Apply for NZ citizenship
Complete and submit your application for New Zealand citizenship by grant.
Due to planned system upgrades, the online citizenship service will be unavailable from 5pm, Friday 5 December to 1am, Monday 8 December (NZDT).
From 21 November 2025, citizenship fees have changed. See the Department of Internal Affairs media release for details.
Cost
The fee to apply for New Zealand citizenship is:
- $560 for adults aged 16 and over
- $280 for children aged 15 and under.
Apply online
Checklist before you apply
Make sure you have:
- a login using RealMe — if you do not have one, you will be prompted to create a login before you begin your application
- a device with internet access and a camera, such as a cellphone, tablet or computer — you will need this to complete an identity check
- an identity referee
- digital copies of your photo and documents
- a credit or debit card to pay the fee.
Find out everything you need to prepare before you apply:
What to get ready before you apply for NZ citizenship
Apply online for NZ citizenship
Apply in person or by post
Checklist before you apply
Make sure you have:
- your completed application form
- a witness
- your original documents
- 2 identical photos
- a payment card to pay the fee.
Find out everything you need to prepare before you apply:
What to get ready before you apply for NZ citizenship
Download your form
Apply
If you are a citizen by descent:
If you were born outside New Zealand and at least one of your parents was a New Zealand citizen at the time of your birth, you need to register your citizenship to get your certificate.
If you are Samoan
There are 2 ways to apply for a grant of citizenship, depending on when and where you were born.
- If you were born in Samoa before 1 January 1949, apply here: Apply for NZ citizenship if born in Samoa before 1949
- If you were born on or after 1 January 1949, stay on this page to apply online.
Utility links and page information
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