Australian Citizenship Application Fees in 2026: Conferral, Concessions and Children
Updated September 2026. Australian citizenship application fees increased from 1 July 2026 under the Australian Citizenship Regulation 2016. The amount depends on the type of citizenship application and whether a concession or exemption applies.
For citizenship advice, see our Australian Citizenship service.
How much is Australian citizenship by conferral in 2026?
For general eligibility citizenship by conferral, the fee from 1 July 2026 is AUD 595.
The general concession fee is AUD 85 where the applicant satisfies the relevant concession requirements.
What if a child is included with a parent?
A child under 16 applying for citizenship at the same time and on the same form as a responsible parent pays no separate fee.
Other citizenship fees from 1 July 2026
- Citizenship by descent: AUD 380 for the first sibling application and AUD 160 for second and subsequent siblings applying at the same time.
- Other conferral situations: AUD 365 in the general non-standard category.
- Resumption of citizenship: AUD 255.
- Renunciation of citizenship: AUD 320.
- Evidence of Australian citizenship: AUD 290, unless an exemption applies.
Can you receive a citizenship fee concession?
Concessions are available only in specified circumstances. The current regulations include concession arrangements for eligible Pensioner Concession Card holders and certain dependent applicants.
Do not assume that a Health Care Card or another concession card automatically qualifies.
Are citizenship fees refundable if the application is refused?
Generally, paying the application fee pays for assessment of the application. Home Affairs states that fees are not normally refunded merely because an application is unsuccessful or because the applicant changes their mind.
Do citizenship fees increase every year?
Citizenship fees are subject to indexation. The 2026 amendments increased the general conferral fee from AUD 575 to AUD 595 from 1 July 2026.
What if you paid the old fee before 1 July?
The fee that applies depends on when the application is made or received under the relevant rules. Applicants lodging around an annual fee change should verify the amount immediately before submission.
Official law
The current fees are prescribed in Schedule 3 of the Australian Citizenship Regulation 2016, as amended from 1 July 2026.
Need help with a citizenship application?
Emigrate Lawyers can assess eligibility, residence history, identity and character issues before lodgement. Contact our citizenship team.
This article is general information only and is not legal advice. Fees can change and should be checked before lodgement.
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Madhab Kharel
Principal Lawyer & Director, Emigrate Lawyers
Madhab Kharel is the Principal Lawyer and Director of Emigrate Lawyers, an Australian law firm assisting clients across Australia and internationally. His migration law practice includes Partner Visas, Protection Visas, visa refusals and cancellations, Administrative Review Tribunal matters, health and character issues, Schedule 3, Section 48, sponsorship limitations and employer-sponsored migration. He regularly advises clients with complex immigration histories and matters requiring detailed legal submissions and evidence strategy.
Reviewed by Madhab Kharel, Principal Lawyer
Date reviewed: 21 September 2026
