New Zealand is always a popular tourist attraction for its picturesque landscapes, open-minded society, and diverse culture. Not merely for traveling, millions of people prefer to become a New Zealand citizen and live for the long term as well. It sounds not easy to gain New Zealand citizenship. In this guide, you will learn the NZ citizenship application, requirements, the whole process, and other necessary details.
Four Ways to Become an NZ Citizen
Generally, there are four ways to become a citizen of New Zealand:
New Zealand citizenship by birth
If you were born in New Zealand before January 1, 2006, you are a citizen of New Zealand by your birth. In addition, you are only considered a citizen if at least one of your parents is a citizen or permanent resident of New Zealand and you were born here on or after January 1, 2006.
Descent-based citizenship
If your mother or father is a citizen of New Zealand by birth and you were born abroad, you are also a citizen of New Zealand.
Adoption
If you are lawfully adopted by a citizen of New Zealand, you are a citizen of New Zealand.
Grant citizenship
You can also petition the New Zealand government as an immigrant to be awarded citizenship.
Who Are Qualified to Apply for NZ Citizenship
To be eligible for New Zealand citizenship, you must first obtain a resident visa under the Immigration Act. You can apply for citizenship if you have specific skills in demand, have family connections, or intend to invest.
Requirements of NZ Citizenship Application
A candidate must fulfill specific requirements to be granted NZ citizenship. These eligibility prerequisites are listed as follows.
New Zealand Citizenship Requirements for Adults
- You need to have possessed a residency visa for a minimum of five years or be a permanent resident of New Zealand.
- For at least 1,350 days in the five years before your application, you had to be physically present in New Zealand.
- In each of those five years, you had to have been in New Zealand for 240 days.
- You have to prove that you are a decent person.
- have not been found guilty of a crime in the previous five years.
- You have to provide proof that your command of the English language is sufficient.
- You will need to provide proof that you want to stay in New Zealand or that you will keep a close and ongoing connection to the nation.
New Zealand Citizenship Requirements for Minors
- Children don’t need to have lived in New Zealand for a set period during the previous five years if at least one parent or legal guardian is either applying for citizenship and fulfilling the conditions, or they are already citizens of New Zealand.
- Children over 16 years old need to apply for citizenship as an adult.
- 14- and 15-year-olds need to have the right to live in New Zealand indefinitely; they want to remain here after they obtain citizenship; they are fluent in English; and they have demonstrated their moral rectitude.
- Children aged 13 and under must have the right to live in New Zealand indefinitely and they plan to stay in New Zealand after they get citizenship.
Documents for NZ Citizenship Application
You need to include the following three items with your application:
- Your complete passport or birth record.
- Your current passport or travel document, or the most recent one if it has expired.
- A compliant passport photo that was taken no more than six months ago.
Digital copies of your supporting documentation are required if you apply online. If you apply in person or by mail, you must submit original documentation; copies are not acceptable.
For additional documents, you can check the New Zealand government’s online website.
📚 Read also: How to Take a New Zealand Passport Photo
Citizenship Processing Time
Generally, you will be granted New Zealand citizenship within 18 months after you submit your application.
New Zealand Citizenship Application Fee
The cost of a New Zealand citizenship application:
$153.10 for children under the age of 15 and $470.20 for 16 and over.
How to Apply for NZ Citizenship
Step 1. Prepare required documents
Get all the necessary documents mentioned before ready. An identity referee or witness is also required.
Step 2. Apply for citizenship in New Zealand
You can apply for NZ citizenship online, in person, or by the post nearby.
✅ Online
To apply online, you need to go to the government’s official website, then login and upload your prepared documents. Then confirm your application.
✅ In Person
To apply in person, you need to make an appointment with a staff member who will check your application form and accept the fee. You can make an appointment by phone or email with Auckland Citizenship Office, Wellington Citizenship Office or Christchurch Office.
✅ By Post
To apply by post, prepare your orginal documents, then send them in a tracked courier bag. Post your documents and fee to:
📍 Department of Internal Affairs
PO Box 10680
Wellington 6140
New Zealand
Step 3. Wait for the application result.
Find out if your application is approved online. It will take three to fourteen months.
Step 4. Go to a ceremony.
You must appear at a citizenship ceremony as soon as your application for New Zealand citizenship is accepted.
New Zealand Citizenship Test and Interview
Interview
During the interview, they will confirm your identity and make sure that you are eligible to sit the New Zealand citizenship test.
To attend the interview, you need to provide the original identity documents with your photo that you submitted with your application. These could be an ID card, passport, or driver’s license.
Electronic copies or certified copies of your photo ID will not be accepted. Your interview will be rescheduled if you forget to bring a photo ID.
Citizenship test
For most applicants seeking New Zealand citizenship by conferral, the citizenship test is a requirement of the application procedure. Getting a passing score on the citizenship exam will demonstrate that you have:
- An appropriate understanding of New Zealand and the rights and obligations of citizenship.
- A fundamental command of the English language.
- An awareness of what it means to become a New Zealand citizen.
- An appreciation for and dedication to the freedom, respect, and equality that underpin New Zealand ideals.
To pass the exam, you have to:
✅ Respond to 20 multiple-choice questions.
✅ Obtain a minimum of 75% overall by successfully answering each of the five New Zealand values questions.
NZ Citizenship Benefits
The following are some of the main advantages of New Zealand citizenship:
- Visa-free Travel
Being a citizen of New Zealand gives you access to unlimited travel options. If you have a New Zealand passport, you can visit many countries without a visa or with simple options for obtaining one upon arrival.
- Employment Prospects
Citizens of New Zealand have access to a wide range of employment options and professional trajectories across the nation. Their flexibility to pursue a variety of careers allows them to reach their full potential in terms of money and career advancement.
- Social Advantages
Citizens of New Zealand are entitled to a wide range of social benefits, including housing, healthcare, education, and other social services. This safety net promotes a strong sense of communal support by guaranteeing the security and well-being of individuals and their families.
- Stay and Work in Australia
One major benefit of being a citizen of New Zealand is having the freedom to travel, reside, and work anywhere in Australia at any time. If you are a New Zealand passport holder, you will automatically be eligible for an Australian Special Category Visa when you arrive. This implies that the procedure of moving to Australia becomes simple and hassle-free should you ever consider moving for a job.
- Voting Rights and Government Participation
Upon obtaining citizenship in New Zealand, one is entitled to engage in democratic procedures within the nation. You are granted the right to vote in national elections and use your voice and vote to influence the direction of the country.
NZ Citizenship vs Permanent Residency
The main distinctions between permanent residency and citizenship in New Zealand are listed below.
The following rights are granted to the holder upon obtaining residency in New Zealand:
- Live, work, and study in New Zealand.
- Be eligible for health and disability services financed by the government.
- Possession of student loans and tertiary fee advantages (after a qualifying period) and enrollment as local students in state-run schools.
- Eligible for benefits from social assistance.
- Participate in municipal and general elections by casting a ballot.
- Is eligible to enlist as a career in the New Zealand Defense Forces.
- Qualified to serve on juries.
- They are qualified to buy a home and other real estate after moving.
In addition to the rights granted to those who hold New Zealand residency, those who hold a New Zealand citizenship visa are also granted certain rights, including:
- The ability to travel, live in, and work in Australia (by being granted a Special Category Visa immediately upon arrival as a citizen of New Zealand).
- Possession of a New Zealand passport, which allows them to travel overseas.
- Receiving help and support from the New Zealand Embassy or Consulate when traveling abroad.
- Participating in international sporting tournaments as a representative of New Zealand.
- Running for municipal and parliamentary positions in New Zealand.
- Being eligible for scholarships for education that are only given to New Zealanders.
Can You Have Dual Citizenship?
Although dual citizenship is possible in New Zealand, it will rely on your home country’s laws regarding whether it applies to you in this specific situation. If your country admits dual citizenship, then you can obtain citizenship in two countries.
📚 Read Also: Dual Citizenship Advantages and Disadvantages
The Bottom Line
This guide includes nearly all the critical information you need to know to apply for New Zealand citizenship. Check whether you are qualified and prepare the required documents then apply for it. Hope you can successfully obtain NZ citizenship eventually.
Dolores Xiao