🇳🇿 New Zealand · Citizenship
Naturalization rules: required residence years, language and civics requirements, and each country's dual-citizenship policy.
Quick answer
You can apply for New Zealand citizenship by grant after holding residence-class visa status and being present in New Zealand for at least 1,350 days over the last 5 years (and at least 240 days in each of those years). You must be of good character and have sufficient English. New Zealand permits dual citizenship.
New Zealand citizenship by grant generally requires holding residence and having been present in New Zealand for at least 1,350 days over the previous five years (including 240 days in each of those years) as a resident, being of good character, having sufficient English, and intending to continue living in New Zealand. New Zealand permits dual citizenship. The Department of Internal Affairs decides.
- Generally 1,350 days' presence over five years (incl. 240 days/year) as a resident.
- Be of good character, have sufficient English and intend to keep living in New Zealand.
- New Zealand permits dual citizenship; the Department of Internal Affairs decides.
Step-by-step
- 1
Confirm your route and residence
Hold residence-class visa status and meet the presence test: ≥1,350 days over 5 years and ≥240 days in each year.
- 2
Meet language and knowledge tests
Have sufficient English to understand the responsibilities and privileges of citizenship.
- 3
Meet good-character and other conditions
Be of good character (character and any convictions are assessed).
- 4
Apply to the nationality authority
Apply to the Department of Internal Affairs (online or paper) with identity and residence evidence.
- 5
Attend interview / test and formalities
On approval, attend a citizenship ceremony and make the oath or affirmation of allegiance.
- 6
Receive citizenship and a passport
You become a New Zealand citizen; New Zealand allows dual citizenship. Apply for a New Zealand passport.
Checklist
- Eligible route + qualifying residence period
- Continuous / legal residence conditions met
- Language + civic knowledge test passed
- Good character / clean record
- Application + documents + fee
- Interview / test / ceremony completed
- Dual-nationality rule checked
- Citizenship confirmed; passport applied
Official authorities
- NZ citizenship (Department of Internal Affairs)
Official citizenship-by-grant information.
Frequently asked questions
What is the presence requirement?
At least 1,350 days in New Zealand over the last 5 years, including at least 240 days in each of those years, on residence-class status.
Does New Zealand allow dual citizenship?
Yes — New Zealand permits dual citizenship, so you can keep your original nationality.
Who processes citizenship applications?
The Department of Internal Affairs, which also runs the citizenship ceremonies.
Official-information aggregation, not legal advice. Always verify on the authority's own site.
Government portals
- govt.nz — New Zealand government services portal
- Immigration New Zealand — Visas, work/student visas, and residence
- Inland Revenue (IRD) — Income tax, GST, and the IRD number
- business.govt.nz — Company registration, employment, and compliance