The journey to Australian citizenship is an exciting milestone, but it’s also an administrative process that comes with specific costs. If you are preparing to lodge your application, it is crucial to understand exactly what you will need to pay.
In this guide, we will break down the official application fees for 2024, the scheduled increases for 2025, who is eligible for concession discounts, and the hidden costs you should budget for.
Standard Application Fees (Citizenship by Conferral)
For the vast majority of applicants—skilled migrants, family visa holders, and permanent residents—you will be applying for "Citizenship by Conferral."
- Current Fee (Until June 30, 2025): $560 AUD
- Upcoming Fee (From July 1, 2025): $575 AUD
The Department of Home Affairs regularly indexes visa and citizenship fees to the Consumer Price Index (CPI), which is why fees typically increase on July 1st of each year.
What Does This Fee Cover?
This single fee covers the processing of your application and, if your application is approved, your Australian Citizenship Test and your Citizenship Ceremony.
You do not have to pay a separate fee just to sit the citizenship test.
Concession Fees and Exemptions
The Australian government recognizes that the standard fee can be a financial burden for some applicants. If you hold a valid Pensioner Concession Card issued by the Australian Government (such as through Services Australia or the Department of Veterans’ Affairs), you are eligible for a significantly reduced fee.
- Concession Fee: $80 AUD (for both 2024 and the 2025 update)
Furthermore, children under 16 years of age who are applying on the same form as a responsible parent do not have to pay an application fee.
Other Types of Citizenship Applications
If you are not applying via the standard conferral pathway, the fees differ:
- Citizenship by Descent: (For individuals born overseas to an Australian citizen parent). The fee is currently $360 AUD, increasing to $370 AUD on July 1, 2025.
- Evidence of Australian Citizenship: (If you need to replace a lost certificate or prove your existing citizenship). The fee is currently $275 AUD, increasing to $280 AUD on July 1, 2025.
The Hidden Cost: Failing the Test
While the application fee includes the cost of taking the citizenship test, failing the test comes with its own set of "hidden" costs—namely time and opportunity.
If you fail the test, you are allowed to retake it without paying the $560 fee again. However, failing means your application goes to the back of the queue. This can delay your citizenship ceremony by several months, meaning delayed access to an Australian passport, HECS-HELP student loans, and certain government jobs.
How to Budget for Your Citizenship Application
When planning your budget for becoming an Australian citizen, make sure to include:
- The Application Fee: $560 (or $575 after July 2025).
- Document Translation: If any of your identity documents are not in English, they must be translated by a NAATI-accredited translator. This usually costs between $50 and $150 per document.
- Preparation Materials: While the Our Common Bond booklet is free, investing in a high-quality test simulator like CitizenMate ensures you don't waste time retaking the exam.
By understanding the costs upfront and preparing thoroughly for the test, you can ensure a smooth, stress-free transition to becoming a proud Australian citizen.