The UK government does allow dual citizenship. Find out more about becoming a dual citizen and the routes to British citizenship. If you need assistance with an immigration issue, get in touch with our lawyers today on 0333 305 9375.
Both Australia and the United Kingdom allow Dual Nationality. This means that a person can hold nationality (and the passport) of both countries.
Dual citizenship (also known as dual nationality) is allowed in the UK. This means you can be a British citizen and also a citizen of other countries.
You must have British nationality to apply for or hold a British passport. Having British nationality does not guarantee you a passport.
You can stay in the UK for up to 18 months in total.
Australian citizens may also hold the citizenship of another country or countries if the laws of those countries allow. This is known as dual, or multiple, citizenship. However, even if a person is also a citizen of another country, an Australian citizen within Australia must follow all Australian laws at all times.
Drawbacks of being a dual citizen include the potential for double taxation, the long and expensive process for obtaining dual citizenship, and the fact that you become bound by the laws of two nations.
If you have two passports, we call the second one a 'concurrent' passport. Concurrent passports cost the same as standard ten-year passports but are only valid for up to three years. To apply for a concurrent passport, you need to complete a B15 Concurrent passport form and lodge it with your passport application.
Advantages of Dual Nationality
As part of the UK community, you will have the right to engage in public life. This means you may exercise your political rights as a British citizen, including voting (and being voted for) in the UK national elections and elections for the European Parliament.
Australia allows a person to have dual Citizenship. You can only be a dual national if the countries concerned and their local laws also permit dual nationals.
Once you have dual citizenship to enter and leave the country, you must use your Australian passport; however, you can also use another passport outside Australia. Australia allows triple nationality and even more, incredible right? Well, this country is so wonderful that if you meet the requirements you can do it.
The Best of Both Worlds
Dual citizenship allows you to receive the benefits and privileges offered by both countries that you are a citizen of. For example it often means that you become eligible for social services in both countries, you can vote and potentially, you could even run for political office.
You can apply for British citizenship by 'naturalisation' if you: are 18 or over. are married to, or in a civil partnership with, someone who is a British citizen. have lived in the UK for at least 3 years before the date of your application.
If you renounce your Australian citizenship while in Australia, you will automatically become the holder of an ex-citizen visa. This visa allows you to remain in Australia but does not allow you to re-enter if you leave.
You can usually apply for ILR after you've lived in the UK for 5 years. To apply for citizenship with ILR you must usually have lived in the UK for 12 months after getting it.
Freedom to travel with an Irish passport
As of 2021, Irish passport holders could travel either visa-free or by obtaining a visa on arrival to 186 countries or territories. The Irish passport is ranked higher in terms of access than the US and UK passports, meaning that it is a highly sought-after travel document.
Before 4 April 2002, Australian citizens who became citizens of another country lost their Australian citizenship automatically. Since that date Australian citizens who become citizens of another country may in some circumstances become dual citizens. A person will lose Australian citizenship if it is revoked.
You must notify the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) if you plan to move overseas for six months (183 days) or more in a twelve-month period. You must do this within 7 days from the date of leaving Australia. Update your contact details via myGov.
The United Kingdom: recognises dual nationality. allows British nationals who have dual nationality, to hold a British passport.
If you're making a permanent move to the UK and you're planning on working there then yes, you need a visa. However, it's worth mentioning that Australians can live in the UK visa-free for up to 6 months if they are going there as a tourist.
Australian nationals do not require a visa to come to the UK for a short-term visit of up to 6 months. However, a UK visa is required for Australian citizens who wish to stay for longer than 6 months.
American, Canadian and Australian tourists, and citizens of certain Commonwealth countries, can travel visa-free throughout Britain and Northern Ireland, providing you have a valid passport and your reason for visiting meets the immigration rules .