To apply for Australian citizenship by conferral under the general eligibility pathway, you generally need 4 years' lawful residence in Australia immediately before applying, including the last 12 months as a permanent resident, plus you must meet the character and English requirements and pass the citizenship test. The application fee is $575 (2025-26), reduced to $80 for eligible pensioner concession card holders.
Is Permanent Residency the Same as Citizenship?
Holding permanent residency gives you the right to live and work in Australia indefinitely, but it is not the same as citizenship. Citizenship brings additional rights, including the right to vote and to hold an Australian passport, and requires a separate application once you meet the eligibility requirements.
What Is the General Residence Requirement?
Under the general eligibility pathway, you generally need to have been living in Australia on a valid visa for the 4 years immediately before you apply, including the last 12 months as a permanent resident (or on a Special Category subclass 444 visa). Within that 4-year period, your absences from Australia must not exceed:
- 12 months in total across the full 4 years
- 90 days in the 12 months immediately before you apply
Because these limits are calculated precisely, it's worth checking your own travel history carefully, particularly if you've spent extended periods overseas for work or family reasons, before assuming you're eligible.
What Other Requirements Must You Meet?
Meeting the residence requirement is only part of the picture. You also need to satisfy the character requirement, demonstrate a basic knowledge of the English language, and, in most cases, pass the Australian citizenship test, which covers Australian values, history, and the responsibilities of citizenship. Some applicants, such as those aged 60 or over or with a permanent physical or mental incapacity, may be exempt from sitting the test.
How Much Does an Application Cost?
The application fee for citizenship by conferral under the general eligibility pathway is $575 for the 2025-26 year, with a concession rate of $80 available to holders of a valid Pensioner Concession Card. This fee is indexed on 1 July each year, so we recommend confirming the current amount directly before submitting your application.
Why Are Applications Delayed or Refused?
Applications are most commonly delayed or refused because of:
- Absences from Australia that exceed the permitted limits, even where the applicant believes they qualify
- Incomplete or inconsistent evidence of residence, such as gaps that aren't properly explained
- Character issues, including certain criminal history, that require further assessment
- Incomplete supporting documentation submitted with the application
Because citizenship decisions can have significant consequences, and processing can take time, it's worth having your eligibility and evidence reviewed before you apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long do I need to live in Australia before applying for citizenship?
Generally 4 years lawfully in Australia immediately before applying, including the last 12 months holding permanent residency, with no more than 12 months total absence over the 4 years and no more than 90 days absence in the final 12 months.
2. How much does an Australian citizenship application cost?
The general eligibility application fee is $575 (2025-26), with a concession rate of $80 for holders of a valid Pensioner Concession Card. The fee is indexed each 1 July, so confirm the current amount before applying.
3. Can I apply for citizenship while overseas for part of the 4 years?
Only within the absence limits: no more than 12 months total absence over the 4-year period, and no more than 90 days in the 12 months immediately before you apply.
4. What other requirements do I need to meet besides residence?
You also need to satisfy the character requirement, have a basic knowledge of English, and generally pass the citizenship test, unless you qualify for an exemption.