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How to apply for NZ citizenship

Follow these steps when you apply for New Zealand citizenship.

  1. 1

    Understand the types of citizenship

    There are 3 main types of New Zealand citizenship. The type you can get depends on your situation.

    Types of citizenship: birth, descent and grant

  2. 2

    Check you meet the requirements

    Use the self-check tool to find out if you are eligible for New Zealand citizenship.

    Check you meet the requirements for NZ citizenship

  3. 3

    Get your documents ready

    When you apply for New Zealand citizenship by grant, you need to provide documents to prove your identity, such as:

    • your birth certificate or birth record
    • your passport or travel document.

    Depending on your situation, you may need to provide additional documents.

    You also need to get an identity referee or witness to support your application.

    What to get ready before you apply for NZ citizenship

  4. 4

    Apply and pay

    You can apply online, in person, or by post.

    Applying for citizenship by grant costs:

    • $470.20 for adults aged 16 and over
    • $235.10 for children aged 15 and under.

    Apply for NZ citizenship

  5. 5

    Wait to find out if your application is approved

    It takes 3 to 14 months to find out if your application to become a New Zealand citizen has been approved.

    After you apply for NZ citizenship

    To check the progress of your application, click on the link below. Select 'Continue saved application', then log in using RealMe.

    Check the progress of your application

  6. 6

    Attend a ceremony

    Once your New Zealand citizenship is approved, you need to attend a citizenship ceremony.

    Citizenship ceremonies

  7. 7

    Get your NZ passport

    You need New Zealand citizenship to apply for a passport.

    Once you are a citizen, you can apply for your New Zealand passport. This is a separate process.

    NZ passports

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