New Zealand Citizenship

Most people apply for citizenship through the standard Citizenship by Grant process.

Eligibility generally depends on:

• How long you have held New Zealand residence
• How much time you have physically spent in New Zealand
• Your intention to continue living in New Zealand
• Character requirements
• English language requirements
• Your ability to meet citizenship legislation and policy requirements

For most adults, this means holding New Zealand residence and being
physically present in New Zealand for at least:

• 1,350 days during the five years immediately before applying
• 240 days in each of those five years

One of the most common mistakes is applying too early. Many people assume they automatically become eligible exactly five years after being granted residence. However, the physical presence requirements must also be satisfied, and even relatively short periods spent overseas can affect your eligibility date.

Many applicants are surprised to discover that they are either eligible sooner than expected or need to spend additional time in New Zealand before they can apply.

Different Rules for Children and Samoan Citizens

Not everyone follows the same pathway to citizenship.

Children may qualify under different requirements depending on their age and circumstances. In many situations, children under 16 years of age can be granted citizenship based largely on the citizenship or residence status of their parent or guardian.

Special provisions also exist for certain Samoan citizens under the Citizenship (Western Samoa) Act 1982. Unlike most applicants, eligible Samoan citizens who have obtained New Zealand residence may be able to apply for New Zealand citizenship immediately and without spending any particular time in New Zealand.

Because these pathways operate under different legislative requirements, specialist advice is recommended.

Citizenship by Descent

Not every citizenship application requires New Zealand residence.

If at least one of your parents was a New Zealand citizen (obtained either by birth or grant) at the time of your birth, you may already be entitled to New Zealand citizenship by descent.

Citizenship by descent applications are often made by New Zealand citizens who have children born overseas and wish to ensure their children have access to a New Zealand passport and the rights associated with New Zealand citizenship.

Multiple Citizenships

One of the most important considerations before applying for New Zealand citizenship is whether your current country of citizenship allows dual or multiple citizenship.

New Zealand permits its citizens to hold multiple citizenships. However, not all countries take this same approach.

Some countries, including the United Kingdom, United States, Canada and Australia, generally allow their citizens to retain their original citizenship when they become New Zealand citizens.

However, other countries, including India, China and Singapore, generally do not permit dual citizenship and may require you to renounce, surrender or automatically lose your existing citizenship if you become a New Zealand citizen.

The rules can vary significantly between countries and can change over time. It is therefore important to understand the citizenship laws of your current country, and any consequences of obtaining New Zealand citizenship, before making a decision to proceed.

For some people, obtaining New Zealand citizenship is an obvious next step. For others, the potential loss of an existing citizenship may require careful consideration of the advantages and disadvantages before proceeding.

Why Planning Ahead Matters

New Zealand citizenship eligibility is mainly dependent on your physical presence in New Zealand over time.

For this reason, it is worthwhile reviewing your eligibility well before you intend to apply. Understanding your residence history and travel patterns can help identify potential issues early and avoid unnecessary delays.

With large numbers of 2021 Resident Visa holders expected to become eligible for citizenship over the next few years, now is an ideal time to review your residence history and establish the earliest date on which you may be eligible to apply.

Many people are surprised to discover that their eligibility date differs from what they expected because of time spent travelling or living overseas.

The Application Process

Citizenship applications are not processed by Immigration New Zealand. They are administered by the Citizenship Office within the Department of Internal Affairs.

Unlike most immigration applications, citizenship is not granted to an entire family through a single application. Each family member must meet the relevant citizenship requirements and submit their own application, although family applications can often be prepared and lodged together.

Processing times vary depending on the complexity of the application and whether further information is required. Straightforward and well-prepared applications are often decided relatively quickly, while more complex applications involving character, identity or other issues may take considerably longer.

Once approved, applicants aged 14 years and over are normally required to attend a formal citizenship ceremony and take either the Oath or Affirmation of Allegiance before becoming New Zealand citizens. They then receive their New Zealand citizenship certificate and can then apply for a New Zealand passport.