New Zealand citizenship
Learn about different types of citizenship in New Zealand and the requirements and steps to apply based on your situation.
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Types of citizenship: birth, descent and grant
There are 3 main types of New Zealand citizenship: by birth, by descent and by grant.
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Requirements for NZ citizenship
Before you apply, check you meet the requirements to become a New Zealand citizen.
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How to apply for NZ citizenship
Follow these steps when you apply for New Zealand citizenship.
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Register as a citizen by descent and get a passport
If you are a citizen by descent, you must register your citizenship before you can get a New Zealand passport.
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Proof of citizenship
What to do if you have lost your New Zealand citizenship certificate, or if you need to prove whether or not you are a New Zealand citizen.
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Apply for NZ citizenship if born in Samoa before 1949
You can apply for NZ citizenship if you were born in Samoa on or after 13 May 1924 and before 1 January 1949, or if you meet 1 of the other eligibility criteria.
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Changing your citizenship status
Your citizenship status may change if you want citizenship of more than 1 country or to give up New Zealand citizenship — or if the New Zealand government takes away your citizenship.
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NZ citizenship if you are adopted
If you were born and adopted in New Zealand you are likely to be a New Zealand citizen. If you were born or adopted outside New Zealand, you might be a citizen — if not, you may be able to apply to become one.
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Privileges and responsibilities of a citizen
When you become a New Zealand citizen, you will have the same privileges as a person who was born here. You will also have the same responsibilities.
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International surrogacy and citizenship
Getting New Zealand citizenship for a child born through an international surrogacy agreement involves multiple government agencies and processes. Your options are outlined in a fact sheet produced by DIA and the other agencies involved in international surrogacy matters.
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Contact the Citizenship Office
Phone numbers, emails and addresses for New Zealand citizenship offices in New Zealand, Australia and the United Kingdom.