Citizenship ceremonies

Council conducts citizenship ceremonies in accordance with the Citizenship Act 1948.

If you've been an Australian resident for the last four years, you may be able to apply for citizenship.

Find out more at Department of Home Affairs.

More information

When and where are the citizenship ceremonies?

In-person ceremonies are scheduled for the following dates to be held in the Malvern Town Hall:

  • 26 January 2025
  • 12 March 2025
  • 21 May 2025
  • 11 June 2025
  • 23 July 2025
  • 17 September 2025
  • 22 October 2025
  • 3 December 2025

The Department of Home Affairs decides the date of your Citizenship Ceremony.

We receive a list of new citizens before each ceremony.

We'll send your invitation up to four weeks before your ceremony.

For details about your ceremony, email ceremony.vic@homeaffairs.gov.au or call 131 880.

How long will I wait for my ceremony?

You will first get a letter from the Department of Home affairs.

Your citizenship ceremony will be three to six months later.

Should I bring anything?

Yes, if you're 16 years or older, you must bring photo ID such as a:

  • driver's licence
  • passport.

Bring your invitation too.

Do children need to come along?

If you're 16 years and older, you must take the citizenship pledge at your citizenship ceremony.

Children under 16 years don't need to take the citizenship pledge.

We do keep a seat for them, and welcome them to take the pledge if they can.

Children under the age of 12 who are not receiving their citizenship certificate must be accompanied by an adult guest for the duration of the ceremony.

What is the difference between pledge one and pledge two?

There are two types of the citizenship pledge:

  • Oath pledge, which mentions God
  • Affirmation pledge, which does not mention God.

What should I wear?

Wear smart casual clothing or your traditional clothing.

Can I have my ceremony sooner?

In rare cases, the Department of Home Affairs can hold an urgent ceremony.

This will be at their building.

To find out more, email ceremony.vic@homeaffairs.gov.au or call 131 880.

Can people outside City of Stonnington have their ceremony here?

Unfortunately, we can't have ceremonies for people outside the City of Stonnington.

This is because many people inside the City are waiting for theirs.

I have lost my citizenship certificate

If you have lost your citizenship certificate, you must complete an Application for Evidence of Australian Citizenship.

The City of Stonnington can't give citizenship certificates or replace lost ones.