Australian Citizenship Application Fees (2026 Guide)

Australian citizenship application fees depend on the type of application. From 1 July 2026, the standard fee for Australian citizenship by conferral under general eligibility (Form 1300T) is AUD $595. Other pathways, such as citizenship by descent or resumption, have different fees.

This guide sets out the current Department of Home Affairs fees, explains who pays less or nothing, and covers other costs you may face along the way.

Australian Citizenship Application Fees in 2026

There is no single citizenship fee in Australia. The amount you pay depends on the form you use, and the form depends on how you are seeking citizenship.

Most permanent residents who have met the residence requirements will look at citizenship by conferral. That is not true for everyone, though. Someone born overseas to an Australian parent, or someone who lost citizenship and wants it back, will use a different form and pay a different fee.

All fees below are in Australian dollars and are taken from the fee information published by the Department of Home Affairs. The figures apply from 1 July 2026. Earlier figures, such as the 2025 fee, are no longer current.

Australian Citizenship Application Fee by Application Type

The table below shows the current Australian citizenship application fee for each main application type from 1 July 2026.

How Much Does Australian Citizenship Cost?

For most adult applicants, the government fee is the largest single cost. If you are applying by conferral under general eligibility, that is $595, or $85 if you qualify for the concession.

The total cost can be higher than the application fee alone. Certified copies, translations and any professional help you choose to use are separate. We cover these in the section on other costs.

Citizenship by Conferral Fees

Citizenship by conferral is the pathway most people think of when they hear “becoming an Australian citizen“. It is generally for people who were not born Australian citizens and who meet requirements such as residence, character and, in most cases, a citizenship test.

Form 1300T: general eligibility

Form 1300T is used by people applying under the general eligibility criteria. This is the standard route for many permanent residents. The fee is $595, or $85 with the concession. A child under 16 included on the same form as a responsible parent pays nothing extra.

Form 1290: other situations

Form 1290 covers people who apply under a different set of circumstances, rather than the general eligibility pathway. The fee is $365, or $40 with the concession. Again, a child under 16 on the same form as a responsible parent pays nil.

Which form applies depends on your circumstances. Home Affairs explains the eligibility groups on its citizenship pages, so check there before you start.

Citizenship by Descent Fees

Citizenship by descent is for people born outside Australia to a parent who was an Australian citizen. It is a different process from conferral, and it does not involve the residence requirements that apply to permanent residents.

Using Form 118, the fee is $380 for a single application or the first applicant. Each second and subsequent sibling applying at the same time pays $160. This is the answer to the common question of how much citizenship by descent costs in Australia.

Children adopted under full Hague Convention or bilateral arrangements use Form 1272, which has the same fee structure: $380, and $160 for each additional sibling applying at the same time.

Citizenship Fees for Children

The rules for children depend on the pathway.

• Conferral (Forms 1300T and 1290): a child under 16 applying on the same form as a responsible parent generally pays no separate fee.
• Resumption (Form 132): the same rule applies. A child under 16 on the same form as a responsible parent pays nil.
• Descent (Form 118) and adoption (Form 1272): the first applicant pays $380, and each additional sibling applying at the same time pays $160.

If a child applies on their own form rather than on a parent’s form, a different fee may apply. Check the current Home Affairs schedule for your situation.

Citizenship Fee Concessions

A concession fee is a reduced fee for eligible applicants. For Forms 1300T and 1290, it is only available to applicants who hold a valid Australian Government Pensioner Concession Card, under the conditions set by Home Affairs.

• Form 1300T: $85 instead of $595
• Form 1290: $40 instead of $365

Other types of concession cards may not qualify, so confirm your card type and the conditions on the Home Affairs website before you lodge.

Who May Qualify for a Citizenship Fee Exemption?

Some applicants are exempt from the fee altogether. Home Affairs recognises exemptions for:

• specific former child migrants
• eligible Australian Defence Force permanent-force service members
• applicants covered by the statelessness provision

Each exemption has its own conditions. Read the Home Affairs guidance to see whether you fit, and do not assume you qualify from the category name alone.

Does the Citizenship Fee Change Every Year?

Yes, it can. Home Affairs applies indexation to citizenship application fees on 1 July each year, so amounts usually rise slightly. The fees in this article apply from 1 July 2026.

Government policy can also change. Always confirm the current amount on the Home Affairs website on the day you plan to apply.

Are There Other Costs When Applying for Citizenship?

The government application fee is not the only possible cost. What you pay beyond it depends on your circumstances. Possible extra costs include:

• Document certification: where copies of documents need to be certified.
• Translation: where documents are not in English.
• Professional assistance: if you choose to use a migration agent or lawyer. This is optional and is not a government fee.
• Travel and personal costs: for example, getting to appointments, a test or a ceremony.

How to Apply for Australian Citizenship

The exact steps vary by pathway, but the general process looks like this:

1. Check your eligibility for the relevant pathway.
2. Gather your documents.
3. Prepare the application.
4. Pay the applicable government fee.
5. Lodge the application.
6. Attend a citizenship test or interview if required.
7. Wait for the decision.
8. Attend a citizenship ceremony if required.

Processing times change and depend on the application type and individual circumstances. Check the current processing-time information on the Home Affairs website rather than relying on estimates.

What Documents Do You Need?

The documents depend on your pathway. For conferral applications, they commonly include:

• identity documents, such as a passport
• evidence of your permanent residency and time in Australia
• documents that support your identity and residence history
• certified copies or English translations, where required

Home Affairs publishes a list of accepted documents for each application type. Use that list rather than a general checklist.

Common Questions About Citizenship Application Fees

How much is the Australian citizenship application fee in 2026?

It depends on the form. From 1 July 2026, the standard fee for citizenship by conferral under general eligibility (Form 1300T) is $595. See the fee table above for other application types.

What is the current Australian citizenship application fee?

The current standard fee for most permanent residents applying by conferral under general eligibility is $595. Other pathways have different fees.

How much does Australian citizenship cost?

The government fee ranges from nil to $595, depending on the form and your circumstances. Additional costs, such as certification, translation or professional help, are separate.

How much is the citizenship fee in Australia?

For Form 1300T it is $595, and for Form 1290 it is $365. Concession fees are $85 and $40 respectively for eligible pensioner card holders.

Is the Australian citizenship application fee refundable?

Whether a refund is possible depends on the circumstances of the application. Do not assume a fee can be returned if an application is refused or withdrawn. Check the refund rules on the Home Affairs website or ask a registered professional.

How much does citizenship by descent cost in Australia?

Form 118 costs $380 for the first applicant or a single application, and $160 for each second and subsequent sibling applying at the same time.

Do children have to pay the Australian citizenship application fee?

A child under 16 applying on the same form as a responsible parent generally pays no separate fee for conferral or resumption. For descent, the first applicant pays $380 and each additional sibling applying at the same time pays $160.

Who can get a citizenship fee concession?

For Forms 1300T and 1290, the concession is available to eligible applicants who hold a valid Australian Government Pensioner Concession Card, under the conditions set by Home Affairs.

Can the Australian citizenship fee change?

Yes. Home Affairs applies indexation to citizenship application fees on 1 July each year, and fees can also change with government policy.

Is there a citizenship fee exemption?

Yes, for certain groups. These include specific former child migrants, eligible Australian Defence Force permanent-force service members, and applicants covered by the statelessness provision.

When Should You Get Professional Help?

Many straightforward applications can be prepared by the applicant. Professional help can be worth considering if your situation is less clear, for example:

• you are unsure which form or pathway applies
• you have a complicated travel or residence history
• you have character or identity questions to address
• you are applying for several family members with different circumstances

If you are unsure whether you meet the citizenship requirements or which application pathway applies to you, speaking with a registered migration professional can help you understand your options before lodging your application. APG’s team can talk through your situation as part of our migration services, and you can also read more about Australian citizenship or permanent residency on our site. We cannot guarantee any outcome, because decisions are made by the Department of Home Affairs.

Conclusion

The current Australian citizenship application fee for general eligibility conferral is $595 from 1 July 2026, but Australian citizenship application fees vary by application type. Descent, resumption, renunciation and evidence of citizenship each have their own fees, and concessions and exemptions apply in some cases.

Before lodging, check the latest information on the Home Affairs website, as fees are indexed each 1 July and can change. If your circumstances are complex, a migration agent Australia applicants can rely on may help you choose the right pathway and prepare your application properly.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information only. Australian citizenship requirements, application fees and government policies can change. Always check the latest information on the official Department of Home Affairs website before applying. For advice about your individual circumstances, consider speaking with a registered migration agent or qualified legal professional.