Citizenship

How to become a New Zealander

After three or five years’ residence in New Zealand (depending on whether you applied before or after 21st April 2005) you can apply for New Zealand citizenship.

New Zealand citizenship confers the right to vote in New Zealand elections and apply for a New Zealand passport, making it no longer necessary to obtain a returning resident’s visa when leaving the country. In order for your application to be successful, you must provide proof of good character, show your knowledge of the responsibilities and privileges of New Zealand citizenship, and speak and understand English.

You must attend a citizenship ceremony and take an oath or affirmation of allegiance. Children born of New Zealand residents automatically become New Zealand citizens and can hold dual nationality where permitted under the law of their parents’ countries of birth or nationality.

Foreign nationals who marry New Zealanders can apply for citizenship immediately they take up residence and those who live with a New Zealand partner in a genuine de facto relationship can apply for citizenship after two years.

Enquiries regarding citizenship must be made to the Citizenship Office, PO Box 10-526, Wellington (freephone 0800-225 151, www.citizenship.govt.nz ).