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From 1 January 2006, children born in New Zealand, the Cook Islands, Niue or Tokelau are citizens by birth only if at least 1 of their parents is a New Zealand citizen or resident when the child is born.
You may be eligible for New Zealand citizenship by grant.
Check you meet the requirements for NZ citizenship
You can register your citizenship and order a passport at the same time.
Register as a citizen by descent and get a passport
Citizens by descent cannot pass New Zealand citizenship to children born outside New Zealand.
You might not meet the requirements for New Zealand citizenship.
Date printed 25 May 2025