Dual citizenship means exactly what it states; the state where a person holds citizenship of 2 countries concurrently. For Australian citizens, dual citizenship allows them to hold the citizenship of Australia and another nation concurrently. This means that the person will avail certain rights of both nations and adhere to the laws of both nations as well.

Let us dive into the nuances and complexities of dual citizenship in Australia.

Countries that Allow Dual Citizenship

If you are looking to obtain dual citizenship in Australia, the first thing you need to clarify is whether your home country allows this facility or not. While dual or multiple citizenship is allowed in Australia, certain nations do not permit dual citizenship or additional foreign citizenship.

The countries that allow dual citizenship are listed in the table below:

It is important to note that such lists are subject to change depending on the decisions and laws passed by the government of a country. It is always advisable to research and understand a country’s dual citizenship laws before applying for one.

Who is Eligible for Dual Citizenship in Australia?

How do you know if you are eligible for dual citizenship in Australia? It is simple. You can apply for dual citizenship if you:

●      Are already an Australian citizen or hold permanent residency.

●      Are the child of an Australian citizen.

●      Possess citizenship of a country that permits you to hold dual citizenship with Australia.

●      Remain as another country’s citizen and then become an Australian citizen.

●      Have lived in Australia for the past 4 years as a permanent resident and have not been out of the country for extended periods.

●      Meet the government’s character requirements.

●      Pass the English language proficiency requirements (basic, conversational English at least).

Applying for Australian Dual Citizenship

If you fulfil the aforementioned criteria, the next step is to begin the application process for dual citizenship. While the process is not a complex one, it may take a while until you receive dual citizenship.

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1. The first step will concern the gathering of all your documents. This will include proof of identification, residency, birth certificates, etc. Ensure that you are carrying the original documents to your appointment with a Department of Home Affairs official. If the documents are not in English, kindly get them translated. 
2. You will have to complete an online application form and submit it along with the fee - which may be up to AUD $285. 
3. After a while, you will be requested to attend an appointment which will be to verify your documents and to take the citizenship test/interview. 
4. If you pass the test and other requirements, congratulations! All that will be required is to attend your Citizenship Ceremony and take the pledge. It is definitely a kodak moment.

What is the Citizenship Test?

The Australian Citizenship test has been specially designed to help futureAustralians understand the values and ethos that are important to the nation.This, in turn, will help them assimilate better with the country and people.You will be tested on subjects such as:

• National Symbols 
• Values 
• Traditions 
• History

The test will also determine how you have already integrated into Australian society and how well you have understood it. You must display an understanding and commitment to those values while also respecting the privileges and responsibilities that come with citizenship.

If you wish to undergo a practice test, click here.

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If you are looking for resources to study for the citizenship test, click here.

Travelling to and from Australia with Dual Citizenship

Once you obtain dual citizenship in Australia, there are certain guidelines you must be aware of and follow, including ones for travel.

Asan Australian citizen, you must use your Australian passport whenever you leave or enter Australia. Once you are out of Australian soil, you may use the other passport, if required.

If you are holding a foreign passport while returning to Australia as a citizen, you may need some help. For example, certain airlines may not allow you to board your plane unless you prove that you are an Australian citizen. And while there are other ways to do that, bearing an Australian passport is the most convenient way to prove your citizenship.

Military Service and Dual Citizenship

While Australia does not have mandatory military service for its citizens, certain nations hold mandatory military service periods for all their nationals. Even if you hold Australian dual citizenship, if you are from any of the countries listed below, you will be required to fulfil the military service requirements.

• Lebanon 
• Israel 
• Greece 
• Iran 
• Egypt

Failure to complete military service will be equivalent to breaking the law of the nation, for which you will be liable to punishment as per the law.

Marriages and Family Issues 

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Once you hold Australian dual citizenship, there are certain relationship and familial clauses that you will have to be aware of and adhere to. 

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Marriages performed overseas: If you are getting married overseas, the government of Australia will recognize the marriage provided that it meets the Australian legal requirements. You may be asked to provide documents such as:

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• A Certificate of No Impediment (CNI) to Marriage 
• Registry of births, deaths and marriages in your Australian state/territory for a formal name change

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To confirm that your overseas marriage is legally recognised in Australia, seek help from immigration lawyers. 

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Marriages performed in Australia: Some countries may not recognize a marriage that has been performed in Australia. This may affect:

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• A marriage between an Australian and a person of another nationality 
• Same-sex marriage may not be recognized in certain countries. Some countries have criminalised same-sex marriage, which could lead to consequences for same-sex couples. 
• Children of marriages that are not recognized may be considered illegitimate. 

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To ensure that your marriage is legally recognized outside Australia, contact an immigration lawyer before departing from Australia. 

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Underage Marriage: Some families may attempt to conduct the marriage of their child in countries where the legal marriage age is lower than that of Australia. However, despite dual citizenship, the families will have to adhere to Australian marriage laws that state: 

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• A child below the age of 18 cannot get married.
• If there are special circumstances in which a child aged 16 or 17 has to marry, the family must obtain a special court order which has been issued by the Australian court. 
• If a child who is an Australian citizen gets married in another country when he/she/they are under the age of 18, Australia will not recognize the marriage. 

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Forced Marriage: Forced marriage is illegal under Australian law. Any individuals who have threatened, coerced or deceived someone else to enter a marriage will be legally prosecuted. 

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Divorce: Even if you hold dual citizenship of another country with Australia, some of them may not recognize divorces settled in Australia. Some countries may require couples to file both a civil and religious divorce. 

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If you are concerned about the status of your divorce overseas, contact your immigration lawyer before travelling to the country.

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Can and Can’t of Dual Citizenship 

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Once you hold dual Australian citizenship, you will be eligible for certain provisions made by the Australian government when you are in your other country of citizenship. However, there may be certain circumstances in which the government will not be able to assist you. Here is a list of the cans and can’t of dual citizenship in your other country. 

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Can 

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• You will be able to avail of Australian passport services 
• You will be able to avail of notarial services such as document legislation, CNIs, etc. 
• You will be provided with lists of local, English-speaking doctors, lawyers, etc. 

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Can’t 

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• You won’t be provided consular assistance if your other country’s government does not recognize your Australian dual citizenship. 
• You cannot avoid partaking in government-mandated activities and services such as military service. 
• You will not be provided with help if you have been arrested or jailed.

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Disclaimer: Kindly note that the information provided here does not constitute legal advice. This must solely be regarded as content that provides general immigration information and is not a substitute for professional legal advice that occurs between an immigration lawyer and a client.

Path Migration strongly recommends readers contact certified immigration lawyers for a holistic overview of the Australian immigration system and a detailed analysis of each case.

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