You might be eligible for citizenship by descent if you:
- were born overseas, and
- have at least 1 parent who was a New Zealand citizen by birth or grant when you were born.
Register your citizenship
If you are a citizen by descent, you need to register your citizenship to make it official and to get a passport.
Check if you are a citizen
Register as a citizen by descent and get a passport
Your children’s citizenship — if you are a citizen by descent
- Your children who are born in New Zealand are automatically New Zealand citizens. Your children’s citizenship is registered at the same time you register your baby’s birth.
- You cannot pass citizenship to any children who are born outside New Zealand. They will need to apply for New Zealand citizenship by grant.
- As a citizen by descent, you can also apply for citizenship by grant. If you are successful, any future children you have who are born outside New Zealand can register as citizens by descent.
