Australia fully allows dual citizenship — you do not need to give up your original passport when you become Australian. However, your home country's laws determine whether you can keep both. Countries like India, China, Japan, and Singapore do not permit dual nationality. Always check your home country's rules before applying.
Australia allows dual citizenship — meaning you can become an Australian citizen and keep your original passport at the same time. You are not required to renounce your home country's citizenship as part of the Australian citizenship process. However, whether you can actually hold both nationalities depends entirely on your home country's laws, not Australia's.
According to the Department of Home Affairs, Australia has no objection to its citizens holding multiple passports. The decision is yours and your original country's to make.
Does Australia Allow Dual Citizenship?
Yes — Australia has allowed dual citizenship since 2002. Before that, Australians who naturalised in another country automatically lost their Australian citizenship. The Australian Citizenship Act 2007 formally enshrines the right to hold multiple citizenships. There is no upper limit on how many nationalities an Australian citizen can hold.
When you become an Australian citizen, the Department of Home Affairs does not contact your home country or notify them of your new status. What you choose to do with your original citizenship is entirely your own decision.
Which Countries Do NOT Allow Dual Citizenship?
While Australia is relaxed about dual nationality, many countries are not. If your home country does not allow dual citizenship, you may automatically lose your original citizenship the moment you take the Australian citizenship pledge — even if you didn't intend to.
Countries That Generally Do Not Allow Dual Citizenship
- India — Indian law does not permit dual citizenship. Indian nationals who become citizens of another country automatically lose their Indian citizenship. However, India offers Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) — a long-term visa that gives many citizenship-like benefits without full nationality.
- China (PRC) — China does not recognise dual citizenship. Chinese nationals are considered to have renounced Chinese citizenship upon voluntarily acquiring another nationality.
- Japan — Japan requires its citizens to choose one nationality upon reaching adulthood (typically by age 22). Japanese-Australian dual citizens may be asked to formally renounce one.
- Singapore — Singapore does not permit dual citizenship for citizens over age 21.
- Indonesia — Indonesia generally does not allow dual citizenship for adults, though limited exceptions exist for children.
- Saudi Arabia — Saudi Arabia does not permit dual citizenship.
- United Arab Emirates — The UAE does not allow dual citizenship for Emiratis.
Countries That Generally Allow Dual Citizenship with Australia
- United Kingdom — British citizens can become Australian citizens without losing UK nationality.
- New Zealand — New Zealand allows dual citizenship with Australia.
- Philippines — The Philippines allows former citizens to reacquire Philippine citizenship under the Dual Citizenship Act.
- Italy — Italy allows dual citizenship and even extends Italian citizenship by descent to some Australians with Italian heritage.
- Ireland — Ireland allows dual citizenship.
- South Korea — Limited dual citizenship was introduced in 2011 for certain categories.
- Pakistan — Pakistan allows dual citizenship with Australia under a bilateral agreement.
- Sri Lanka — Sri Lanka permits dual citizenship with Australia.
- Bangladesh — Bangladesh allows dual citizenship.
Preparing for Your Citizenship Test?
Pass the Australian Citizenship Test with confidence using our free practice questions.
Start Practice TestsWhat Is the OCI Card? (Important for Indian Applicants)
India's Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) scheme is not full citizenship — but it is the next best thing for Indians who choose to become Australian citizens. OCI holders receive:
- A lifelong, multi-entry visa to visit India with no time restrictions
- The right to live and work in India indefinitely
- Parity with Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) in economic, financial, and educational fields
- No right to vote, hold constitutional posts, or purchase agricultural land
Many Australian-Indian dual-intent applicants apply for OCI at the same time as or shortly after obtaining Australian citizenship. The Indian High Commission in Canberra processes OCI applications — visit their website for current processing times and requirements.
Travelling With Two Passports
If you hold dual citizenship and both countries allow it, there are some practical rules to follow:
- Always enter and exit Australia on your Australian passport — Australian border control expects Australian citizens to use Australian travel documents.
- Use your other country's passport when travelling to that country — this simplifies arrival and avoids complications at that country's border.
- Keep both passports valid — an expired secondary passport can still be useful for visa applications and proof of identity, but you'll need a valid one for actual travel.
Can Children Hold Australian Dual Citizenship?
Yes. Children born in Australia to at least one Australian citizen parent are Australian citizens by birth. If one parent is a citizen of another country, the child may automatically acquire that citizenship too — depending on that country's laws. Many countries grant citizenship by descent, meaning your child could legitimately hold two (or more) passports from birth.
For children born overseas to Australian citizen parents, they can be registered as Australian Citizens by Descent. This process requires an application to the Department of Home Affairs and does not affect any other citizenship the child may hold.
The Australian Citizenship Test and Dual Citizenship
The Australian Citizenship Test does not ask questions about dual citizenship specifically. However, the test does cover Australian values, government, and democratic rights — all drawn from "Our Common Bond". Use our Study Guide and practice tests to prepare thoroughly.
Sign Up to Access Full Study Materials
Free account gives you access to practice quizzes, flashcards, and progress tracking.
Create Free AccountFrequently Asked Questions
Does becoming an Australian citizen automatically cancel my original citizenship?
Not from Australia's side — Australia grants you citizenship without requiring you to renounce anything. Whether your original citizenship is cancelled depends entirely on your home country's laws. Countries like India and China treat voluntary acquisition of another citizenship as automatic renunciation of their nationality.
Will Australia tell my home country that I've become a citizen?
No. The Department of Home Affairs does not notify foreign governments when their nationals become Australian citizens. What you disclose to your home country is your own decision.
Can I use both passports to travel?
Yes, if both countries allow dual citizenship. The general rule is: use your Australian passport to enter and exit Australia, and use your home country passport when travelling to and from that country. Never enter Australia on a foreign passport if you are an Australian citizen.
What if I became an Australian citizen years ago without realising I lost my original citizenship?
This depends on your home country's laws. Some countries have reinstatement or re-acquisition processes for former citizens. Contact your home country's embassy or consulate in Australia for guidance on your specific situation.
Does dual citizenship affect my Australian Citizenship Test?
No — dual citizenship has no bearing on the test itself. The Australian Citizenship Test covers Australian values, history, and government regardless of your national background. You can prepare using our free practice tests.