National Library of New Zealand
Harvested by the National Library of New Zealand on: Dec 6 2017 at 20:41:15 GMT
Search boxes and external links may not function. Having trouble viewing this page? Click here
Close Minimize Help
Wayback Machine

NZ citizenship

  • Check if you are a citizen

    To find out if you are a New Zealand citizen, you can use our online tool or ask the Citizenship Office.

  • Apply for NZ citizenship

    You can apply for NZ citizenship if you have lived here as a resident for at least the last 5 years. To be eligible, you also need to meet good character and English requirements.

  • Get your child an NZ passport when born overseas

    If you are a New Zealand citizen by birth or grant and you have a child overseas, you can register them as a New Zealand citizen by descent and get them an NZ passport.

  • NZ citizenship if you’re marrying a Kiwi

    New Zealand doesn’t have any special rules for foreigners marrying New Zealanders — you have to go through the same citizenship process as everyone else.

  • NZ citizenship if you're adopted

    If you were born and adopted in New Zealand you’re most likely a NZ citizen. If you were born or adopted overseas, you might be a NZ citizen, or you might be able to apply for NZ citizenship by descent.

  • Get proof you're a citizen

    If you have lost your NZ citizenship certificate or you don't have it, you can apply for a replacement certificate or a confirmation of citizenship.

  • Dual citizenship

    New Zealand allows dual citizenship or multiple citizenship — but some other countries don’t.

  • Get proof you are not a citizen

    Sometimes the government from another country will ask you to prove you’re not a New Zealand citizen. This is usually because they don’t allow dual citizenship.

  • Give up your NZ citizenship

    If you’re becoming a citizen of a country that doesn’t allow dual citizenship, you might have to give up your NZ citizenship.

  • Being stripped of NZ citizenship

    In rare circumstances, the Minister of Internal Affairs can take someone’s New Zealand citizenship off them. They will no longer be able to use an NZ passport and may not be allowed to live here.

  • Contact the Citizenship Office

    Phone numbers, emails and addresses for the offices in NZ, Australia and the United Kingdom.

Print

Have your say about this page

Do you have some feedback?

Last Updated

Page last updated: