Requirements for children
Children do not have to meet all the same requirements as adults to get New Zealand citizenship.
If you are aged 16 or over:
You must apply for citizenship as an adult.
All children
Children do not need to have spent a specific amount of time in New Zealand during the last 5 years if:
- a parent is applying at the same time who meets the presence in New Zealand requirements, or
- one of their parents is already a New Zealand citizen.
Children aged 14 and 15
Children aged 14 and 15 must:
- have the right to live in New Zealand indefinitely
- intend to stay here after they get citizenship
- speak English, and
- prove they are of good character.
Find out more about the language requirements
Find out more about the character requirements
Children aged 13 and under
Children aged 13 and under must:
- have the right to live in New Zealand indefinitely, and
- intend to stay here after they get citizenship.
They do not need to:
- speak English, or
- prove they are of good character.
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