For many migrants, becoming a New Zealand citizen is an exciting milestone. After years of living and working here, New Zealand has become home, and citizenship is often the next step.
But how do you know when you're eligible to apply, and what does the process involve?
If you've been living in New Zealand as a resident for several years, here's an overview of what you need to know about applying for New Zealand citizenship by grant.
Do You Need Permanent Residence Before Applying for Citizenship?
This is a question I get asked quite often.
You don't necessarily need to hold a Permanent Resident Visa before applying for New Zealand citizenship.
You can apply while holding a Resident Visa, provided you meet the citizenship requirements, including having the right to live in New Zealand indefinitely and meeting any conditions on your residence.
Permanent Residence and citizenship are two different things.
A Permanent Resident Visa allows you to live, work and study in New Zealand indefinitely, with no travel conditions.
Citizenship means you become a New Zealand citizen, with the rights and responsibilities that come with it, including being able to apply for a New Zealand passport.
How Long Do You Need to Have Lived in New Zealand?
You need to have held New Zealand residence for at least five years before applying.
However, simply holding residence for five years doesn't automatically mean you qualify.
You also need to have been physically present in New Zealand as a resident for:
At least 1,350 days during the five years immediately before you apply.
At least 240 days in each of those five years.
This is particularly important if you travel overseas regularly.
The five-year period is calculated backwards from the date you apply, so your eligibility can change depending on when you submit your application.
Do You Need to Speak English?
Yes, most adult applicants need to demonstrate that they can hold a basic conversation in English.
You don't necessarily need to sit an English language test.
Depending on your circumstances, you may be able to provide evidence such as:
English language test results.
Evidence of study in English.
A letter from an employer confirming your English language ability.
Other relevant evidence showing your ability to communicate in English.
The Department of Internal Affairs may request further information or arrange to speak with you to assess your English.
What About Character Requirements?
You also need to meet the good character requirements.
The Department of Internal Affairs may consider criminal convictions, pending charges and other relevant information when assessing your application.
If you have had previous convictions or other character concerns, it doesn't necessarily mean you can never become a New Zealand citizen.
However, it is important to understand how your circumstances may affect your application and to provide accurate information.
Do You Need to Intend to Keep Living in New Zealand?
Yes.
When applying for citizenship, you need to intend to continue living in New Zealand once you become a citizen, unless you meet one of the specific exceptions.
If you're planning to move overseas permanently, this is something you should consider before applying.
You may be asked about your future plans as part of the application.
What Documents Will You Need?
The documents required will depend on your circumstances, but you should generally be prepared to provide:
Your passport.
Your birth certificate.
Marriage certificate or name change documents, if applicable.
A digital passport-style photograph that meets the requirements.
Evidence of your English language ability, where required.
Details of an identity referee who meets the requirements.
You will also need to provide information about your residence history, travel, employment and other matters relevant to the application.
It's worth getting your documents together early, particularly if you need to request records from overseas.
How Much Does New Zealand Citizenship Cost?
As at October 2026, the Department of Internal Affairs application fees are:
Adults aged 16 and over: $641
Children aged 15 and under: $320
These are government application fees. If you choose to use a professional to assist with your application, their fees will be additional.
How Long Does Citizenship Take?
Processing times vary depending on the application and whether further information is required.
The Department of Internal Affairs' October 2026 figures indicate that 90% of applicants receive an outcome within four months, while 90% are granted citizenship within six months.
Once your citizenship application is approved, most applicants will need to attend a citizenship ceremony.
These ceremonies are arranged by local councils, and the wait for a ceremony can vary depending on where you live.
At the ceremony, you'll make an oath or affirmation of allegiance and receive your citizenship certificate.
You can then apply for your New Zealand passport, which is a separate application and fee.
Is a Citizenship Test Being Introduced?
Yes. New Zealand is introducing a citizenship test from late 2027.
Most people applying for citizenship by grant after the test is introduced will need to pass it.
If you apply before the test becomes a requirement, you won't need to sit it.
What Will the Citizenship Test Cover?
The test will focus on the responsibilities and privileges of being a New Zealand citizen, including:
New Zealand laws, such as the Human Rights Act, the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act and certain criminal offences.
Voting rights and democratic principles.
New Zealand's system of government.
Travel to and from New Zealand (passport rights, border responsibilities).
How Will the Test Work?
The citizenship test is expected to be an in-person, multiple-choice test consisting of 20 questions.
While some operational details are still being confirmed, further information about the test, including preparation materials and booking arrangements, is expected to be made available before it is introduced in late 2027.
If you're approaching eligibility for citizenship, it's worth keeping an eye on this change and checking the latest information from the Department of Internal Affairs.
Ready to Apply for New Zealand Citizenship?
For many people, becoming a New Zealand citizen is the final step in a long immigration journey.
Before applying, I recommend checking that you meet all the requirements, particularly the physical presence rules if you've travelled overseas regularly.
At Navigate Immigration Services, I can help you check your eligibility, work through the application questions, identify the supporting documents you need and prepare and submit your citizenship application.
If you're unsure whether you're ready to apply, feel free to get in touch.
📧 jo@navigateimmigration.co.nz 📞+64 27 477 2088
👩💻 www.navigateimmigration.co.nz
