Citizenship

They include the right to travel freely overseas and return on a New Zealand passport, full access to economic rights, and full access to educational scholarships and awards that are reserved for New Zealanders.

Routes to citizenship

There are two main routes - Citizenship by Descent and Citizenship by Grant. Both are administrated by the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA).

You may qualify for Citizenship by Descent if you were born overseas but one of your parents was a New Zealand citizen.

But generally, Citizenship by Grant is the way for most migrants. It may pay to note the requirements for children under 16 are slightly different.

How to apply for NZ citizenship | Govt.nz

Citizenship by Grant

In general terms, the requirements are:

• Intention: you must plan to stay living in New Zealand if you’re granted citizenship.
• Residence: you’ll usually be required to have been living in New Zealand with residence status for five years before you apply. (The option to apply after three years’ residence is no longer available).
• English: you must know English well enough to handle everyday situations like shopping or banking without assistance.
• Good character: if you’ve been convicted of traffic offences, benefit fraud or have any convictions, it may affect your application.
• You need to understand the responsibilities and privileges of New Zealand citizenship.

The Department of Internal Affairs has recently launched an online service for people wishing to apply for Citizenship by Grant. This is currently open to individual adults (groups, children, and families will be later). 

To see whether you’re likely to meet the requirements for New Zealand citizenship and to check whether you can apply online, visit the Govt.nz website.

Requirements for New Zealand citizenship | Govt.nz

Check your eligibility for citizenship | Govt.nz