Nationality of New Zealand: all obtaining pathways
New Zealand requires five years as a permanent resident for citizenship by grant, with the same period applying to marriage or civil partnership with a New Zealander. Citizenship is transmitted by descent, and a limited ius soli is reserved for the children of permanent residents.
1Naturalization by residence (grant of citizenship)
Naturalization by residence (grant of citizenship)
Requirements
- At least 16 years of age and of full capacity (s 8(1)(a)-(b))
- Application in the prescribed manner (s 8(1)(c))
- Entitlement to be in New Zealand indefinitely under the Immigration Act 2009 (s 8(2)(a))
- Physical presence ≥1,350 days in the 5 immediately preceding years + ≥240 days in each of those 5 years (s 8(2)(b))
- Good character (s 8(2)(c))
- Sufficient knowledge of the responsibilities and privileges of New Zealand citizenship (s 8(2)(d))
- Sufficient knowledge of the English language (s 8(2)(e))
- Intention to continue residing in NZ or serve the Crown / an international organisation (s 8(2)(f))
- Oath of allegiance
- The Minister may waive requirements in exceptional cases (s 8(7))
Documentation
- Valid passport
- Proof of residence (resident visa or permanent residence)
- Criminal record certificate from each country lived in for more than 12 months in the past 10 years
- Evidence of English knowledge
- Identification photos
- Application form
2Citizenship by birth (ius soli)
Citizenship by birth (ius soli)
Requirements
- Being born in New Zealand where at least one of the parents is a New Zealand citizen or a permanent resident
- Being born in New Zealand and being found abandoned before the age of 6 months (automatic citizenship)
Documentation
- New Zealand birth certificate
- Proof of the parents' citizenship or permanent residence
3Citizenship by descent (ius sanguinis)
Citizenship by descent (ius sanguinis)
Requirements
- Being born outside New Zealand where at least one of the parents is a New Zealand citizen by birth or naturalization
- Registering the birth in the citizenship register before the first birthday (for those born after 2006)
- If born between 1978 and 2005, registering before turning 24
- If born before 1978, citizenship is transmitted automatically through a New Zealand citizen parent
Documentation
- Applicant's birth certificate
- Parent's New Zealand birth certificate or citizenship certificate
- Parent's passport where applicable
4Citizenship through marriage / de facto partnership
Citizenship through marriage / de facto partnership
Requirements
- Marriage or civil union / de facto partnership with a New Zealand citizen does NOT shorten the physical-presence requirement (5 years / 1,350 days)
- Concession: time outside NZ accompanying the citizen spouse or partner on Crown service may count as presence (s 8(5))
- Remaining s 8(2) requirements: indefinite residence, good character, English, civic knowledge
- Discretionary decision of the Minister
Documentation
- Marriage certificate or proof of the de facto partnership
- Proof of 5 years' residence
- Criminal record certificate
- Valid passport
Frequently asked questions about the nationality of New Zealand
How many years of residence does New Zealand require to naturalize?
According to the main pathway of New Zealand (Naturalization by residence (grant of citizenship)), the term is Presence ≥1,350 days in the 5 years before applying + ≥240 days in each of those 5 years, with entitlement to reside in NZ indefinitely (s 8(2)(b)). The complete details of requirements and exceptions appear in the fact sheet.
Can the nationality of New Zealand be obtained by marriage?
Yes, through the Citizenship through marriage / de facto partnership pathway (No reduction: the same ≥1,350 days of presence over 5 years (+240 days/year) as the ordinary route; concessions only when accompanying the spouse on Crown service (s 8(5))). The complete requirements appear in the fact sheet of that pathway.
What documentation does naturalization in New Zealand require?
The Naturalization by residence pathway requires: Valid passport; Proof of residence (resident visa or permanent residence); Criminal record certificate from each country lived in for more than 12 months in the past 10 years; Evidence of English knowledge; Identification photos; among 1 more documents.
What pathways exist to obtain the nationality of New Zealand?
New Zealand provides 4 pathways: Naturalization by residence, Citizenship by birth, Citizenship by descent, Citizenship through marriage / de facto partnership.
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