When Can I Apply for Australian Citizenship? The 4-Year and 12-Month Residence Rules
Updated September 2026. For most adults applying for Australian citizenship by conferral, eligibility depends not only on holding permanent residence but also on meeting the general residence requirement.
For citizenship advice, see our Australian Citizenship service.
The general four-year residence rule
Home Affairs states that an applicant generally must have lived in Australia on a valid visa for the four years immediately before applying.
The final 12 months
During the final 12 months immediately before application, the applicant generally must have held a permanent visa or an eligible Special Category (Subclass 444) visa for citizenship purposes.
How much time can you spend outside Australia?
Under the general residence requirement, the applicant generally must not have been absent from Australia for more than:
- 12 months in total during the four years before applying; and
- 90 days in total during the final 12 months before applying.
Does time on a temporary visa count?
Yes, lawful residence on qualifying temporary visas can count toward the four-year period. The last 12 months, however, generally need to satisfy the permanent-residence or relevant SCV requirement.
What about New Zealand citizens?
Special rules apply to eligible New Zealand citizens because of changes to how SCV holders are treated for citizenship purposes. The Department’s residence calculator includes guidance for these applicants.
Are there exemptions or special circumstances?
Yes. The Citizenship Act contains exemptions, discretions and special residence provisions for some applicants. These are technical and should not be assumed to apply merely because the ordinary residence requirement is inconvenient.
Use the residence calculator carefully
Home Affairs provides an online Residence Calculator, but expressly states that it is a guide. The Department assesses eligibility using its own movement and visa records at the time of lodgement.
Official guidance
Use the Home Affairs Residence Calculator and current citizenship by conferral guidance.
Unsure whether you can lodge now?
Emigrate Lawyers can review visa history, travel dates and any special residence issue before an application is lodged. Contact our citizenship team.
This article is general information only and is not legal advice.
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
