Pre-2002 dual citizenship loss
The most common group. Those who acquired another citizenship before dual citizenship was recognised in April 2002.
For Former Australian Citizens
You grew up in Australia. You took another citizenship decades ago. You would like it back.
Before 2002 Australia did not recognise dual citizenship. Taking another citizenship automatically ended your Australian citizenship under the old rules. A resumption pathway exists, and it is simpler than you might expect.
Who can apply
Former citizens in three categories.
Resumption is narrower than conferral or descent. It specifically addresses people who once held Australian citizenship and lost it.
Voluntary renunciation
Former citizens who renounced their Australian citizenship for specific reasons. Usually eligible to resume depending on reasons and time.
Children of former citizens
Some children of former Australian citizens may be eligible under specific provisions. Requires review.
Not covered here
People who have never been Australian citizens use conferral or descent instead.
Evidence required
Four evidence categories. Simpler than conferral.
No citizenship test. No residence period. The main requirement is evidencing former citizenship and good character.
Former citizenship documentsYour original Australian birth certificate or citizenship certificate. Records showing your Australian citizenship status.
Evidence of how you lost citizenshipDocumentation showing when and how citizenship ended. For pre-2002 dual citizenship loss, the date you acquired the other citizenship.
Current identity documentsPassport or national ID from your current country of citizenship. Current address and identity verification.
Character evidencePolice checks from countries of residence in recent years. Usually 10 years. Standard character assessment applies.
What resumption restores
Full citizenship. Every right.
Resumed citizenship is the same as any other. No second-class status. No conditions.
Full rights restored
Voting rights, passport eligibility, consular assistance, and all the privileges of citizenship from the date of resumption.
Children's descent eligibility
Children born after your original loss of citizenship may become eligible for descent pathways once you resume.
Processing
6 to 12 months typically. No residence period required. No citizenship test required for resumption.
Many Australian expatriates born before 1980 are eligible for resumption but have never applied.
The process has fees but is often straightforward. We process dozens of resumption applications each year for people who moved abroad in the 1990s and early 2000s and had not realised the option remained open.
Common questions
The questions we hear most.
For resumption applications, book with Sourabh Aggarwal.
Can I resume citizenship if I renounced it voluntarily?
Usually yes, depending on the reasons and time elapsed.
Do my children become Australian citizens if I resume?
Not automatically. Children born after the original loss of citizenship may be eligible for descent if other criteria are met.
How long does resumption take?
6 to 12 months typically.
Can I hold dual citizenship after resumption?
Yes, Australia allows dual citizenship.
Some information on this page has been sourced from the Department of Home Affairs and has been interpreted and approved by Principal Migration Agent Sourabh Aggarwal (MARN 1462159). Last reviewed: May 2026.