New Zealand Citizenship Guide
A plain-English guide to everything you need to know about becoming a New Zealand citizen — from eligibility through to the ceremony and beyond.
Always verify information at govt.nz
Overview
New Zealand citizenship gives you the legal status of being a New Zealander — with the right to vote, hold a New Zealand passport, and pass citizenship to your children. It is a significant milestone that marks full membership of the New Zealand community.
There are several pathways to citizenship: citizenship by grant (the main pathway for permanent residents), citizenship by birth (for people born in NZ when at least one parent was a citizen or permanent resident), and citizenship by descent (for children born overseas to NZ citizen parents).
Most people apply via citizenship by grant after living in New Zealand as a permanent resident. This guide focuses primarily on that pathway.
Eligibility
To apply for citizenship by grant, you must meet all of the following criteria:
Permanent residency
You must hold a New Zealand permanent residence visa (not just a temporary visa).
Presence requirement
Be present in NZ for at least 1,350 days in the 5 years immediately before applying (see Residency section).
Good character
You must be of good character — no serious criminal convictions and a commitment to follow NZ laws.
English / citizenship test
From late 2027, applicants aged 16–64 must pass the citizenship test. Those 65+ or under 16 are exempt.
Intentions
Intend to continue living in New Zealand (or to enter Crown service).
Residency Requirements
The 1,350-day rule
You must have been physically present in New Zealand for at least 1,350 days in the 5 years immediately before your application date. That works out to around 3 years and 9 months out of 5 years.
What counts: Only days when you were physically in New Zealand count. Time spent overseas, even on holiday, does not count toward the 1,350 days.
Permanent resident: For the majority of those 1,350 days, you must have held a permanent residence visa (not just a temporary visa or work visa).
How DIA calculates it: DIA will use arrival and departure records (held by Immigration New Zealand) to verify your presence. You should also keep your own records — bank statements, payslips, lease agreements — as evidence.
Good Character
Good character is a legal requirement for citizenship. DIA assesses this by looking at your conduct and history. Key factors include:
Having a minor conviction many years ago does not automatically disqualify you. DIA looks at the full picture. If you have concerns, consider seeking legal advice.
The Citizenship Test
A citizenship test is being introduced in late 2027. It has been confirmed by the Department of Internal Affairs. Here is what we know:
Who must sit the test:
Applicants aged 16–64 applying for citizenship by grant.
Exemptions:
- Under 16 or 65 and over
- Holders of an English language waiver
- Not of full mental capacity
- Serious medical condition
- Unique personal circumstances (assessed case by case)
What the test covers:
- NZ Bill of Rights Act
- Human rights
- Voting rights and democratic principles
- New Zealand system of government
- Criminal offences
- NZ passport travel entitlements
Attempt rules:
3 attempts initially, then 3 more after a 30-working-day waiting period (6 total). If all 6 attempts are exhausted, you may withdraw your application.
How to Apply
Check your eligibility
Confirm you meet presence, residency, and character requirements. Use DIA's online presence calculator if available.
Gather your documents
Identity documents (passport, birth certificate), presence evidence (travel records, bank statements, payslips), police certificates if you have lived overseas.
Apply online
Submit your application through the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) online portal at dia.govt.nz. Pay the application fee (approximately $470 NZD as of 2026).
Sit the citizenship test (from 2027)
If required, book and sit the citizenship test. You must pass before your application can be approved.
Wait for the decision
DIA will assess your application. They may request additional information. Processing times vary (see Timeline).
Attend the ceremony
If approved, attend a citizenship ceremony where you take the oath or affirmation of allegiance. You receive your citizenship certificate at the ceremony.
Processing Times
Processing times vary significantly
DIA's published processing times can range from a few weeks to many months depending on application volumes, complexity, and whether additional checks are required.
Typical range: DIA aims to process straightforward applications within a few months, but complex cases (especially those involving overseas criminal checks or character issues) can take considerably longer.
Current processing times are published on the DIA website. Check dia.govt.nz/citizenship for up-to-date information.
The Citizenship Ceremony
The citizenship ceremony is the final step in becoming a New Zealand citizen. It is a formal, celebratory event where you officially join the New Zealand community.
The Oath/Affirmation
You take an oath (or affirmation if non-religious) of allegiance to the King and New Zealand. This is the key legal moment you become a citizen.
Citizenship Certificate
You receive your New Zealand citizenship certificate at the ceremony. Keep this document safe — you will need it to apply for a passport.
Celebration
Ceremonies are conducted by local councils around New Zealand. Family members are typically invited to attend and celebrate with you.
Dual Citizenship
New Zealand allows dual (multiple) citizenship
Becoming a New Zealand citizen does not automatically require you to renounce citizenship of another country. You can hold both.
However, your other country's laws may require you to give up that country's citizenship when you become a NZ citizen. This varies greatly by country — check with your original country's embassy or consulate.
Countries that typically do not allow dual citizenship include India, China, Japan, and some others. Countries that generally do allow it include the UK, Australia, Ireland, Canada, and many others.
Children and Family Applications
Children under 16 — included in parent's application
Children under 16 can be included in a parent's citizenship by grant application. If the parent is granted citizenship, the included children also become citizens.
Children born in NZ after 2005
Since 2006, children born in New Zealand are NOT automatically citizens unless at least one parent is a NZ citizen or permanent resident at the time of birth.
Children born overseas to NZ citizens — Citizenship by descent
A child born overseas to a NZ citizen parent may be eligible for citizenship by descent, provided the citizen parent was not themselves a citizen by descent.
Spouses / partners
There is no special pathway for spouses of NZ citizens. They must meet all standard requirements — including the 1,350-day presence requirement as a permanent resident.
After Citizenship — Your New Zealand Passport
Once you receive your citizenship certificate, you can immediately apply for a New Zealand passport. A NZ passport is one of the most powerful in the world, giving you visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 185 countries.
As a citizen you also gain the right to vote in general and local body elections, the right to stand as a candidate, and all other rights of citizenship.
Important disclaimer
This guide is provided as general information only. It is not legal advice and may not reflect the most current rules. Citizenship law and fees can change. Always verify information at the Department of Internal Affairs website or consider seeking legal advice for your specific situation.