Becoming a New Zealand citizen is the final step in your immigration journey. Citizenship gives you full rights and security in New Zealand, including the ability to hold a New Zealand passport, vote, and live and work here permanently without any visa conditions.
Most people apply for citizenship after holding a New Zealand resident visa for at least five years. While the process is administered by the Department of Internal Affairs, our immigration team can help ensure your application is prepared correctly and meets all requirements.
There are several ways to obtain New Zealand citizenship:
Citizenship by grant – the most common pathway, available after holding resident status and meeting eligibility requirements
Citizenship by birth – if you were born in New Zealand and meet eligibility criteria
Citizenship by descent – if you were born overseas to a New Zealand citizen parent
Most migrants will apply for citizenship by grant.
To be eligible for citizenship by grant, you must meet several key requirements.
You must have held New Zealand resident status for at least five years before applying. This does not need to be a permanent resident visa, but holding a Permanent Resident Visa can provide more flexibility for travel.
You must also meet strict physical presence requirements. You must have been:
Present in New Zealand for at least 1,350 days in total over the five years before applying, and
Present in New Zealand for at least 240 days in each of those five years
You must have also complied with the conditions of your resident visa. If you have spent significant time outside New Zealand, this may affect your eligibility.
You will also need to show that you intend to continue living in New Zealand after becoming a citizen. In limited situations, you may still qualify if working overseas for the New Zealand government or a qualifying organisation connected to New Zealand.
You must be able to hold a basic conversation in English. This requirement is usually assessed based on your ability to communicate in everyday situations.
In some cases, you may be asked to attend an interview or provide evidence demonstrating your English ability.
You must be of good character to be granted New Zealand citizenship. This means the Department of Internal Affairs will assess:
Criminal history in New Zealand or overseas
Immigration history
Any involvement in serious offences
Police records, including family violence incidents
If you have character concerns, it may still be possible to proceed with a citizenship application, but additional documentation or a character waiver may be required.
Citizenship applications are processed by the Department of Internal Affairs. Processing times vary depending on individual circumstances, but most applications are completed in approximately 6 to 12 months.
Once your application is approved, you will be invited to attend a citizenship ceremony, where you will officially become a New Zealand citizen.
New Zealand citizenship provides significant benefits, including:
The right to apply for a New Zealand passport
The ability to vote in general elections
The right to live and work in New Zealand permanently
Full access to rights and protections under New Zealand law
The ability to travel freely without visa conditions
New Zealand also allows dual citizenship, meaning you may be able to keep your existing citizenship depending on your country’s laws.
Applying for citizenship is an important milestone, and ensuring your application is properly prepared can help avoid delays or complications.
Our immigration team can assist you with:
Confirming your eligibility
Assessing residence and presence requirements
Addressing character concerns
Preparing and reviewing your application
Supporting you through the entire citizenship process
Get in touch with our team today to take the final step toward becoming a New Zealand citizen.
Senior Associate | Solicitor
Solicitor
