New Zealand Citizenship
Applying for citizenship starts with understanding your eligibility.
Applying for New Zealand Citizenship
New Zealand citizenship is available through several pathways.
If you’re considering citizenship, the first step is confirming that you’re eligible and that the timing is right. Citizenship applications are assessed against a range of requirements set by the Department of Internal Affairs.
Understanding which pathway applies to you and whether you’ve met the relevant requirements provides clarity around your eligibility and timing before you apply.
Discuss your citizenship eligibility with a Licensed Immigration Adviser.
Citizenship by grant
Citizenship by grant is the pathway used by most New Zealand residents.
To be eligible, you must meet a range of requirements set by the Department of Internal Affairs.
Residence and physical presence requirements are among the first requirements assessed when determining eligibility for citizenship.
Understanding the presence requirement
The presence requirement measures how much time you’ve spent in New Zealand before applying for citizenship.
To meet the requirement, you must have been:
Time spent outside New Zealand forms part of this assessment and can affect your eligibility and application timing.
Not sure if you meet the presence requirement?
We can review your time in and outside New Zealand and help you understand whether you’re eligible to apply now or if you may need to wait.
We also support New Zealand citizens planning a move to Australia.
Other citizenship requirements
Citizenship applications are assessed against a range of requirements.
As part of your application, the Department of Internal Affairs will also consider matters such as character, English language ability, and your ongoing connection to New Zealand.
Character, English language, and intention requirements also form part of the citizenship assessment.
Need advice on the citizenship requirements that apply to your circumstances?
Citizenship by descent
Citizenship by descent is available to people born outside New Zealand to a New Zealand citizen parent.
Eligibility is assessed using the circumstances that existed at the time of your birth, including your date of birth, place of birth, and your parent’s citizenship status.
You may be eligible for citizenship by descent if:
Applications involving births before 1978, adoption, or surrogacy may be subject to different requirements.
Before applying, it’s important to confirm that citizenship by descent applies and that the required documentation is available to support your application.
Once your citizenship by descent has been registered, you can apply for a New Zealand passport.
Need advice on citizenship by descent?
The citizenship application process
Once you’ve confirmed your eligibility, the citizenship application process involves:
The exact process can differ depending on the citizenship pathway and your individual circumstances.
Ready to start your citizenship application?
We can confirm the pathway that applies to you, check your supporting documents and prepare your application for submission.
Citizenship processing times
Citizenship applications are assessed by the Department of Internal Affairs.
Processing times vary depending on application volumes, application completeness, and any additional information required as part of the assessment process.
Submitting a complete application with the correct supporting documentation helps avoid unnecessary delays.
Getting your documents right before you apply can help prevent avoidable delays.
How VisaAide can help
Our Licensed Immigration Advisers assess citizenship eligibility, review supporting documentation, and prepare citizenship applications for submission to the Department of Internal Affairs.
This includes:
As Licensed Immigration Advisers, we provide advice on citizenship pathways, application requirements, and the evidence needed to support an application.
Not sure what support you need? Start with an eligibility assessment.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Get Your Citizenship Application Right From The Start
Our Licensed Immigration Advisers assess citizenship eligibility, review supporting documentation, and prepare applications for submission to the Department of Internal Affairs.
