Citizenship Process

Citizenship by grant is the main pathway for people who have lived in New Zealand as permanent residents. You must:

1. Presence: Be present in NZ for at least 1,350 days in the 5 years immediately before applying (while holding a permanent residence visa).

2. Permanent residency: Hold a permanent residence visa for the majority of the relevant period.

3. Good character: No serious criminal convictions (especially in the last 7 years), no outstanding criminal charges.

4. English language / citizenship test: From late 2027, applicants aged 16–64 must pass the citizenship test.

5. Intentions: Intend to continue living in NZ, or intend to enter or continue Crown Service.

The New Zealand citizenship test will launch in late 2027. Key details:

- Format: 20 multiple-choice questions in English

- Pass mark: 75% (15 out of 20 correct)

- Setting: In-person test

- Attempts: Up to 6 attempts total — 3 initial, then 3 more after a 30-working-day waiting period

- Who must sit: Applicants aged 16–64 applying for citizenship by grant

Exemptions from the test:

- Under 16 or 65+

- Holders of an English language waiver

- Those who are not of full mental capacity

- Those with a serious medical condition

- Those with unique personal circumstances

Topics covered:

Bill of Rights Act, human rights, voting rights, democratic principles, government system, criminal offences, NZ passport travel entitlements.

Many people confuse permanent residency and citizenship — they are different statuses with important distinctions.

Permanent Residence (PR) visa: Granted by Immigration New Zealand (INZ). A PR visa allows you to live and work in NZ indefinitely, but it is not citizenship. Common pathways include:

- Skilled Migrant Category (SMC): Points-based system for skilled workers with a job offer in NZ

- Family category: For close family members of NZ citizens or residents

- Investor and entrepreneur categories

- Residence from work visas (transitioning from work visas)

Differences — PR visa holders cannot:

- Vote in general elections (they can vote in local elections)

- Hold a New Zealand passport

- Pass NZ citizenship to children born overseas

- Always be guaranteed re-entry if away long-term (permanent resident travel conditions apply)

Why citizenship matters:

- NZ passport — visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 190+ countries

- Unconditional right to live in NZ forever — cannot be deported

- Right to vote in general elections and stand as a candidate

- Citizenship passes automatically to children born in NZ or overseas (subject to rules)

- Ability to sponsor family members for residency more easily

Note: The Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) handles citizenship; Immigration New Zealand handles visas and residency — they are separate agencies.

When applying for NZ citizenship by grant, you must provide supporting documents to verify your identity, residency and character.

Identity documents required:

- Current passport (or other evidence of nationality)

- Birth certificate (to confirm your full name, date and place of birth)

- If applicable: marriage/civil union certificate (for name changes), divorce decree, or deed poll

Evidence of presence in NZ:

- Passport stamps or travel history

- INZ travel history records (can be requested from Immigration NZ)

- Employment records, utility bills, bank statements covering the 5-year period

Character requirements:

- Declaration that you are of good character

- Disclosure of any criminal convictions in NZ or overseas

- Police certificates from countries where you have lived for 12+ months in the last 10 years (if requested by DIA)

Application fees (approximate, as of 2025):

- Adult (16+): approximately $470 per applicant

- Child (under 16): approximately $235 (when included in a parent's application)

- Fees are set by the Department of Internal Affairs and reviewed periodically

Processing times: Currently around 10–12 months from application submission to decision, though times vary with demand. Applying early and ensuring your application is complete will avoid delays.

After approval: You will receive an invitation to attend a citizenship ceremony, where you take the oath or affirmation and receive your citizenship certificate. You can then apply immediately for a NZ passport.

Applying: Citizenship applications are processed by the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) — not Immigration NZ (which handles visas and residency).

Key steps:

1. Check eligibility (presence, residency, character)

2. Gather documents (identity, presence evidence, character declarations)

3. Submit application online via DIA

4. Sit the citizenship test (from 2027, if required)

5. Receive decision — processing times vary

6. Attend citizenship ceremony

Citizenship ceremony: At the ceremony you take an oath or affirmation of allegiance to the King and New Zealand. Your citizenship certificate is then presented. You can apply for a NZ passport immediately after receiving your certificate.

Children: Children under 16 can be included in a parent's application.

Dual citizenship: New Zealand allows dual/multiple citizenship. You don't need to renounce other citizenships to become a NZ citizen.