Born in New Zealand

A child born in New Zealand since 2006 is a citizen at birth only if a parent is a citizen or can live there indefinitely. A child who would otherwise be stateless is also a citizen.

Passport128 visa-freeof 218 countriesPapers ready inAbout 2–4 weeksafter the birthDual citizenshipAllowedKeeps yours tooHealth care89/100

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Who qualifies:For births on or after 1 January 2006, at the birth a parent is a New Zealand citizen or entitled to be in New Zealand indefinitely (e.g. resident visa holder, Australian citizen or permanent resident).

For your baby

Citizen from birthA New Zealand passport of their own
128 countries visa-freeof 218 countries
Keeps your citizenship tooNew Zealand allows dual citizenship
Free to live, study and workIn New Zealand, for life

Types of citizenship: birth, descent and grant - govt.nz Citizenship Amendment Act 2005 - legislation.govt.nz Citizenship Act 1977, s.6 (as amended by Citizenship Amendment Act 2005) · checked Nov 3, 2026

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Whether having your baby in New Zealand gives you residence or a faster route to citizenship.

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How to start

Baby's papers ready: about 2–4 weeks after the birth

1
Get to New Zealand legallySign in to see the visa your passport needs.Prepare your Visitor Visa for tourism and family visits application Most parents stay about 3 months: airlines limit late-pregnancy flights.
2
Register the birthAt the local civil registry, with the hospital's birth record. About 7–14 daysBirths, Deaths and Marriages estimates 8 working days to process a certificate (plus delivery); most people get it within 1 to 2 weeks. Birth registration itself is also estimated at 8 working days. No urgent service.Official source
3
Get the baby's passportApply with the birth certificate to New Zealand's passport office. About 4–14 daysStandard processing up to 10 working days once all information and payment are in; urgent service (extra fee) aims for up to 3 working days. Delivery is extra. A child's first passport needs the original NZ birth certificate.Official source
4
Pass on your own citizenship
- New Zealand allows dual citizenship: the baby can hold both.