You can't apply for New Zealand citizenship from overseas, or while you're on a work, student or visitor visa. Citizenship by grant is for people who have already lived in New Zealand as residents for at least 5 years. If you want to become a New Zealander, the first step is a resident visa: through work, a partner, family, or investment.
Citizenship is decided by the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA), not Immigration New Zealand.
Checked on govt.nz (DIA) on 28 October 2026.
The path to citizenship
- Get a resident visa. The main routes are the Skilled Migrant Category and Green List work-to-residence visas, partnership residence, parent residence, and investor visas. Australian citizens and permanent residents get a resident visa on arrival.
- Live in New Zealand as a resident for 5 years, meeting the presence rules below. Many people get a Permanent Resident Visa along the way so they can travel freely.
- Apply to DIA for citizenship by grant.
Where an adviser helps: citizenship itself rarely needs an immigration adviser. Getting residence does. A licensed adviser can tell you which resident visa you could qualify for, and how long it's likely to take, so you know how far away citizenship really is.
The presence rules
You must have:
- lived in New Zealand as a resident for at least the last 5 years, on visas that let you live here indefinitely (with any conditions on your resident visa met or cancelled)
- been physically in New Zealand for at least 240 days in each 12-month period and 1,350 days across the 5 years, counted back from the day you apply
- the intention to keep living in New Zealand.
Being away for more than about 4 months in any 12-month period, or more than 15 months in total over the 5 years, can mean you don't meet the requirement.
You also need to meet the English requirement (being able to hold a basic conversation) and the character requirement.
Fee
The New Zealand citizenship by grant application fee for an adult is NZ$560.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for NZ citizenship from overseas?
Not as a first step. You need to have lived in New Zealand as a resident for at least the last 5 years. Start with a resident visa.
Can I apply for citizenship on a work visa?
No. Time on a work, student or visitor visa doesn't count. The 5 years are as a resident.
How many days do I need in New Zealand?
At least 240 days in each 12-month period and 1,350 days over the 5 years before you apply.
Do I need a Permanent Resident Visa before citizenship?
No, but your resident visa's conditions must be met or cancelled, and many people get a PRV first for travel.
Can I keep my other citizenship?
New Zealand allows dual citizenship, but some countries don't; check your other country's rules before you apply (South Africa, for example, requires permission to retain citizenship first).
Getting help
For citizenship itself, DIA's guidance and self-check tool are the place to start. If you're not a resident yet, a licensed immigration adviser can map your route to residence. If your resident visa has conditions you haven't met, or a conviction could affect your character assessment, talk to an adviser or immigration lawyer.
Tell us your situation and we'll connect you with a licensed adviser or immigration lawyer. It's free to ask.
Sources: Department of Internal Affairs, "Presence in NZ requirements" and "Requirements for NZ citizenship" (govt.nz), read 28 October 2026.