclass 444) may have a simplified pathway to citizenship. The residency requirements may differ, but you still need to pass the citizenship test.
People with Disability
Applicants with a permanent physical or mental incapacity that prevents them from understanding the citizenship pledge may be exempt from the test. Medical evidence is required.
Eligible and ready to prepare?
Start practising with our free 10-question test while you wait for your appointment.
Start Free Practice TestHow to Check Your Eligibility
The Department of Home Affairs provides an online eligibility tool on their website. You answer a series of questions about your visa status, residency history, and personal circumstances, and the tool tells you whether you appear to meet the basic requirements.
This tool provides an indication only — the final decision is made during your actual application assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do you have to live in Australia to become a citizen?
You must have lived in Australia for at least 4 years on a lawful visa, with the final 12 months as a permanent resident. During the 4-year period, you must not have been absent for more than 12 months total, and no more than 90 days in the final year.
Do I need to speak fluent English to become a citizen?
No. You need basic English — enough to understand and respond to simple questions during the citizenship interview. There is no formal English test. The interviewer assesses your ability to communicate about your rights and responsibilities as a citizen.
Can I become a citizen if I have a criminal record?
It depends on the nature and severity of the offence. Minor offences (such as traffic fines) typically don't prevent citizenship. Serious criminal convictions, particularly those involving imprisonment of 12 months or more, may result in your application being refused. Each case is assessed individually by the Department of Home Affairs.
Do children need to take the citizenship test?
Children under 16 do not need to take the test if included in a parent's application. Children aged 16-17 who apply independently must take the standard citizenship test. There is no modified test for minors.
What if I don't meet the residency requirement yet?
If you don't meet the 4-year residency requirement, you should wait until you do before applying. Lodging an application before meeting the requirements will result in refusal. Use the waiting time to prepare for the citizenship test so you're ready when you become eligible.