Requirements if you're a child
Some children might not have to meet the same presence requirements as adults to get NZ citizenship.
Once you turn 16, you apply for citizenship as an adult.
Requirements for children who are 14 or 15
Children do not have to have lived in New Zealand for 5 years or meet the presence requirements if:
- a parent is applying at the same time and the parent meets both requirements, or
- one of their parents is already a New Zealand citizen.
They still need to:
- have the right to live here indefinitely, and
- intend to stay here after they get citizenship.
14 and 15-year-olds need to meet all the same other requirements as adults.
Requirements for children under 14
Children do not have to have lived in New Zealand for 5 years or meet the presence requirements if:
- a parent is applying at the same time and the parent meets both requirements, or
- one of their parents is already a New Zealand citizen.
They still need to:
- have the right to live here indefinitely, and
- intend to stay here after they get citizenship.
Children under 14 do not need to:
- speak English
- prove they are of good character
- attend a ceremony — but they can if they want to.
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