Requirements for NZ citizenship

Before you apply, check you meet the requirements to become a New Zealand citizen.

In this section

Check you meet the requirements for NZ citizenship

Use this self-check tool to find out if you meet the requirements for New Zealand citizenship.

Presence in NZ requirements

You need to show you have been physically present in New Zealand for a certain amount of time and that you intend to continue living here.

Language requirements

You need to be able to hold a basic conversation in English to get New Zealand citizenship.

Character requirements

You need to show you are of good character to get New Zealand citizenship.

Requirements for children

Children do not have to meet all the same requirements as adults to get New Zealand citizenship.

Requirements for Samoan citizens

The requirements you need to meet to get New Zealand citizenship depend on when you arrived here.

If you do not meet a requirement

In rare cases, the Minister of Internal Affairs might grant New Zealand citizenship to someone who does not meet all the requirements.

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