Check if you are a citizen

Were you born in New Zealand, the Cook Islands, Niue or Tokelau?

Check if you are a citizen

At the time of your birth, did at least 1 of your parents have New Zealand citizenship or a visa that allowed them to reside in New Zealand indefinitely?
This includes Australian citizens and permanent residents living in New Zealand.

You are a New Zealand citizen by birth

Get proof you are a citizen

 

 

Check if you are a citizen

When were you born?

You are not a New Zealand citizen

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

Check if you are a citizen

Are you a Samoan citizen?

If you are a Samoan citizen, you may be able to become a New Zealand citizen

You can become an New Zealand citizen if:

  • you were in New Zealand on 14 September 1982, or
  • you came here after 14 September 1982 and have the right to be here indefinitely.

Check you meet the requirements for NZ citizenship

Citizenship requirements for Samoan citizens

Check if you are a citizen

Was at least 1 of your parents a New Zealand citizen when you were born?

Check if you are a citizen

What kind of New Zealand citizenship did your parent have?
A citizen by grant is someone who moved to New Zealand and was granted citizenship as an immigrant. A citizen by descent is someone who was born outside New Zealand and has at least 1 parent who is a New Zealand citizen.

You are a New Zealand citizen by descent

You can register your citizenship and order a passport at the same time.

Register as a citizen by descent and get a passport

You are not a New Zealand citizen

Citizens by descent cannot pass New Zealand citizenship to children born outside New Zealand.

You may be eligible for New Zealand citizenship by grant.

Check you meet the requirements for NZ citizenship

Check if you are a citizen

Have you been living in New Zealand, the Cook Islands, Niue or Tokelau as a resident for at least the last 5 years?
This means:

  • you have a New Zealand resident permit, resident visa or permanent resident visa, or
  • you are a citizen or permanent resident of Australia, the Cook Islands, Niue or Tokelau.

You are not a New Zealand citizen but you may meet the requirements for New Zealand citizenship

Check you meet the requirements for NZ citizenship

You are not a New Zealand citizen

You might not meet the requirements for New Zealand citizenship.

Check you meet the requirements for NZ citizenship