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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.

Your New Zealand citizenship status depends on:

  • where and when you were born
  • where and when you were adopted
  • the citizenship status of your biological parents at the time of your birth
  • the citizenship status of your adoptive parents at the time of your adoption.

Adoption Amendment Bill

The Adoption Amendment Bill has been introduced to Parliament on 16 September 2025.

This page will be updated once the Adoption Amendment Bill is passed and comes into effect.

For more information, see the Ministry of Justice website.

Adoption Law Reform | New Zealand Ministry of Justice

Check your situation

Born and adopted in New Zealand (NZ), the Cook Islands, Niue or Tokelau

Born outside NZ and adopted in NZ

Born and adopted outside NZ

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.

Utility links and page information

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