The Australian citizenship pledge, line by line
Thirty-two words make you an Australian citizen. Each line points to a part of the booklet you study for the test.
Short answer
There are two versions of the Australian citizenship pledge, one with the words "under God" and one without, and you choose which to say. You say it out loud at your citizenship ceremony, and you become an Australian citizen when you make it. In the pledge you promise loyalty to Australia and its people, and commit to sharing their democratic beliefs, respecting their rights and liberties, and upholding and obeying their laws.
The words
From this time forward, under God,
I pledge my loyalty to Australia and its people,
whose democratic beliefs I share,
whose rights and liberties I respect, and
whose laws I will uphold and obey.
From this time forward,
I pledge my loyalty to Australia and its people,
whose democratic beliefs I share,
whose rights and liberties I respect, and
whose laws I will uphold and obey.
The only difference is the two words "under God" in the first line. At the ceremony, you choose which version to say.
What each line means
Australian Citizenship: Our Common Bond is built around the pledge. Each of its testable parts opens by linking itself to a line you'll say at your ceremony, so learning the booklet and understanding the pledge are the same task.
From this time forward, under God,
Your commitment
Making the pledge is a public commitment to Australia. From that moment you accept the responsibilities and privileges of citizenship.
I pledge my loyalty to Australia and its people,
Part 1: Australia and its people
Part 1 opens with this line. It covers who you are pledging loyalty to: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, the story of settlement and Federation, the states and territories, and the symbols Australians share. You can hold another citizenship if that country allows it, but in Australia you must follow Australian law at all times.
whose democratic beliefs I share,
Part 2: democratic beliefs
Part 2 lists the beliefs: parliamentary democracy, the Rule of Law, living peacefully, and respect for all individuals regardless of background.
whose rights and liberties I respect, and
Part 2: rights and liberties
The freedoms of speech, association and religion in a secular country, and the equalities, including equality of men and women and a fair go for everyone.
whose laws I will uphold and obey.
Parts 3 and 4: the law
Part 3 opens with this line and explains how laws are made and enforced. Part 4, Australian values, starts with the Rule of Law: follow the law at all times, even when no one is watching.
What you give and what you get
The booklet lists the responsibilities and privileges that come with citizenship, on pages 20 to 22.
As a citizen, you must
- obey the laws of Australia
- vote in federal and state or territory elections, and in a referendum
- defend Australia should the need arise
- serve on a jury if called to do so.
As a citizen, you can
- vote in federal and state or territory elections, and in a referendum
- apply for children born overseas to become Australian citizens by descent
- apply for a job in the Australian Public Service or the Australian Defence Force
- seek election to parliament
- apply for an Australian passport and re-enter Australia freely
- ask for consular help from an Australian official while overseas.
Voting is on both lists. The booklet treats it as a responsibility and a privilege at the same time.
Your ceremony, in order
After your application is approved, Home Affairs sends an invitation about four weeks before your ceremony. Allow at least two hours on the day: you arrive early to register and find your seat, and the ceremony itself takes about an hour. Most ceremonies follow the same order.
- Formal introduction
- Speeches, including the Minister's welcome message
- An address to new citizens
- The pledge of commitment
- The national anthem
The presiding officer asks you to repeat the pledge out loud, and you become an Australian citizen the moment you make it. You should then receive your citizenship certificate. If it isn't ready on the day, Home Affairs posts it to you. Family and friends can take photos during and after the ceremony.
What to bring and what to wear
- Your invitation and one form of photo ID: an Australian driver licence, a passport or another official document with a photograph.
- No photo ID? Bring at least three documents that show your name and address, such as bank statements, utility bills or credit card statements. Children under 16 don't need photo ID.
- Official translations of any documents that aren't in English.
- A holy book, if you'd like to hold one while you make the pledge. You don't have to.
Dress in formal or smart casual clothes. National or cultural dress is welcome. If the ceremony is outdoors, bring a hat and some sunscreen.
After the pledge
Your citizenship certificate is an important legal document, and you'll need it to apply for an Australian passport. Home Affairs suggests waiting at least 10 days after the ceremony before you apply online, so that your citizenship shows up in the system. New citizens aged 16 and over also receive an enrolment information sheet from the Australian Electoral Commission at the ceremony. From 18, enrolling and voting are compulsory.
The pledge and the affirmation
At ceremonies and other events you may also hear the Australian citizenship affirmation. It is similar to the pledge, but voluntary and with no legal status. Anyone can join in, and people who aren't citizens join from the second line.
As an Australian citizen,
I affirm my loyalty to Australia and its people,
Whose democratic beliefs I share,
Whose rights and liberties I respect,
And whose laws I uphold and obey.
The first affirmation was made on Australia Day 1999 at Galston Park in New South Wales, to celebrate 50 years of Australian citizenship.
Questions people ask
Do I have to say "under God" in the citizenship pledge?
No. There are two versions of the pledge, one with "under God" and one without, and you choose which one to say.
When do I officially become an Australian citizen?
When you make the pledge at your citizenship ceremony. Your certificate is the evidence of your citizenship from that moment.
Can I hold a holy book while I make the pledge?
Yes, if you want to. Bring your own book or scripture to the ceremony. You don't have to hold one.
How soon after the ceremony can I apply for a passport?
Home Affairs suggests waiting at least 10 days before applying online, because it takes time for your citizenship details to show in the system.
Sources
- Home Affairs: What is the pledge
- Home Affairs: Citizenship ceremony
- Home Affairs: The Australian citizenship affirmation
- Australian Citizenship: Our Common Bond, testable section (PDF)
Checked against these pages on 5 October 2026. CitizenOz is not affiliated with the Australian Government.
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