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Countries That Permit Dual Citizenship with Australia

See all articlesCountries That Permit Dual Citizenship with AustraliaCountries That Permit Dual Citizenship with Australia
Citizenship
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By
Australian Migration Agents
October 16, 2025
5
minute read

One benefit of Australian citizenship is the ability to hold dual citizenship. While Australia allows dual nationality, not all countries have the same approach. This article explains dual citizenship in Australia, including what Australian citizenship involves and which countries recognise it.

What Is Dual Citizenship?

Dual or multiple citizenship refers to holding legal citizenship in two or more countries simultaneously. International law recognises dual nationality, but the laws differ in each country where you hold citizenship.

In Australia, dual citizenship means that you are both an Australian citizen and a citizen of another country. This only applies if you do not lose your Australian citizenship in the first place. Similarly, people who already hold citizenship in another country and become Australian citizens are considered dual citizens, provided the other country permits it.

Overview of Australian Citizenship

Whether you wish to have dual citizenship with Australia or are an Australian citizen and want citizenship in another country, you must first hold Australian citizenship.

However, citizenship must not be confused with being a permanent resident. While both allow you to reside, work, or study in Australia, there are a few key differences.

An Australian citizen can re-enter Australia automatically. However, as a permanent resident, you must have a visa with a valid travel authority to re-enter the country.

Generally, permanent residents are not eligible to vote in Australian government elections.

Australian citizenship makes you a formal member of Australian society, where you can enjoy the country's privileges, obtain an Australian passport, and study or work without restrictions.

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Benefits of Holding Australian Citizenship

There are many reasons people seek Australian citizenship, including the following:

Travel Advantages and Passport Power

The Australian passport allows citizens (including dual citizens) to travel to over 100 countries visa-free or with a visa on arrival. This means you do not have to submit a visa application in advance and wait for its approval. Once you have acquired citizenship, it also means that you can stay outside Australia for as long as you wish and re-enter without needing to navigate complex immigration processes.

Additionally, citizenship provides you with consular assistance from the Australian government. This is crucial when you face any crisis during travel, as the government can liaise with foreign governments, local authorities, and national security services to support you during the situation.

Access to Social Services and Healthcare

Those holding Australian citizenship are also entitled to access the country's public healthcare system, Medicare. This typically covers various health services to help citizens with healthcare expenses, including doctor visits, medication, and hospital admissions.

Australian citizenship also grants access to social welfare services, which comprise various payments and programs designed to assist individuals with disabilities, unemployment, or complex medical conditions.

Voting and Political Rights

Australian citizens aged 18 years or older are eligible to participate in the country's democracy. Citizenship grants you the ability to vote in federal, state, and local government elections upon valid enrolment, giving you the right to choose your democratic representative.

Employment and Education Benefits

While permanent residents may apply for most jobs, citizenship is required for certain roles in the Australian Public Service, the Australian Defence Force, and other government agencies.

Australian citizens are also eligible for various educational benefits, such as reduced tuition fees, grants, and scholarships, as well as schemes like the HECS-HELP loan, which is available for those in Commonwealth-supported places (CSP).

How to Become an Australian Citizen

Acquiring dual nationality with Australia means you must first become a citizen of this country.

Eligibility Criteria (residency, age, character, language)

As per Australian citizenship laws, you can become an Australian citizen by birth, descent, adoption, or conferral. For those migrating to Australia, conferral is the most common method, and its general eligibility criteria include the following:

  • Being a permanent resident or an eligible New Zealand Special Category visa holder and meeting specific residence requirements.
  • Living in Australia on a valid visa at the time of application and decision.
  • Meeting the general residence requirement, which typically means not being away from Australia for more than one year in total in the four years before applying, including no more than 90 days in the 12 months before applying.
  • Meeting the Department of Home Affairs' character requirement, where it will determine if you are of good character.
  • Passing the citizenship test with at least a 75% score to display sufficient knowledge of Australia and the English language.
  • Displaying a close and continuing link to Australia, which can be demonstrated through factors like having family, a home, or employment in Australia.

The Step-by-Step Application Process

Here is a brief overview of what the citizenship application process includes:

  1. Based on your eligibility and visa status, you can decide to apply for citizenship.
  2. Before applying, gather the key documents to substantiate your claims (such as proof of identity, birth certificate, and police certificates).
  3. Use your ImmiAccount to apply for citizenship online and make the required payment.
  4. Complete and submit your application, along with all supporting documents.
  5. Attend your citizenship test and interview appointment.
  6. Wait for the Department's decision letter. If successful, you will be invited to attend a citizenship ceremony to make the Australian Pledge of Commitment and receive your citizenship certificate.

Processing Times and Common Pitfalls

Processing times will depend on your specific circumstances and may extend over several months. However, delays may be reduced by avoiding common pitfalls, such as:

  • Submitting your application online without sufficient evidence.
  • Not meeting the residency requirements before applying.
  • Not preparing adequately to pass the citizenship test.
  • Not disclosing your full character history transparently (such as past criminal offences or immigration issues).
  • Submitting inconsistent, inaccurate, or outdated documents.
  • Failing to respond to the Department's communications in a timely manner.

Understanding Dual Citizenship in Practice

While Australia permits dual citizenship, it is essential to understand how it works in practice. The process begins with determining whether the other country also permits it.

Besides adhering to the specific laws of each country, here are some considerations you must keep in mind:

  • Your home country or another country where you are seeking citizenship must recognise dual citizenship.
  • After acquiring Australian citizenship, you must use your Australian passport when leaving or entering Australia.
  • You may be required to declare your worldwide income in Australia and in any other country where you hold citizenship, subject to those countries’ tax laws.
  • When present in another country where you hold citizenship, you must adhere to its laws and legal systems.

Which Countries Permit Dual Citizenship with Australia?

Before applying for dual citizenship, it is important to confirm the laws in both Australia and the other country. Citizenship laws can be complex and change over time.

Countries That Generally Allow Dual Citizenship

Many countries recognise and permit dual citizenship with Australia without major restrictions. These include, but are not limited to:

  • Most European nations, including the United Kingdom, Ireland, Italy, France, Sweden, and Denmark.
  • Key anglosphere countries such as the United States, New Zealand, and Canada.
  • Various nations in South America and other regions.

Countries With Restrictions or Prohibitions on Dual Citizenship

Some countries either strictly prohibit dual citizenship or impose significant restrictions. It is vital to verify the specific laws of the other country before proceeding, as acquiring Australian citizenship could impact your existing citizenship.

  • Countries that often prohibit dual citizenship: Some nations, such as China, Japan, and Singapore, generally do not permit their citizens to hold another nationality. Acquiring Australian citizenship would likely require you to renounce your original citizenship.
  • Countries with special conditions: Other nations have unique rules. For example, India offers Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) status, which provides many rights but is not the same as dual citizenship. South Africa requires its citizens to apply for permission to retain their South African citizenship before acquiring another.
  • Countries with exceptions: Some countries, like Indonesia, may have exceptions for children who hold dual nationality until they reach adulthood.

Getting Professional Guidance: How a Migration Agent Can Help

The regulations for citizenship and dual citizenship can be complex. Understanding the relevant laws, requirements, and potential risks is important. Professional guidance can help you navigate these complexities.

At Australian Migration Agents, our team comprises experienced professionals with a deep understanding of citizenship laws and procedures. Based on your specific circumstances, we provide tailored, step-by-step guidance to help you navigate the citizenship application process confidently, maximising your prospects of a successful outcome.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Hold Multiple Citizenships Without Losing Australian Citizenship?

Yes, from Australia's perspective. If the other countries involved also allow dual citizenship, you may hold multiple citizenships without losing your Australian citizenship.

Does Dual Citizenship Affect Inheritance or Property Rights?

It can. Depending on the specific laws surrounding inheritance, taxation, and jurisdictional disputes, there can be complexities with property rights and inheritance when you hold dual citizenship.

Are There Any Travel Implications?

With dual citizenship, you are free to travel, using the passport most appropriate for your destination. However, Australian law states that as an Australian citizen, you must enter and leave Australia on your Australian passport.

How Does Dual Citizenship Affect Taxation?

In Australia, your tax obligations are generally based on residency, not citizenship. However, you will need to check the specific tax laws of your home country or other countries in which you are a citizen, as some countries (like the United States) tax their citizens based on worldwide income regardless of where they reside.

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