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For many people who have moved to New Zealand, gaining New Zealand citizenship is the final step of a long immigration journey. While having a Permanent Resident Visa (PRV) allows you to live and work in New Zealand, there are more benefits to becoming a New Zealand citizen. This includes the chance to hold a New Zealand passport, which gives you greater freedom to travel.

If you’re thinking about applying for New Zealand citizenship, this guide will help you understand the NZ Citizenship Application process, the eligibility requirements, and the reasons why it may be worth pursuing citizenship.

Types of New Zealand Citizenship

There are three main ways to become a New Zealand citizen:

1. Citizenship by Birth: If you were born in New Zealand before 1 January 2006, you are automatically a citizen. If you were born on or after this date, one of your parents must have been a New Zealand citizen or resident when you were born.
2. Citizenship by Descent: This applies if you were born overseas, but one of your parents was a New Zealand citizen at the time of your birth. Note that the parent should not have gained their citizenship by descent.
3. Citizenship by Grant: This is the most common path for immigrants. If you and your parents were born outside New Zealand, you would apply for citizenship by grant.

Why Apply for NZ Citizenship?

While a PRV gives you the right to live in New Zealand permanently, citizenship offers additional advantages:

• New Zealand Passport: A New Zealand passport allows you to visit many countries without needing a visa. It also gives you the right to live and work in Australia.
• Consulate Assistance: As a New Zealand citizen, you can access help from New Zealand consulates while overseas.
• Government Roles: Only New Zealand citizens can run for election in government or local council roles.
• Military Service: You must be a citizen to serve in the New Zealand armed forces.
• International Representation: Citizenship allows you to represent New Zealand in international sports competitions.
• Children’s Future Citizenship: If your children are born overseas, they can apply for New Zealand citizenship by descent.
• Scholarship Opportunities: Some scholarships are only available to New Zealand citizens.

NZ Citizenship Requirements

To apply for New Zealand citizenship, you need to meet certain conditions:

• Time Spent in New Zealand: You must have been in New Zealand for at least 240 days each year, and 1,350 days total, over the five years before applying. While you don’t need to have a Permanent Resident Visa, your Resident Visa must not have extra conditions.
• Good Character: You must be of good character, which is checked through a series of declarations on the application form. This may involve checks with agencies like the New Zealand Police.
• English Skills: You need to show that you can speak and understand English well enough to manage daily situations in New Zealand.

Can You Apply Before Completing Five Years?

Although the general rule is that you must have spent five years in New Zealand, some exceptions can be made. For example, if you gained residency but were present in New Zealand before the official date of your resident visa, some of that time might count towards your five-year total. This could make you eligible to apply a few months earlier.

NZ Citizenship Application for Children

Children under 15 do not need to meet the presence requirement if they are applying with a parent who does. However, children aged 14 and 15 must meet additional criteria, such as speaking English and proving good character. Children under 13 do not need to meet these requirements if they are applying with a parent.

How Long Does It Take to Apply for NZ Citizenship?

Processing times for citizenship applications can vary greatly. Some applications are processed within 1 to 4 months, while others may take up to 16 months if they are more complex. For straightforward cases, Pathways® has seen applications approved within two weeks.

You will be invited to attend a citizenship ceremony, which may take up to 4 months after approval. At the ceremony, you will take an oath of allegiance before receiving your certificate of citizenship, allowing you to officially become a New Zealand citizen and apply for a passport.

Multiple Citizenship Considerations

New Zealand allows dual or multiple citizenships, but some countries do not. For example, countries like China, India, and Singapore require you to give up your current citizenship if you want to become a New Zealand citizen. Be sure to check the rules of your home country before applying.

Fees and Final Steps

As of October 2024, the application fee for anyone aged 16 and over is $470.20. For those aged 15 and under, the fee is $235.10. If you meet the NZ Citizenship Requirements and are approaching five years since getting your resident visa, now might be the right time to apply for NZ citizenship!

Conclusion

Becoming a New Zealand citizen brings many benefits, from the ability to travel more freely to the opportunity to participate fully in New Zealand’s political and civic life. If you’re eligible, applying for citizenship could be the perfect way to complete your journey to making New Zealand your permanent home.

If you need any help regarding New Zealand visa services, feel free to contact NZeTA Visa Agency. We have a team of experienced professionals who can help you navigate through the complex visa process and make your NZ journey simple and easier.