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New ZealandCitizenshipLast checked October 16, 2026

New Zealand citizenship by grant

Under the Citizenship Act 1977, people who hold the right to live in New Zealand indefinitely can apply for citizenship by grant through the Department of Internal Affairs. Adults generally need at least 5 years of residence, with at least 1,350 days of physical presence in that time and at least 240 days in each year, plus good character, basic English and an intention to keep living in New Zealand. Applicants become citizens when they make the oath or affirmation of allegiance at a ceremony. A citizenship test is planned from late 2027.

See requirements ↓

Life in New Zealand

Money

3

Currency

New Zealand Dollar

NZD

New Zealand Dollar

Cost of living

89

Price level · US = 100

World Bank price levels, 2025

Tax

10.5–39%

Income tax (national)

GST 15%

39% applies to income over NZD 180,000; ACC earners' levy is charged in addition.

Official rates, 2025/26 · headline only

Living

1

Happiness

7.0

#11 of 145 countries

World Happiness Report 2025

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Who it’s for

New Zealand residents with an indefinite right to live there (including Australian citizens and permanent residents living in New Zealand) who have spent most of the last 5 years in New Zealand and plan to stay.

Eligibility

  • Indefinite right to reside for 5 years

    You need at least 5 years living in New Zealand as a resident, with every visa allowing you to live here indefinitely.

    • Residence visa conditions must be met or cancelled before you apply
    • Australian citizens and permanent residents also need at least 5 years of residence
    Official wording

    You must have lived in New Zealand as a resident for at least the last 5 years, and every visa held in that time must have allowed you to live in New Zealand indefinitely. Any residence visa conditions must be met or cancelled before you apply. Australian citizens and permanent residents also need at least 5 years of residence.

  • Physical presence: 1,350 days in 5 years

    Show at least 1,350 days in New Zealand in the 5 years counting back from your application day.

    1,350 days

    Presence required in the 5 years before applying · within the last 5 years

    • More than 15 months overseas in total may mean the requirement is not met
    • Time overseas on Crown service for the NZ Government counts as time in New Zealand
    Official wording

    Counting back 5 years from the day you apply, you must have been in New Zealand for at least 1,350 days in total. More than 15 months overseas in total in those 5 years may mean the requirement is not met. Time overseas on Crown service for the New Zealand Government counts as time in New Zealand.

  • Physical presence: 240 days each year

    You need at least 240 days in New Zealand in each 12-month period of the 5 years.

    240 days

    Presence required each 12 months

    • Being away more than 4 months in any 12-month period may mean you do not meet this
    • Absence counts whether in one trip or several
    Official wording

    You must have been in New Zealand for at least 240 days in each 12-month period of the 5 years. Being away for more than 4 months in any 12-month period (in one or several trips) may mean you do not meet this.

A sneak peek at what's inside

  • Next requirementIntention to keep living in New Zealand
  • Document checklistFull birth certificate or birth record
  • FeesCitizenship by grant - adult (aged 16 and over)

The full requirements are for members

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  • 6 more requirements
  • 9 documents
  • 3 fees
  • 7 steps
  • Processing times and conditions
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