Citizenship test

From late 2027, most people who apply for New Zealand citizenship by grant will have to pass a test to become a citizen.

You do not need to sit the test if you have already applied for citizenship, or if you apply before the test becomes a requirement in 2027.  

If you are planning to apply for citizenship, make sure you meet the requirements at the time you apply — see Requirements for NZ citizenship.  

About the citizenship test  

The citizenship test will check applicants understand the responsibilities and privileges that come with New Zealand citizenship.  

Understanding these responsibilities and privileges is already a requirement for citizenship by grant applicants. Currently, applicants show this understanding by making a declaration in their application. 

The test is a change to how applicants show they meet the requirement, not to the requirement itself.  

Details about the citizenship test — including how to sit it, exemptions, costs and the exact date it will become a requirement — will be provided as work progresses. 

Who will sit the test

After the test becomes a requirement in 2027, most people who apply for citizenship by grant will need to sit the test. 

Applicants will not have to sit the test if they: 

  • are under 16 years old 
  • are aged 65 or over 
  • have been granted a waiver for the English language requirement for citizenship 
  • are not of full capacity 
  • have a severe medical condition that would prevent them from completing the test 
  • have unique personal circumstances that would prevent them from completing the test 
  • are a New Zealand citizen by descent applying for citizenship by grant 
  • are applying from overseas but meet the presence requirement — for example, if they live in Niue, the Cook Islands or Tokelau, or are working overseas for the New Zealand government. 

What will be tested 

The test will check applicants understand the responsibilities and privileges of being a New Zealand citizen.  

Privileges and responsibilities of a citizen 

Test topics will include: 

  • the Bill of Rights Act 
  • human rights 
  • voting rights and democratic principles 
  • New Zealand’s system of government  
  • some criminal offences 
  • travelling overseas on a New Zealand passport. 

The Department of Internal Affairs will provide study materials to help applicants prepare. These materials will be available before the test becomes a requirement. 

How the test will work 

  • Applicants will sit the test in person. Test locations are not yet decided, but the aim will be to have test locations throughout New Zealand, not just in the main centres. 
  • There will likely be a fee for each attempt to pass the test. This will be additional to the citizenship application fee. It will only be charged to applicants who must sit the test. The test fee amount is still to be decided. 
  • The test will have 20 multiple-choice questions in English. 
  • Applicants will need to get at least 15 answers correct (75%) to pass the test.  

If you do not pass the test 

If an applicant does not pass the test on their first attempt, they can rebook and try again. If they do not pass after 3 attempts, they will need to wait at least 30 working days. They will then be allowed up to 3 more attempts. 

Applicants will likely have to pay a test fee each time they sit the test. 

Applicants who do not pass after 6 attempts will be provided options, including withdrawing their application to get a partial refund of their application fee. This is in line with the current process for applications that do not clearly meet citizenship requirements. 

Before you apply for citizenship 

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

Requirements for NZ citizenship 

If you do not meet the requirements at the time you apply, your application may not be successful, and you will not get a full refund of your application fee. If your application is unsuccessful, you may have to sit the test if you choose to reapply. 

Who to contact for more help

If you need more help or have questions about the information or services on this page, contact the following agency.

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