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New Zealand citizenship application
New Zealand citizenship
New Zealand citizenship application
citizenship
To apply for New Zealand citizenship, you must submit your application to the Department of Internal Affairs. The Department of Internal Affairs and Immigration New Zealand are entirely separate government agencies.
Each citizenship application is assessed independently. There is no distinction between principal and secondary applicants. For example, if a couple applies on the same day, each person must submit a separate application form and pay a separate application fee.
-Eligibility Requirements• To qualify for New Zealand citizenship, you must meet the following criteria:• Have lived in New Zealand for at least five years since settling.• Have spent a minimum of 240 days per year in New Zealand (approximately 8 months annually).• Have been physically present in New Zealand for at least 1,350 days over the past five years.• If you have frequently travelled in and out of New Zealand, you must provide a written explanation.• Time spent on student, work, or visitor visas does not count toward residency requirements.• Possess a basic level of English sufficient for everyday conversation. (Children under 13 are exempt from this requirement.)• Have no criminal convictions.• Children under 15 applying with a parent are not subject to residency requirements.
Required DocumentsWhen applying for citizenship, you must provide:- All current and expired passports- Birth certificate- Marriage certificate (if applicable)- Proof of English language ability- Completed application form and passport-sized photograph The current processing time is approximately two months. After Citizenship ApprovalOnce granted citizenship, you may immediately apply for a New Zealand passport, which offers visa-free access to over 100 countries and regions, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, the European Union, Japan, Singapore, and Brazil—making international travel for business or leisure highly convenient. New Zealand recognises dual citizenship, and New Zealand passport holders may live, work, and study in Australia permanently without additional formalities.
Required DocumentsWhen applying for citizenship, you must provide:- All current and expired passports- Birth certificate- Marriage certificate (if applicable)- Proof of English language ability- Completed application form and passport-sized photograph The current processing time is approximately two months. After Citizenship ApprovalOnce granted citizenship, you may immediately apply for a New Zealand passport, which offers visa-free access to over 100 countries and regions, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, the European Union, Japan, Singapore, and Brazil—making international travel for business or leisure highly convenient. New Zealand recognises dual citizenship, and New Zealand passport holders may live, work, and study in Australia permanently without additional formalities.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)Q: When does the five-year residency period begin?A: It begins on the date you first arrive in New Zealand with a resident visa and commence living here.Q: I’ve submitted my citizenship application but it hasn’t been approved yet. Can I travel overseas in an emergency?A: Yes, short-term travel is allowed.Q: Can a child born in New Zealand automatically obtain citizenship?A: Under current law, a child born in New Zealand is granted citizenship only if at least one parent is a New Zealand citizen or resident at the time of birth.Q: Can I retain my original passport after becoming a New Zealand citizen?A: Yes. New Zealand recognizes dual citizenship and does not require you to renounce your original nationality.Q: Can my New Zealand citizenship be revoked?A: Revocation of citizenship is rare and involves a complex legal process. It is not easily done.Q: What steps must I take to live in Australia after becoming a New Zealand citizen?A: No additional steps are required. You may use your New Zealand passport to enter and reside in Australia indefinitely, including for work and study.