New Zealand citizenship is a legal status that determines connection with the state, being under its protection, and possessing a full list of rights and freedoms. Persons who have territorial or national affiliation with it, as well as applicants who have lived here for a specified number of days over the past 5 years with a temporary or permanent resident visa, can purchase a passport of this country. Migration policy is aimed at issuing status to applicants who have integrated into society and intend to connect their future with further stay in New Zealand. The procedure for issuing a passport is regulated by the Law on Citizenship of 1977.

Acquiring the status of a New Zealand citizen is associated with privileges in the form of the opportunity to travel without visas to 170+ countries around the world. The country located in Oceania tops the rankings for economic freedom and creates favorable conditions for business development. GDP growth for 2023 was 2.2%; according to various criteria, the state is among the leaders in the standard of living of citizens.

Obtaining New Zealand citizenship involves a long process of naturalization and a number of strict requirements.

What is needed to obtain New Zealand citizen status?

Each method of obtaining citizenship determines individual requirements for candidates. Foreigners who do not have a national or territorial affiliation with a state must undergo a general procedure and confirm compliance with the following conditions:

  • reaching 16 years of age and having full legal capacity to submit an application in the prescribed format;
  • having the right to stay in New Zealand for an indefinite period (temporary resident visa or permanent residence);
  • no problems with the law;
  • stay in the country with a resident visa for at least 1,350 days over the last 5 years, at least 240 in each of them;
  • understanding the rights and responsibilities associated with becoming a New Zealand citizen;
  • knowledge of the English language at a sufficient level;
  • intention to continue to reside in the country or to enter the service of the New Zealand government or an international organization to which the state is a party.

Categories of persons who can apply for a New Zealand passport:

  • foreigners who have fulfilled the requirements for applicants for naturalization;
  • New Zealand children;
  • applicants eligible for special status;
  • children born in the country.

Benefits of a New Zealand passport

A New Zealand passport provides its holder with the following benefits:

  • visa-free or simplified travel to 174 countries, including Canada and the USA;
  • unlimited time residence on the territory of the state;
  • employment in the local market on an equal basis with other citizens;
  • opening and running a business with a maximum list of privileges and the possibility of obtaining profitable loans;
  • obtaining education free of charge or admission with benefits;
  • holding public office;
  • participation in the political electoral process;
  • receiving a full range of social assistance from the state;
  • maintaining the current status and acquiring New Zealand as a second one.

Legal ways to obtain a New Zealand passport

New Zealand citizenship can be obtained by birth, descent, grant (naturalization) or due to special circumstances. Until 2006, the country had an unquestioning right to land, according to which every child born on the territory of the state was automatically granted status. Today, the law in this aspect has been slightly changed – children can apply for a New Zealand passport by birth, but only if additional conditions are met. Parents do not receive the right to accelerated naturalization. It is not possible to acquire citizenship by investing in the local economy. The state has investment programs, but they require registration of residence, after which the applicant is required to naturalize and obtain a passport in the general manner.

Birth

Persons automatically become citizens of a country if they were born:

  • on the territory of the country on or after January 1, 1949, but before January 1, 2006;
  • On or after 1 January 2006, if at least one parent is a New Zealand citizen or has the right to remain in the country indefinitely.

All children born in New Zealand on or after 1 January 1978 can purchase a New Zealand passport if they would otherwise remain stateless. Newborns found in the country whose origin could not be determined are also considered New Zealanders by default. Persons who become citizens by birth cannot lose their status due to adoption by foreigners.

Origin

Every child born outside New Zealand has the right to register as a citizen (in person from age 16 or with parental assistance) if:

  • his father and/or mother are not of New Zealand descent;
  • the parents or one of them hold a country passport due to origin, and otherwise the child would be stateless.

A person who falls into one of these categories may submit an application by mail to register their status. The request consideration procedure lasts up to 50 days. Fees are provided purely for registration of citizenship or additional issuance of a passport after recognition of this fact – 121 and 242 USD, respectively, for persons aged 16 years and older and 121/191 for other applicants.

Naturalization

Obtaining citizenship as part of naturalization involves the residence of an applicant from abroad for a specified period of time in New Zealand, learning the state language, compliance with local laws and other conditions. The standard procedure lasts 5 years, but there are additional requirements regarding the person’s physical presence in the country. Naturalization begins with the opening of a resident visa, which is the equivalent of a residence permit. The document allows a person to travel outside of New Zealand and return as many times as necessary within 2 years (this period can be extended), work and study (if provided for by the type of permit), and stay in the country for an indefinite period. The visa is issued in connection with employment, family reunification, business, investment and some other reasons.

After 2 years of residence in the country and upon demonstrating readiness and desire to further build their life in New Zealand, a person can apply for a permanent visa. After the expiration of the 5-year period and if the foreigner meets the established requirements, the right to apply for citizenship becomes available. The total duration of the process from the moment of application is about 19 months. The fee for persons aged 16 years or older is 470.20 USD, and for others – 235.10.

Special cases

By decision of the Minister, the following persons may be granted the status of citizen, regardless of compliance with the requirements for naturalization:

  • the applicant is under 16 years of age or one of the parents was of New Zealand origin at the time of his birth;
  • granting a person status is related to the public interest;
  • Without assignment of citizenship, the applicant will remain stateless.

At the discretion of the minister, individual requirements regarding the applicant’s length of residence in the country, knowledge of English, criminal records, and plans for future life in the state may be taken into account or not.

How to obtain New Zealand citizenship: step-by-step instructions

The procedure for obtaining New Zealand citizenship for Russians and other foreigners as part of naturalization begins with the opening of a resident visa. Over the next 5 years after issuing this document, the person must fulfill the requirement for length of stay, learn the language, comply with laws, and conduct activities in accordance with the type of permit. After passing the established period, you can initiate the procedure for obtaining citizenship in accordance with the current rules.

Registration of a residence permit

A foreigner who intends to reside in New Zealand for a long period of time and in the future apply for citizenship must apply for a resident visa, which replaces a residence permit. The application is registered online on the government website, authorization is carried out through the RealMe service. Depending on the basis, there are different types of visas, among which the applicant can choose the optimal one. After opening an entry permit and arriving in the country, a foreigner must activate his stay in New Zealand, after which he will be able to stay in the state for an unlimited time and travel abroad for 2 years with the right to return. After 2 years of residence, you can optionally apply for a permanent permit if additional conditions are met.

Passing the test

Foreigners whose native language is not English must demonstrate knowledge of English. The legislation does not provide for a separate procedure for passing the exam. A person can provide a document confirming education in English (certificate, diploma, academic certificate from a university), or a letter of recommendation from an employer. Another option is to take the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test and receive a certificate. If, after accepting the foreigner’s application, the authorized person has additional questions regarding the level of knowledge, he can schedule an interview during which he will independently check his English proficiency.

Collection and preparation of documents

The basic set of documents for a foreigner wishing to acquire citizen status includes:

  • completed application form;
  • birth certificate;
  • current passport or other travel document;
  • 2 passport size photos taken no later than 6 months before submission.

Depending on the circumstances, the composition of the dossier may be adjusted. For example, if English is not the applicant’s native language, he needs to document his knowledge – with a certificate, a letter of recommendation from the employer, or an IELTS certificate. If the applicant’s documents are not in English, an official translation must be performed. When submitting a dossier in person or by mail, originals are required, and digital copies are required online.

Applying for citizenship

The application can be submitted to one of the Citizenship Offices or by mail, in both cases there must be a witness – a New Zealand citizen aged 16 years or older who is able to confirm the identity of the applicant. For a personal visit, please make an appointment by phone or email. Alternatively, documents can be sent in a tracked courier package to the following address: Department of Home Affairs PO Box 10680, Wellington 6143. Online dossier submission is available and a witness will be required to verify identity, additionally identifying the individual by uploading a photo or visiting an office.

The application form can be downloaded from the New Zealand Government website. There are different forms for adult applicants, children and Samoans. The ability to check the status of an application must be clarified individually. The approximate processing time for a case is 16 months, and if additional questions arise, the responsible specialist will contact the applicant.

Citizenship Ceremony

Within 2–5 months after the citizenship application is approved by the local council, an oath-taking ceremony is organized. Approximately 4 weeks before the event, an invitation is sent to the person, indicating the date, time and place, the number of guests that can be invited, and the text that will need to be read out. During the ceremony, the applicant takes an oath and receives a certificate of citizenship, after which he can proceed to obtain a passport.

The process of acquiring New Zealand citizenship is long and complex; an applicant without experience may not understand all the nuances of the procedures and lose time due to mistakes. Specialists will analyze the availability of this immigration method and help you choose the optimal solution, while providing professional support.

Terms and cost of obtaining New Zealand citizenship

The length of time it takes to make a decision on granting a resident visa depends on the basis, the individual situation of the applicant, and the workload of the authorized body. For example, for family reunification, 90% of applications are processed within 15 months, for entrepreneurship – 19. During naturalization, the applicant does not need to renew a resident visa, but he has the right, after 2 years of residence, to receive a permanent one and use it before issuing a passport. In general, acquiring citizen status takes about 7–8 years, taking into account the waiting time for requests to be processed.

Registration of New Zealand citizenship by naturalization costs 470.20 or 235.10 USD, depending on the age of the applicant. Additionally, it is necessary to take into account the costs of preparing documents (translation into English costing from 95 USD, making copies), and production of passports. During naturalization, a foreigner will need to provide expenses for accommodation, food, and other household needs.

New Zealand Citizen’s Passport

Citizens of the country receive an internal passport and a foreign one. The first designated document is used to identify an individual within the state, simplify the use of services and goods, it looks like a plastic ID card with a photo and personal data of the owner. The application is submitted online through the Kiwi service or in person at any post office store or authorized center, providing two photographs, a current ID and proof of address for delivery. The document production time takes up to 10 working days and costs 60 USD.

The foreign passport of a New Zealand citizen is presented in the form of a book with a black cover. The document is used for traveling abroad and can be prepared in a standard mode in 5 weeks or urgently in 2-3 working days. You can submit an application through the online service and receive a certificate from the delivery service. The applicant must prepare an application, personal details, photographs and have a witness over 16 years of age with New Zealand citizenship. On the government website you can check the readiness status of your passport using the application number. The cost of the document depends on the urgency of its production and varies from 122 to 245 USD for an adult applicant.

Visa-free countries

The New Zealand passport gives its holder the right to visa-free travel to 174 countries and ranks 4th in the world ranking in terms of strength. Among the states open to New Zealanders are all members of the EU, Great Britain, and Singapore. You can travel to the USA and Canada with a document for 90 and 180 days, respectively, by obtaining an eTA electronic visa.

New Zealand: dual citizenship

Citizens of a country may have two or more passports. Foreigners are not required to renounce their current status upon naturalization and can obtain a second citizenship in New Zealand with the associated benefits. The authorities do not notify the authorized bodies of the migrant’s country of origin that the document has been issued to him. It is worth distinguishing between the concepts of second and dual citizenship. If in the first case, persons having two passports are recognized in each country exclusively as their citizens, then in the second, their rights and obligations are replaced, applicants are regarded as bipatrids. To obtain dual status, an agreement must be concluded between the respective states. The practice of signing such agreements is rare in the world. Dual citizenship is not allowed in New Zealand. When obtaining a second passport in this country, the applicant in any case has access to the maximum list of privileges provided to him.

Refusal and revocation of New Zealand citizenship

Authorized persons may refuse an application for New Zealand citizenship for the following reasons:

  • failure to comply with statutory requirements;
  • submission of an incomplete dossier, false information about the applicant;
  • having a criminal record.

In case of refusal, the applicant is notified of the violations that served as the reason for the negative decision, and can, taking them into account, submit a second request. Deprivation of status is possible if a person acts against the interests of New Zealand after obtaining another citizenship, as well as using fraudulent schemes during the naturalization procedure. It is worth carefully monitoring the legality of your stay in New Zealand, because violating migration policy in this aspect can lead to deportation and prevent you from obtaining citizenship.

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