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New Zealand Citizenship vs Residence
New Zealand citizenship is different from New Zealand residence. In addition to all the benefits that residence conveys, citizens can also:
- Hold a New Zealand passport
- Access New Zealand Embassy support
- Stand for elected Government roles
- Represent New Zealand in international sports
- Visit, work, and live in Australia
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for the grant of New Zealand citizenship a person normally must:
- have held a New Zealand resident visa and lived in New Zealand for a total of at least 1,350 days during the five years immediately before making their application; and
- have lived in New Zealand for a total of at least 240 days in each of those five years.
Other Pathways to Citizenship
There are other criteria under which a person can obtain New Zealand citizenship, including citizenship by descent for children born overseas to a New Zealand citizen parent. Further information can be found on our blog - What you need to know before you apply for New Zealand citizenship.
Application Process
Citizenship applications are processed by the Citizenship Office, part of the Department of Internal Affairs. Each person must meet the eligibility criteria and submit a separate application.
Get Advice from Pathways
Pathways advisers are well-versed with the New Zealand citizenship application process and are ready to guide you on this final step of your New Zealand immigration journey.
Immigration for Individuals & Families Query
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