Adoption in Australia

Citizenship by adoption in Australia

Normally, Australian adoption orders are presented directly to the relevant State Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriages and a new birth certificate is issued.

The child then automatically acquires Australian citizenship providing the adoption occurred on or after 22 November 1984 and, at the time of adoption:

• The child was present in Australia as a permanent resident; and


• At least one adoptive parent was an Australian citizen.

People adopted in Australia before 22 November 1984 do not automatically acquire Australian citizenship and may apply for conferral of Australian citizenship. Applicants adopted before this date must produce a certificate of Australian citizenship in support of their passport application.

Applicants for a passport need to submit their full birth certificate and, if born on or after 20 August 1986, proof that one parent was an Australian citizen or a permanent resident in Australia at the time of the adoption.

See also ‘ Applications for adopted children born overseas ’.