Partner countries

Information on Australia’s approved partner country programs for intercountry adoption.

Approved countries

Australia only supports intercountry adoption through its approved partner country programs. These countries follow the  Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption(Opens in a new tab/window) (Hague Convention). Australia’s partner countries are: 

To learn more about the current arrangements for each partner country, contact your state or territory central authority (STCA). They are listed in the intercountry adoption contacts.

For information about the realities of intercountry adoption and the needs of the child, read about applying for intercountry adoption.

Adoption requirements

Each partner country has its own specific adoption requirements. These may include:

  • who can adopt
  • the types of children in need of adoption
  • expected waiting times
  • costs
  • how the adoption is finalised and what support is needed afterwards
  • immigration and citizenship rules.

To adopt, you must meet the rules of the state or territory where you live and the rules of the partner country.

Your STCA can:

  • give advice about adoption
  • accept your application
  • assess whether you are eligible to adopt.

More information

Learn more about Applying for intercountry adoption.

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DSS5255 | Permalink: www.dss.gov.au/node/5255