How can you become a citizen of New Zealand?

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Citizenship in New Zealand‍

Citizenship is a technical term used in New Zealand for a specific status that can be obtained by permanent residents after they have lived in New Zealand for a number of years.

In comparison to the resident visa, it will give you limited additional rights; once you are a New Zealand citizen, you can live in New Zealand indefinitely, travel on a New Zealand passport and stand for parliament.

Other than that, however, a resident visa will be the right visa for you when you start your life in New Zealand. It will give you comprehensive cover and full entitlement to live in New Zealand.   

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There are four ways to become a New Zealand citizen:

Only one of them is relevant for migrants: Citizenship by Grant.

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1. Citizenship by birth in New Zealand

You are a New Zealand citizen by birth if you were born in New Zealand before 1 January 2006. If you are born here on or after 1 January 2006, you are a citizen only if at least one parent is a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident.

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2. Citizenship by descent

You are a New Zealand citizen if you are born overseas to a mother or father who is a New Zealand citizen otherwise than by descent, or if a mother or father is a New Zealand citizen by descent and you would otherwise be stateless.

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3. Adoption

You are a New Zealand citizen if you are legally adopted by a New Zealand citizen.

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4. Citizenship by grant

As an immigrant to New Zealand you can apply to the New Zealand government to be granted citizenship.

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Migrants can become New Zealand citizens by grant

You will have to meet the following criteria to be granted citizenship:

• you already have the right to be in NZ indefinitely (you're a permanent resident of NZ or Australia, or you’re Australian)

• you’ve lived here for at least the last 5 years

• you intend to keep living here

• you speak English, and

• you're of good character

Please note that citizenship is different from permanent residence.

You can ask our Licensed Immigration Advisers if you are unsure about the process of becoming a New Zealand citizen.  

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Choose the right visa policy to become a citizen of New Zealand

If you want to live in New Zealand permanently you can secure your status by applying as a Skilled Migrant or as Business/Investor Migrant.

If you have close family living in New Zealand you might be able to apply for a permanent visa under Family policy.

It is important that you identify the policy that will be best suited for you and your family. You can find out more by comparing  the different visa types available.

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The Citizenship ceremony

If your application for citizenship is successful, you will need to attend a citizenship ceremony and take an oath or affirmation in English, at the ceremony you will get your certificate of citizenship.

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Getting a New Zealand passport

You don't automatically get a New Zealand passport when you are made a citizen, but you can apply for one after you have received your citizenship certificate.

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Can you have dual citizenship?

Dual citizenship is available in New Zealand, but whether or not it is applicable in your particular case will depend on the law of your home country.

For example, if you are a German citizen and want to apply for New Zealand citizenship you might lose your German citizenship. In this case, 'Beibehaltungsgenehmigung' has to be obtained from the German state before an application for New Zealand citizenship can be lodged, to ensure that you will be allowed to remain a German citizen.

‍Ask us how we can help you with your Dual Citizenship by filling in our Free Assessment.