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Australian citizenship by descent for a child born in Vietnam

A child born outside Australia can become an Australian citizen by descent if a parent was an Australian citizen at the time of birth. The application is made to the Department of Home Affairs; the child can then apply for an Australian passport.

Official name: Australian citizenship by descent

Updated: Sources: Department of Home Affairs: Citizenship by descent, Department of Home Affairs: Form 1298i citizenship fees (07/2026)

Bản tiếng Việt

Quick answer

A child born in Vietnam on or after 26 January 1949 is eligible for Australian citizenship by descent if a parent was an Australian citizen at the time of birth. Apply online in ImmiAccount from Vietnam; the fee is A$380 (discount for siblings applying together). There is no interview or test. 75% of applications are decided within 3 months.
Key requirement
A parent was an Australian citizen at the time of birth
Fee
A$380 (Form 118)
Processing
75% within 3 months, 90% within 5 months
How to apply
Online in ImmiAccount
On this page

Eligibility

  • Born outside Australia on or after 26 January 1949, with one or both parents an Australian citizen at the time of birth.
  • If that parent was a citizen by descent or by overseas adoption, they must have spent at least 2 years lawfully in Australia before the child applies (unless the child has always been stateless).
  • Any age. Applicants aged 18 or over must be of good character.
  • You can apply in or outside Australia.

Updated: Sources: Department of Home Affairs: Citizenship by descent

Documents

  • The child's full birth certificate showing the parents (or a family registration document).
  • Evidence the parent was an Australian citizen at the time of birth: full Australian birth certificate, or citizenship or naturalisation certificate.
  • Children 15 and under: a passport-sized photo and an identity declaration (Form 1195) signed by an authorised person; any passport or travel document.
  • Applicants 18 and over: overseas police certificates if, in the last 10 years, they spent 12 months or more outside Australia in total and 90 days or more in any one country.
  • Non-English documents need an English translation; translators outside Australia need not be NAATI accredited but must state their details. Colour scans; certification is not required.

Updated: Sources: Department of Home Affairs: Citizenship by descent

Fees and processing

Citizenship by descent fee
FeeAmount
Application for Australian citizenship by descent (Form 118)A$380

Updated: Sources: Department of Home Affairs: Form 1298i citizenship fees (07/2026)

Home Affairs processes 75% of applications within 3 months and 90% within 5 months; applications from overseas take longer because of postage. There is no interview or citizenship test. The child becomes a citizen on the day the application is approved; the certificate is sent by registered post.

You can only apply for an Australian passport after approval. A first child passport in Vietnam is lodged in person by appointment at the Embassy or Consulate-General.

Updated: Sources: Department of Home Affairs: Citizenship by descent, Australian Embassy Hanoi: Passport services

Frequently asked questions

Is a child born in Vietnam automatically an Australian citizen?
They need to apply for citizenship by descent. If a parent was an Australian citizen at the time of birth, the child becomes a citizen on the day the application is approved.
How much does it cost?
A$380 according to Home Affairs form 1298i (July 2026), with a reduced fee for each sibling applying at the same time. Check the amount ImmiAccount charges when you apply.