Citizenship

Australian citizenship is an important step in your migration story. Becoming an Australian citizen means that you are making an ongoing commitment to Australia and our shared values. It is also the beginning of your formal membership of the Australian community.

At the City of Fremantle, we take great pride in supporting our residents to achieve the final step in becoming an Australian citizen.

To be eligible to attend a Fremantle citizenship ceremony, you must reside within the City of Fremantle council boundary and have completed your application process with the Department of Home Affairs.

The City of Fremantle hosts four citizenship ceremonies per year.

Frequently asked questions

How can I find out when my citizenship ceremony will be?

The Department of Home Affairs is responsible for the allocation of recipients to citizenship ceremonies. The City of Fremantle only receives listings of allocated recipients before each ceremony.

For information regarding your allocation to a ceremony, please contact the Department of Home Affairs

How long will I have to wait before I get an invitation to my ceremony?

Once you have received your Letter of Approval from the Department of Home Affairs, waiting times vary between two to four months. Invitations to attend your citizenship ceremony at City of Fremantle are sent approximately six weeks prior to the ceremony.

Is it possible to arrange a ceremony earlier than the standard waiting time?

In exceptional circumstances, the Department of Home Affairs can include you in an urgent ceremony at their premises, for more information please contact the Department of Home Affairs.

Do I need to attend a ceremony to receive my citizenship certificate?

Yes. Candidates are required to attend a citizenship ceremony and make their pledge of commitment out loud and in English, in front of the presiding officer, in order to validate their citizenship and receive their certificate.

Once you have confirmed your attendance at a ceremony, the City of Fremantle will order your certificate from the Department of Home Affairs. Your certificate will be presented to you at the ceremony.

How long does the citizenship ceremony take?

The citizenship ceremony takes up to 60 minutes and is followed by light refreshments.

Do I need to bring anything to the ceremony?

Yes. Recipients aged 16 years or older must bring photographic identification such as a driver’s licence or passport. We suggest that you also bring your invitation to help with the registration process.

May I bring guests along?

Yes. You are welcome to bring one guest with you. Please include any additional guest requests with your RSVP.

What is the dress code?

Smart casual dress. National or cultural dress is welcomed.

Do children need to attend citizenship ceremonies?

Children aged 16 years and over are legally required to attend the citizenship ceremony. Children under the age of 16 are welcome to attend but are not legally required to.

Does the City provide a photographer at these ceremonies?

Yes. The City’s photographer will take a photo of each new citizen and will publish the photos on the City’s Facebook page after the ceremony. A link to the photo album will be sent to each recipient following the ceremony. Also, recipients and guests are invited to bring their cameras along and are welcome to take photos. The presiding officer will also be available for photographs following the ceremony.

What is the number for the Citizenship Information Line?

The Citizenship Information Line 131 881, it is open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm AEST.